Fred Acerra is a sergeant in the US Air Force and is stationed at Shaw Air Force Base in South Carolina. He be and interested in MMA after watching the UFC on television. Along with the help of his friend Staff Sergeant Derrick Kennington, he began to train various martial arts with a focus on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He had an amateur record of 6-1 with his only loss coming by way of armbar. He won his last five amateur fights with every fight being finished before the finale of the second round. 

At Fight Lab 19, Acerra fought for their amateur light heavyweight title in a rematch with Ryan Freeman. Freeman was the current title holder. The two had met in each of their debuts. Acerra won that first fight by second round stoppage from ground and pound. In their rematch, Acerra was the more aggressive fighter throughout. He quickly secured a takedown to start the fight. He worked on passing guard and dropping any shots he could on Freeman but they were ineffective. He eventually got mount, but was swept to guard and eventually got back to his feet. He got a couple more takedowns to finish the first in a convincing manner. The second round say much of the same with Acerra trying multiple D'arce chokes that were easily escaped. Acerra was finally able to secure a standing guillotine.'he pulled guard and the fight was over with Acerra the new Fight Lab 205 champ. He defended his title once before turning professional.

Acerra made his pro debut against Latrone Walters at Fight Lab 27 winning the fight via submission in the first round.