Paul Bradley (fighter)

Paul Bradley (born June 13, 1983) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in Bellator's Welterweight division. A professional competitor since 2006, Bradley has also fought in the UFC, Strikeforce, Shark Fights, King of the Cage, and was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rampage vs. Team Forrest.

Background

Born and raised in Tama, Iowa, Bradley competed in wrestling at South Tama High School where he was a state champion in his senior season, in addition to runner-up finishes as a junior and sophomore. Bradley was also a Cadet National Champion as a freshman, and earned in two letters in football as well as one in baseball. In football, Bradley won All-Conference honors as a senior and compiled an overall record in wrestling of 168-18 before continuing his career at the University of Iowa.^[1] At Iowa, Bradley was a two-time All-American and finished as high as fourth at the NCAA Championships.^[2] After graduating, Bradley coached wrestling at the University of Buffalo and Indiana University before transitioning into mixed martial arts.^[3]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Bradley started his career in 2006. He fought mainly for Indiana's promotion Legends of Fighting Championship. In March 2008, Bradley was announced as a cast member of The Ultimate Fighter.^[4]

The Ultimate Fighter

Bradley was a contestant in The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rampage vs. Team Forrest. He defeated Reggie Orr during the entry via unanimous decision.^[5]

He was picked to be a member of Team Rampage, but had to leave the house due to a skin condition, which could possibly be transmitted to the other fighters.^[6]

Strikeforce

Bradley made his debut against Levi Avera on September 25, 2009 at Strikeforce Challengers: Kennedy vs. Cummings. He won via unanimous decision.^[7]

Bradley faced Luke Rockhold on February 26, 2010 at Strikeforce Challengers: Kaufman vs. Hashi. He lost via TKO in the first round.^[8]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Bradley made his debut on short notice^[9] against Rafael Natal on August 6, 2011 at UFC 133. He lost via unanimous decision.^[10]

Bradley had a rematch against Mike Pierce on November 12, 2011 at UFC on Fox: Velasquez vs. dos Santos. He lost via split decision^[11] and was subsequently released from the promotion.^[12]

Bellator MMA

Bradley made his promotional debut against Karl Amoussou on October 18, 2013 at Bellator 104.^[13] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

In March 2014, he entered into the Bellator Season 10 Welterweight Tournament. He faced Nathan Coy in the opening round on March 14, 2014 at Bellator 112 and lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Bradley faced Josh Neer in the main event at Bellator 129 on October 17, 2014.^[14] He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Bradley faced Chris Honeycutt at Bellator 140 on July 17, 2015.^[15] The fight ended midway through the second round after an accidental clash of heads between the two fighters, resulting in a cut on Bradley that the doctor deemed too bad to allow the fighter to continue. The official result was a No Contest. A rematch with Honeycutt was held on January 29, 2016 at Bellator 148. Despite again being the betting underdog, Bradley won the bout via TKO early in the first round.

Championships and accomplishments

Amateur wrestling

• National Collegiate Athletic Association^[16]
  • NCAA Division I All-American out of University of Iowa (2003–04)
  • NCAA Division I 184 lb: Fourth place out of University of Iowa (2003)
  • NCAA Division I 184 lb: Fifth place out of University of Iowa (2004)
  • Big Ten Conference 184 lb: Runner-up out of University of Iowa (2003)
  • Big Ten Conference 184 lb: Fourth place out of University of Iowa (2004)
  • Big Ten Conference 184 lb: Seventh place out of University of Iowa (2005)

Mixed martial arts

• Ring of Combat
  • ROC Middleweight Championship (One time)^[17]

Mixed martial arts record

References