Lloyd Woodard

Lloyd Woodard (born 1984) is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in Bellator's Lightweight division.

Background

Woodard was born in Washington, the third youngest in a family of nine children. His parents divorced when he was only two years old and he and his siblings moved around from relatives' homes in Washington; Memphis, Tennessee; and Kentucky for much of their childhood. Woodard's father was a truck driver who was often away from home. In South Memphis, Woodard quickly learned to defend himself, being biracial, poor, and having a speech impediment until high school. At the age of 13, he moved to Alaska to live with his mother, before settling in Montana. Woodard also participated in wrestling for three years, excelling at the sport for Hellgate High School, where he graduated from. Woodard frequented a local boxing gym and also competed in a few amateur mixed martial arts fights before becoming a professional.^[1]

Woodard stated in a Bellator interview that when he was growing up he went through a "bad kid" phase. His best friend at the time got into an altercation with a former University of Montana basketball player and he and the rest of his friends came to get Woodard, the "tough kid" on the block. They avenged their friend by going to the kid's house and beating him up badly. Woodward said this was the "breaking point" of his life. Although Woodard did not actually participate in the fight, he was convicted of felony burglary and violated his probation after getting in more altercations. After revoking his probation he ended up in a prison boot camp. He added, "I'm glad it happened because I could control my feelings a lot better and have more control of my life." ^{[citation needed]}

Woodard always considers himself the underdog, especially in big fights due to his love of the Rocky films.^[2] He also thinks he's Rocky Balboa himself, an underdog coming from a small fight camp (Dogpound Fight Team) with a non-traditional combat sports background.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Woodard's first amateur MMA match was on March 19, 2005, and he quickly amassed a 4-1 record.^[3] Woodard made his professional MMA debut on October 11, 2008 and has made a name for himself by being a "scrappy fighter" with "unorthodox" submission skills. Before signing with Bellator, Woodard amassed a perfect 10-0 record.

Bellator Fighting Championships

Lloyd Woodard is currently signed to Bellator, competing in their Lightweight division. Woodard made his Bellator debut at Bellator 36 on March 12, 2011, where he defeated Carey Vanier via TKO. Woodard lost for the first time in his career by decision to future Bellator Lightweight Champion Michael Chandler as a Lightweight semifinalist in the Bellator Season Tournament. Woodard lost via KO (punch) to Rick Hawn.

Mixed martial arts record

Amateur MMA Fights

External links

• Professional MMA record for Lloyd Woodard from Sherdog

References