Miguel Torres (fighter)

Miguel Angel Torres
Born Miguel Angel Torres
(1981-01-18) January 18, 1981
East Chicago, Indiana, United States
Residence Griffith, Indiana, United States
Nationality American
Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight 145 lb (66 kg; 10 st 5 lb)
Division Bantamweight
Featherweight
Lightweight
Reach 76 in (193 cm)
Team Tristar Gym[1]
Torres Martial Arts Academy
Jaco Hybrid Training Center (Blackzilians)
Trainer Firas Zahabi
Rank Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Years active 2000–2017
Mixed martial arts record
Total 52
Wins 43
By knockout 9
By submission 24
By decision 10
Losses 9
By knockout 3
By submission 3
By decision 3
University Purdue University
Children 1
Website www.torresmartialarts.com
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Miguel Angel Torres (born January 18, 1981) is a retired American mixed martial artist.[2] He is a former WEC Bantamweight Champion and has also formerly competed for the UFC and Ironheart Crown. Torres received his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu from Carlson Gracie Jr. in September 2008.[3]

Background

Torres was born and raised East Chicago, Indiana. He began Tae Kwon Do when he was seven years old and later attended East Chicago Central High School where he competed in wrestling. Torres also trained in boxing and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.[4]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

For a number of years Torres fought primarily in small, unsanctioned events held in nightclubs and bars. As a result, much of his early fighting career is undocumented. Prior to signing with the WEC, he fought often on local shows, including the Total Fight Challenge and Ironheart Crown. He held the bantamweight title in both of these organizations for several years and his participation in those events is well documented.[5]

After fighting for several years, Torres sought guidance and training under Carlson Gracie, Sr. As a trainer of many world champions, Gracie immediately recognized Torres's talent and took him on a trip to Brazil where he would publicly issue a challenge to the entire world. Long before Torres gained fame in the WEC, Gracie believed that no one could beat him at 135 pounds.

World Extreme Cagefighting

His first fight with the WEC came on September 5, 2007 against Jeff Bedard. Torres submitted Bedard in the first round with a triangle choke submission and then would go on to publicly request a title shot.

Torres would get one for his next fight and at WEC 32 he fought Chase Beebe for the WEC Bantamweight Championship. Torres displayed great striking and an equally impressive ground game and submitted Beebe in the first round to become the new WEC Bantamweight Champion.

Following his victory over Beebe, Torres successfully defended his title with back-to-back TKO victories; one over Yoshiro Maeda in an exciting fight and the other over the previously-undefeated fellow Mexican-American Manny Tapia. It capped off a 2008 where Torres earned Breakthrough Fighter of the Year honors from Sherdog.com. [6]

Torres was next expected to face Brian Bowles in the main event of WEC 40 on April 5, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois. However, Bowles injured and replaced by Japanese newcomer Takeya Mizugaki. Torres defeated Mizugaki by unanimous decision to retain his belt.

Bowles was ringside at WEC 40 and was called out by Torres after his five-round bout with Mizugaki. The fight headlined WEC 42 on August 9, 2009 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Torres started out strong, but he rushed Bowles wildly, resulting in Torres being knocked out in a huge upset. The loss snapped Torres' streak of 17 consecutive victories and marked his first loss in the Bantamweight division.

On March 6, 2010 at WEC 47,[7] Torres faced and was defeated by Joseph Benavidez, via guillotine choke midway through the second round.[8]

Torres faced Charlie Valencia on September 30, 2010 at WEC 51.[9] He won the fight via submission in the second round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On October 28, 2010, the WEC merged with the UFC. As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC.[10]

Torres made his promotional debut against fellow WEC veteran Antonio Banuelos on February 5, 2011 at UFC 126.[11] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Torres was expected to face English fighter Brad Pickett on May 28, 2011 at UFC 130.[12] However, Pickett was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by future UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson.[13] Torres lost to Johnson via unanimous decision (29–28 on all cards). While taken down early in the first round, Torres controlled the first round, but in rounds two and three was outstruck and controlled on the ground, resulting in Johnson receiving the victory.[14]

Torres faced Nick Pace on November 19, 2011 at UFC 139.[15] He dominated Pace, winning a unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 30–27).

On December 8, 2011, it was announced by UFC president Dana White, in an interview with SI.com, that Torres had been cut from the UFC due to the following quote from the TV show Workaholics made on Torres' Twitter page: "If a rape van was called a surprise van more women wouldn't mind going for rides in them. Everyone likes surprises."[16]

On December 28, 2011, it was announced by White after the UFC 141 press conference that Torres was back in the UFC. Regarding Torres' return, White stated that "Torres handled his business like a man and no one told him to do it."

Torres was knocked out by Michael McDonald on April 21, 2012 at UFC 145.[17] After the loss he was once again released from the promotion.[18]

World Series of Fighting

On September 6, 2012, it was announced that Torres was one of many fighters to sign on with the World Series of Fighting.[19] Torres made his WSOF debut on November 3, 2012 at WSOF 1 against Bantamweight prospect Marlon Moraes, he lost via split decision.

For his second fight with the promotion, Torres fought on October 26, 2013 at WSOF 6 against Pablo Alfonso. He lost the fight via submission in the first round.

Independent Promotions

Torres signed with Indiana-based promotion "United Combat League" in early 2014. He faced Giovanni Moljo in his debut fight on February 15, 2014. Torres won the fight via unanimous decision, snapping his three fight losing streak in the process.[20] He then faced Wade Choate at UCL: Torres vs. Choate on May 31, 2014.[21] He won the fight via guillotine choke submission.[22]

Torres faced Takahiro Ashida at Rebel FC 2 on August 1, 2014.[23] He won the fight via split decision.

GLORY

Torres signed with the GLORY kickboxing promotion's Featherweight (-65 kg/143 lb) division in May 2014.[24][25] He was expected to compete in the Glory 17: Los Angeles - Featherweight Contendership Tournament in Inglewood, California on June 21, 2014[26] but withdrew for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Marcus Vinicius.[27]

Titan Fighting Championship

In early October 2014, it was announced that Torres had signed a contract with Titan Fighting Championship. He made his debut on October 31, 2014 in the main event at Titan FC 31 against Desmond Green. Torres lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[28]

Training

Torres owns and operates a mixed martial arts academy in Griffith, Indiana where he teaches nearly 300 students. Among these students are several up and coming fighters whom he trains to fight in the same local shows that he once competed in himself. The academy specializes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

An article on Yahoo! discussed Torres' commitment to MMA, stating that before fights he sleeps and eats in his gym[29] While Torres was essentially his own self-coach and ran his own training camps over the duration of his career, after his loss to Brian Bowles, Torres stated that he planned to revamp his training methods by working with several professional coaches, including Mark DellaGrotte.[30]

Personal life

Miguel Torres is divorced. His daughter was born in 2007.[29]

Many fans have discussed the evolution of Torres' hairstyle; Torres stated in an interview that he adopted his iconic mullet from his father. Torres went on to say that, his father's mullet "is much more awesome than mine" and that the mullet "is a Mexican thing."[29]

Championships and awards

Mixed martial arts record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 44–9 Lloyd Carter Submission (Guillotine choke) United Combat League: Havoc In Hammond 3 September 24, 2016 1 2:44 Hammond, Indiana, United States
Loss 43–9 Kleber Koike Erbst Submission (D'Arce choke) Rebel FC 3: The Promised Ones June 27, 2015 2 4:40 Qingdao, China Rebel FC Featherweight Tournament Finals.
Loss 43–8 Desmond Green KO (knee and punches) Titan FC 31 October 31, 2014 1 0:46 Tampa, Florida, United States
Win 43–7 Takahiro Ashida Decision (split) Rebel FC 2: Battle Royal August 1, 2014 3 5:00 Marina Bay, Singapore Rebel FC Featherweight Tournament Quarterfinal.
Win 42–7 Wade Choate Submission (guillotine choke) United Combat League: Torres vs. Choate May 31, 2014 1 1:19 Hammond, Indiana, United States Catchweight 140lbs.
Win 41–7 Giovanni Moljo Decision (unanimous) United Combat League: Havoc in Hammond February 15, 2014 3 5:00 Hammond, Indiana, United States Catchweight 140lbs.
Loss 40–7 Pablo Alfonso Submission (guillotine choke) WSOF 6 October 26, 2013 1 3:05 Coral Gables, Florida, United States Featherweight bout.
Loss 40–6 Marlon Moraes Decision (split) WSOF 1 November 3, 2012 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 40–5 Michael McDonald KO (punches) UFC 145 April 21, 2012 1 3:18 Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Win 40–4 Nick Pace Decision (unanimous) UFC 139 November 19, 2011 3 5:00 San Jose, California, United States Catchweight bout as Pace missed weight.
Loss 39–4 Demetrious Johnson Decision (unanimous) UFC 130 May 28, 2011 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 39–3 Antonio Banuelos Decision (unanimous) UFC 126 February 5, 2011 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 38–3 Charlie Valencia Submission (rear-naked choke) WEC 51 September 30, 2010 2 2:25 Broomfield, Colorado, United States Submission of the Night.
Loss 37–3 Joseph Benavidez Submission (guillotine choke) WEC 47 March 6, 2010 2 2:57 Columbus, Ohio, United States
Loss 37–2 Brian Bowles KO (punches) WEC 42 August 9, 2009 1 3:57 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Lost the WEC Bantamweight Championship.
Win 37–1 Takeya Mizugaki Decision (unanimous) WEC 40 April 5, 2009 5 5:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States Defended WEC Bantamweight Championship; Fight of the Night.
Win 36–1 Manny Tapia TKO (punches & elbows) WEC 37: Torres vs. Tapia December 3, 2008 2 3:04 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Defended the WEC Bantamweight Championship.
Win 35–1 Yoshiro Maeda TKO (doctor stoppage) WEC 34: Faber vs. Pulver June 1, 2008 3 5:00 Sacramento, California, United States Defended the WEC Bantamweight Championship; Fight of the Night.
Win 34–1 Chase Beebe Submission (guillotine choke) WEC 32: Condit vs. Prater February 13, 2008 1 3:59 Rio Rancho, New Mexico, United States Won the WEC Bantamweight Championship.
Win 33–1 Jeff Bedard Submission (triangle choke) WEC 30 September 5, 2007 1 2:30 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 32–1 Darius Turcinskas Submission (rear-naked choke) IMMAC 2: Attack April 21, 2007 2 0:57 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Win 31–1 Charles Wilson Submission (triangle choke) TFC: Total Fight Challenge 7 February 10, 2007 3 1:29 Hammond, Indiana, United States
Win 30–1 Bobby Gamboa Submission (rear-naked choke) AFC 19: Absolution Fighting Championships 19 September 9, 2006 1 2:52 Boca Raton, Florida, United States
Win 29–1 Derek Collins TKO (punches) TFC: Total Fight Challenge 6 May 5, 2006 1 2:32 Hammond, Indiana, United States
Win 28–1 Richard Nancoo TKO (punches) IHC 10: Tempest April 29, 2006 2 N/A Hammond, Indiana, United States
Win 27–1 Joe Pearson Submission (triangle choke) TFC: Total Fight Challenge 5 February 18, 2006 1 0:28 Hammond, Indiana, United States
Win 26–1 Ryan Ackerman Submission (armbar) IHC 9: Purgatory November 19, 2005 1 4:45 Hammond, Indiana, United States
Win 25–1 Dan Swift Decision (unanimous) TFC: Total Fight Challenge 3 May 21, 2005 3 5:00 Hammond, Indiana, United States
Win 24–1 Mike French Submission (triangle choke) SB 40: Superbrawl 40 April 30, 2005 2 2:44 Hammond, Indiana, United States
Win 23–1 Jim Bruketta Submission (triangle choke) TFC: Total Fight Challenge 2 February 19, 2005 2 2:08 Hammond, Indiana, United States
Win 22–1 Alex Khanbabian Submission (armbar) IHC 8: Ethereal November 20, 2004 1 1:01 Hammond, Indiana, United States
Win 21–1 Mustafa Hussaini TKO (punches) IHC 7: The Crucible June 5, 2004 3 1:24 Hammond, Indiana, United States
Loss 20–1 Ryan Ackerman Decision (unanimous) IHC 6: Inferno November 22, 2003 3 5:00 Hammond, Indiana, United States
Win 20–0 Lindsey Durlacher Decision (unanimous) IHC 4: Armageddon May 18, 2002 3 5:00 Hammond, Indiana, United States
Win 19–0 Brian Szohr Submission (triangle choke) TCC: Battle of the Badges April 13, 2002 1 3:36 Hammond, Indiana, United States
Win 18–0 Craig Williamson Submission (triangle choke) TCC: Battle of the Badges April 13, 2002 1 2:45 Hammond, Indiana, United States
Win 17–0 Steve Reyna TKO (doctor stoppage) IHC 3: Exodus November 10, 2001 1 5:00 Hammond, Indiana, United States
Win 16–0 Nick Mitchell Decision (unanimous) IHC 3: Exodus November 10, 2001 2 5:00 Hammond, Indiana, United States
Win 15–0 Danny Long KO (punches) TCC: Total Combat Challenge September 29, 2001 1 N/A Hammond, Indiana, United States
Win 14–0 Patrick Rodriguez Submission FFCC: Finke's Full Contact Challenge April 30, 2001 2 1:41 Highland, Indiana, United States
Win 13–0 Josh Mason Submission (punches) Cage Rage 2 April 14, 2001 2 N/A Kokomo, Indiana, United States
Win 12–0 Mark Jaromillo Submission (armbar) FFCC: Finke's Full Contact Challenge March 26, 2001 2 2:40 Highland, Indiana, United States
Win 11–0 David Odle Submission (punches) FFCC: Finke's Full Contact Challenge February 26, 2001 1 2:05 Highland, Indiana, United States
Win 10–0 Danny Alexander Submission (rear-naked choke) FFCC: Finke's Full Contact Challenge January 29, 2001 1 0:58 Highland, Indiana, United States
Win 9–0 Jesse Gudenschwagger TKO (doctor stoppage) MMA Invitational 4 November 18, 2000 2 5:00 Hammond, Indiana, United States
Win 8–0 Chad Bratton Decision (unanimous) ES: Extreme Shootfighting September 30, 2000 1 15:00 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Win 7–0 Ricky Olson Decision (unanimous) ES: Extreme Shootfighting September 30, 2000 1 15:00 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Win 6–0 Cory Merriman Submission (punches) ES: Extreme Shootfighting September 30, 2000 1 1:27 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Win 5–0 Dan Caesar Submission (punches) FFCC: Finke's Full Contact Challenge August 28, 2000 1 4:30 Highland, Indiana, United States
Win 4–0 Kris Kramer Submission (triangle choke) FFCC: Finke's Full Contact Challenge July 28, 2000 1 3:00 Highland, Indiana, United States
Win 3–0 Michael Reyna Submission (punches) FFCC: Finke's Full Contact Challenge May 22, 2000 1 1:22 Highland, Indiana, United States
Win 2–0 Dan Caesar Submission (guillotine choke) FFCC: Finke's Full Contact Challenge April 24, 2000 1 4:09 Highland, Indiana, United States
Win 1–0 Larry Pulliam TKO (punches) FFCC: Finke's Full Contact Challenge March 27, 2000 1 0:10 Highland, Indiana, United States

Kickboxing record

0 wins (0 KOs), 1 losses, 0 draw
Date Result Opponent Event Location Method Round Time Record
2015-01-16 Loss United States Angel Huerta Legacy Kickboxing 1 Houston, Texas, USA Decision (unanimous) 3 3:00 0-1

References

  1. ↑ "Camp gridlock keeps Firas Zahabi from Miguel Torres' corner for WSOF 1". Mmajunkie.com. November 3, 2012. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  2. ↑ "Miguel Angel Torres". M.facebook.com. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  3. ↑ "The Official Website of the Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC)". Ufc.com. Archived from the original on January 22, 2009. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  4. ↑ Botter, Jeremy (November 18, 2011). "The Real Miguel Angel Torres". Heavy.com. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  5. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on April 26, 2012. Retrieved 2011-12-28.
  6. ↑ "Sherdog’s Miscellaneous Awards for 2008 - Breakthrough Fighter of the Year". Sherdog.com. 2009-01-10. Retrieved 2017-04-26.
  7. ↑ "Event – WEC: Bowles vs. Cruz". wec.tv. December 19, 2009.
  8. ↑ "Miguel Torres vs. Joseph Benavidez set for WEC 47, likely to determine No. 1 contender". mmajunkie.com. December 31, 2009. Archived from the original on January 2, 2010.
  9. ↑ "Miguel Torres to Face Charlie Valencia in WEC 51 Co-Main Event". mmafighting.com. September 7, 2010.
  10. ↑ "UFC and WEC set to merge in 2011; events to air on Versus and Spike TV". mmajunkie.com. October 28, 2010. Archived from the original on May 25, 2012.
  11. ↑ "Miguel Torres Takes on Antonio Banuelos at UFC 126". heavy.com. November 4, 2010.
  12. ↑ "Miguel Torres announces he's been offered and accepted a fight with Brad Pickett at UFC 130". mmaweekly.com. February 11, 2011.
  13. ↑ "UFC 130: Miguel Torres vs Demetrious Johnson booked with Brad Pickett injured". mmamania.com. April 21, 2011.
  14. ↑ "UFC 130 results: Miguel Torres vs Demetrious Johnson ends in controversy; did the judges cageside monitors help?". mmamania.com. May 29, 2011.
  15. ↑ "Nick Pace says he's fighting Miguel Torres at UFC 139 in November". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2011-09-22.
  16. ↑ "Dana White responds to Rashad Evans, Miguel Torres insensitive comments". SI.com. December 9, 2011.
  17. ↑ "UFC 145: Miguel Torres vs Michael McDonald fight announced". mmamania.com. January 20, 2012.
  18. ↑ Matt Erickson (August 21, 2012). "Former champ Miguel Torres released by UFC, signs with Titan for Nov. 2 home debut". MMAjunkie.com.
  19. ↑ "Torres Signs with the WSOF". Retrieved 2012-09-06.
  20. ↑ "Video: Miguel Torres gets back into the win column, decisions Giovanni Moljo on Feb. 15 in Indiana". mmamania.com. February 17, 2014.
  21. ↑ "United Combat League returns to Hammond Civic Center". bluegrassmma.com. May 30, 2014.
  22. ↑ "United Combat League: Miguel Torres vs. Wade Choate". tapology.com. May 31, 2014.
  23. ↑ "Rebel FC 2: Battle Royal Card and Results". tapology.com. Retrieved July 3, 2014.
  24. ↑ Georgiou, Andreas (May 8, 2014). "Former WEC champion Miguel Torres set to sign for Glory World Series kickboxing". Mirrorco.uk. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  25. ↑ Cole, Ross (9 May 2014). "Miguel Torres Set To Fight In An MMA And A Kickboxing Tournament". Fight of the Night. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
  26. ↑ Walsh, Dave. "Miguel Torres Added to GLORY 17 Tournament, Cro Cop vs. Kharitonov". Liverkick.com. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  27. ↑ "Miguel Torres Withdraws From GLORY 17". Mmamania.com. May 29, 2014. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  28. ↑ "Desmond Green makes quick work of Miguel Torres". mmajunkie.com. 2014-11-01.
  29. 1 2 3 "Miguel Torres talks mullets, sacrifice and daughters". Sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  30. ↑ "Miguel Torres:"Brian Bowles Just Woke Up a Sleeping Giant"". Fight Hype. August 11, 2009. Retrieved 2009-08-15.
  31. ↑ "Sherdog’s Miscellaneous Awards for 2008 - Breakthrough Fighter of the Year". Sherdog.com. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
Preceded by
Chase Beebe		 3rd WEC Bantamweight Champion
February 13, 2008 – August 9, 2009 		Succeeded by
Brian Bowles
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