Alan Belcher

Alan Belcher (born April 24, 1984) is an American bare-knuckle boxer and former mixed martial artist. A professional from 2004 until 2015, he is perhaps best known for his 15-fight tenure with the UFC. He currently competes in Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship where he was the BKFC Heavyweight Champion.

Alan Belcher
Born (1984-04-24) April 24, 1984
Jonesboro, Arkansas, United States
Other namesThe Talent
Height6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight227 lb (103 kg; 16 st 3 lb)
DivisionHeavyweight (2005)
Light Heavyweight (2005–2006, 2007)
Middleweight (2006–2013)
Reach75 in (191 cm)
Fighting out ofBiloxi, Mississippi, United States
TeamRoufusport (2007–2015)[1]
Remix MMA / American Top Team D'Iberville[2]
TrainerDuke Roufus, Gokor Chivichyan
RankBlack belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Helio Moreira[3][4]
1st degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do[3]
Black belt in Duke Roufus Kickboxing[3]
Black belt in Hayastan Grappling[3]
Black belt in Judo[3]
Years active2004–2015 (MMA)
2021–present (boxing, bare-knuckle boxing)
Professional boxing record
Total5
Wins5
By knockout5
Mixed martial arts record
Total26
Wins18
By knockout11
By submission5
By decision2
Losses8
By knockout2
By submission1
By decision5
Other information
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background

Belcher was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas and began practicing karate when he was eight years old.[2] After starting Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the age of 14, Belcher began his amateur mixed martial arts career at the age of 15.[5][6] Belcher graduated from Sloan-Hendrix High School in Imboden, Arkansas where he competed in baseball and basketball before continuing his baseball career at Dyersburg State Community College.[2] After two semesters, he dropped out in pursuit of a career in mixed martial arts.[2]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Belcher made his professional debut in July 2004 against Tim Ellis in Freestyle Fighting Championship and won by TKO. His MMA career then picked up significantly in early 2006, the year in which Belcher amassed 9 fights, going 8–1.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

In 2006 he lost a unanimous decision at the hands of Yushin Okami at UFC 62 in his UFC debut.[7]

Belcher made his second UFC appearance against Jorge Santiago three months later at UFC Fight Night: Sanchez vs. Riggs, winning by stunning head kick knockout in the third round of a close fight.[8]

At UFC 69, Belcher lost to The Ultimate Fighter 3 winner Kendall Grove via D'arce choke.[9]

One month later, Belcher stepped in on short notice to replace injured Eric Schafer against Sean Salmon at UFC 71 on May 26, 2007.[10] Belcher won the bout via guillotine choke 53 seconds into the first round.[11] Following the bout, Belcher signed a new four-fight contract with the UFC.[12]

Belcher then faced Kalib Starnes at UFC 77 on October 20, 2007.[13] After controlling the fight with punches and knees from the clinch, the fight was eventually stopped in favor of Belcher due to a large gash over Starnes' right eye.[14]

Belcher was scheduled to fight at UFC 81 against Ricardo Almeida, but Belcher had to pull out two days before the fight due to a severe case of bronchitis and was replaced by Rob Yundt.[15][16]

Belcher was scheduled to fight Patrick Côté at UFC 83 in Montreal, but Côté withdrew due to a knee injury and was replaced by Jason Day.[17][18] Belcher eventually was caught by a punch causing Day to swarm punches at Belcher against the fence. The fight was ruled a TKO in favor of Day in the first round.[19]

After a controversial split decision victory over Ed Herman, Belcher fought Pride FC veteran Denis Kang at UFC 93.[20][21][22] Kang won the first round after taking down and controlling Belcher on the ground. However, Kang began to fight more and more conservatively, and when he tried to take Belcher down again late in the second round, Belcher caught him in a tight guillotine choke that made Kang almost immediately tap out, winning him a $40,000 Submission of the Night bonus.[23][24]

Belcher lost a split decision to Yoshihiro Akiyama, at UFC 100 on July 11, 2009.[25] The fight earned Fight of the Night honors, rewarding both fighters with a record setting $100,000.[26]

Belcher defeated Wilson Gouveia via first round TKO on December 12, 2009, at UFC 107.[27] During the fight, Belcher displayed a good chin and precise punches. The fight was awarded Fight of the Night which rewarded both fighters with $65,000.[28]

Belcher defeated Patrick Côté on May 8, 2010, at UFC 113 by way of rear naked choke after a controversial face plant that rocked Cote and enabled Belcher to sneak around to the back and sink in the choke.[29] Belcher received an extra $65,000 for winning the Submission of the Night award which was his fourth consecutive fight night bonus.[30]

Belcher was expected to face Demian Maia on September 15, 2010, at UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Belcher in his first main event.[31] However, on August 1, 2010, Belcher withdrew from the fight with Maia after undergoing emergency eye surgery. Alan stated on his Twitter account that he started to lose the vision in his right eye whilst in Brazil.[32]

Belcher's manager, Malki Kawa, in April updated his recovery, saying that Belcher was back in training and looking forward to a return to the Octagon in September.[33]

Belcher faced Jason MacDonald on September 17, 2011, at UFC Fight Night 25.[34] Belcher stuffed a takedown from MacDonald and ended up on top early in the first round. Belcher quickly postured up and began landing punches and elbows to open Jason's guard. He then passed and continued to punish MacDonald and won the fight via verbal submission due to strikes in the first round.[35]

Belcher next faced Rousimar Palhares on May 5, 2012, at UFC on Fox 3.[36] Despite getting the fight to the ground, Palhares was unable to complete his attempted leg locks and heel hook submissions, and Belcher even attempted a few submissions of his own. Belcher would go on to defeat Palhares via TKO in the first round.[37]

Belcher was expected to face Vitor Belfort on October 13, 2012, at UFC 153.[38] However, Belfort was pulled from the bout to face Jon Jones on September 22, 2012, at UFC 152.[39] Belcher called the collapse of the UFC 151 a "blessing in disguise" as he would have been unable to compete due to a fractured spine, keeping him out of action until November. He wanted to face Chris Weidman in his return fight.[40]

A rematch with Yushin Okami took place on December 29, 2012, at UFC 155.[41] Belcher lost the bout by unanimous decision.[42]

Belcher faced Michael Bisping on April 27, 2013, at UFC 159.[43] Bisping controlled the majority of the fight due to his conditioning and cardio pushing a constant pace. The bout was stopped at 4:29 of round 3 as Bisping inadvertently poked Belcher in the eye, rendering Belcher unable to continue. Bisping won the bout via technical unanimous decision.[44] Belcher got eight stitches in his eyelid after the fight.[45]

On November 11, 2015, Belcher announced his retirement from mixed martial arts.[46] A few years afterwards, Belcher negotiated a release from his prevailing UFC contract.[47]

Return from retirement

Belcher was set to return from retirement to face Marcus Sursa at Empire FC 5 on February 29, 2020, but the bout never materialized for unknown reasons.[48]

Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA

Belcher is scheduled to face The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights tournament winner Roy Nelson for the inaugural Bareknuckle MMA Heavyweight Championship at Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 6 on October 28, 2023.[49]

Bare-knuckle boxing

On May 20, 2021 – over five years removed from his MMA retirement and nursing the eye injury – it was announced that Belcher had signed a multi-fight contract with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.[50]

Belcher made his debut against Tony Lopez on August 20, 2021, at BKFC 20.[51] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[52]

He made his sophomore appearance in the sport against Bobo O'Bannon at BKFC Fight Night: Jackson on January 29, 2022.[53] He won the bout via first-round knockout.[54]

He then faced Frank Tate at BKFC Fight Night: Jackson 2 on June 11, 2022. He won the bout via first-round knockout.[55]

BKFC Heavyweight Championship reign

Racking three straight wins in the division, Belcher challenged the reigning champion Arnold Adams for the BKFC Heavyweight Championship at BKFC 36 on February 24, 2023.[56] He claimed the title via third-round knockout.[57] After Belcher booked his professional boxing bout against Hasim Rahman Jr., he was stripped of his BKFC Heavyweight title but still continues to be a part of the organization's roster.[58]

Boxing career

Belcher vs. DeMoor

Belcher was originally scheduled to face professional boxer Hasim Rahman Jr. on the undercard of MF & DAZN: X Series 008 on July 22, 2023 at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, Tennessee.[59] However, due to an injury, Rahman withdrew leaving Detrailous "Teddy" Webster as a late replacement. Webster failed his medicals thus resulting in reality television star, Chase DeMoor, stepping in as a replacement for an exhibition bout.[60] On the night, Belcher defeated DeMoor via 3rd round TKO.[61]

Personal life

Belcher has a daughter and a son from a previous marriage.[5][62] He currently trains an American Top Team MMA Gym located in D'Iberville, Mississippi.

Championships and accomplishments

Bare-knuckle boxing

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
26 matches 18 wins 8 losses
By knockout 11 2
By submission 5 1
By decision 2 5
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 18–8 Michael Bisping Technical Decision (unanimous) UFC 159 April 27, 2013 3 4:31 Newark, New Jersey, United States Accidental eye poke rendered Belcher unable to continue.
Loss 18–7 Yushin Okami Decision (unanimous) UFC 155 December 29, 2012 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 18–6 Rousimar Palhares TKO (punches and elbows) UFC on Fox: Diaz vs. Miller May 5, 2012 1 4:18 East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States
Win 17–6 Jason MacDonald TKO (submission to punches) UFC Fight Night: Shields vs. Ellenberger September 17, 2011 1 3:48 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Win 16–6 Patrick Côté Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 113 May 8, 2010 2 3:25 Montreal, Quebec, Canada Submission of the Night.
Win 15–6 Wilson Gouveia TKO (punches) UFC 107 December 12, 2009 1 3:03 Memphis, Tennessee, United States Catchweight (195 lbs) bout; Fight of the Night.
Loss 14–6 Yoshihiro Akiyama Decision (split) UFC 100 July 11, 2009 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 14–5 Denis Kang Submission (guillotine choke) UFC 93 January 17, 2009 2 4:36 Dublin, Ireland Submission of the Night.
Win 13–5 Ed Herman Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Neer September 17, 2008 3 5:00 Omaha, Nebraska, United States
Loss 12–5 Jason Day TKO (punches) UFC 83 April 19, 2008 1 3:58 Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Win 12–4 Kalib Starnes TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC 77 October 20, 2007 2 1:39 Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Win 11–4 Sean Salmon Submission (guillotine choke) UFC 71 May 26, 2007 1 0:53 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Light Heavyweight bout.
Loss 10–4 Kendall Grove Submission (D'arce choke) UFC 69 April 7, 2007 2 4:42 Houston, Texas, United States
Win 10–3 Jorge Santiago KO (head kick) UFC Fight Night: Sanchez vs. Riggs December 13, 2006 3 2:45 San Diego, California, United States
Loss 9–3 Yushin Okami Decision (unanimous) UFC 62 August 26, 2006 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Middleweight debut.
Win 9–2 Evert Fyeet Submission (toe hold) WEF: Orleans Arena June 10, 2006 1 2:04 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 8–2 Buck Meredith Decision (unanimous) Raze MMA: Fight Night April 29, 2006 3 5:00 San Diego, California, United States
Win 7–2 Marcus Sursa TKO (punches) World Extreme Fighting 17 April 1, 2006 1 3:48 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 6–2 Ron Fields TKO (slam) Titan FC 1 March 11, 2006 1 0:37 Kansas City, Kansas, United States
Win 5–2 David Frank TKO (submission to punches) XFL: EK 19: Battle at the Brady 3 February 18, 2006 2 1:37 Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
Win 4–2 Roger Kimes KO (punches) 1 1:35
Win 3–2 Travis Fowler TKO (punches) 1 1:01
Loss 2–2 Marvin Eastman Decision (unanimous) World Extreme Fighting 16 September 24, 2005 5 5:00 Enid, Oklahoma, United States Light Heavyweight debut.
Loss 2–1 Edwin Aguilar TKO (punches) WXF: X-Impact World Championships July 9, 2005 1 4:01 Seoul, South Korea
Win 2–0 Sergei Trovnikov Submission (armbar) 1 3:37
Win 1–0 Tim Ellis TKO (punches) Freestyle Fighting Championships 10 July 24, 2004 1 1:49 Tunica, Mississippi, United States

[63]

Bare knuckle boxing record

Professional record breakdown
4 matches 4 wins 0 losses
By knockout 3 0
By decision 1 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 4–0 Arnold Adams KO (punches) BKFC 36 February 24, 2023 3 0:55 Kenner, Louisiana, United States Won the BKFC Heavyweight Championship.
Win 3–0 Frank Tate KO (punch) BKFC Fight Night: Jackson 2 June 11, 2022 1 1:21 Jackson, Mississippi, United States
Win 2–0 Bobo O'Bannon KO (punch) BKFC Fight Night: Jackson January 29, 2022 1 1:48 Jackson, Mississippi, United States
Win 1–0 Tony Lopez Decision (unanimous) BKFC 20 August 20, 2021 5 2:00 Biloxi, Mississippi, United States

Boxing record

Professional

6 fights 6 wins 0 losses
By knockout 6 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
5 Win 5–0 Rayford Johnson TKO 5 (6), 2:14 July 23, 2022 Embassy Suites Nashville, Murfreesboro, Tennessee, U.S.
4 Win 4–0 Cameron Graham TKO 2 (4), 1:34 May 14, 2022 Biloxi Community Center, Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S.
3 Win 3–0 Francois Russell TKO 3 (4), 0:34 Apr 30, 2022 Oak Grove Racing and Gaming Hotel, Oak Grove, Kentucky, U.S.
2 Win 2–0 Walter Strickland KO 1 (4) Dec 11, 2021 Fitzgeralds Casino and Hotel, Tunica, Mississippi, U.S.
1 Win 1–0 Ryan Shough TKO 2 (4) Nov 6, 2021 Furniture Market, Tupelo, Mississippi, U.S.

Exhibition

1 fight 1 win 0 losses
By knockout 1 0
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
1 Win 1–0 Chase DeMoor TKO 3 (3), 2:05 July 22, 2023 Nashville Municipal Auditorium, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.

Grappling record

Professional record breakdown
4 matches 0 wins 4 losses
By submission 0 3
By decision 0 1
Result Opponent Method Event Division Type Year
LossUnited Arab EmiratesFaisal Al-KetbiPointsCopa Podio-94 kgGi2014
LossBrazilRodolfo VieiraRear‐naked chokeCopa Podio-94 kgGi2014
LossBrazilLeandro LoRear-naked chokeCopa Podio-94 kgGi2014
LossBrazil Alexandre SouzaArmbarCopa Podio-94 kgGi2014

See also

References

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  2. Nick Walker (July 11, 2009). "Arkansan tests skills in MMA big leagues". arkansasonline.com.
  3. "Alan Belcher". Bullshido.net. Retrieved June 15, 2012.
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  5. "Tale of the Tape: Ava Elize Belcher". UFC.com. January 27, 2010. Retrieved January 28, 2010.
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  7. "UFC 62 live results!". mmaweekly.com. August 26, 2006.
  8. Mike Sloan (December 14, 2006). "Sanchez Obliterates Riggs, Eyes Shot at Title". Sherdog.
  9. "UFC 69 results - live from Houston, Texas!". mmaweekly.com. April 7, 2007.
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  12. "Report: Alan Belcher Lands New Four-Fight Deal". MMAjunkie.com. September 2, 2007.
  13. Ken Pishna (September 29, 2007). "Belcher vs. Starnes announced for UFC 77". mmaweekly.com.
  14. Kevin Iole (October 23, 2007). "Doctor calls halt to Belcher-Starnes". Yahoo! Sports.
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  18. Nick Thomas (February 11, 2008). "Jason Day replaces Cote at UFC 83". bloodyelbow.com.
  19. Ken Pishna (April 19, 2008). "UFC 83 live results from Montreal". mmaweekly.com.
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  22. Damon Martin (November 10, 2008). "Kang to debut against Belcher at UFC 93". mmaweekly.com.
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  39. Franklin McNeil (August 24, 2012). "Jon Jones to fight Vitor Belfort". ESPN.
  40. "For Belcher with a fractured spine, & Belfort, 151 collapse 'a blessing'". mixedmartialarts.com.
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  42. Mike Chiappetta (December 29, 2012). "UFC 155 results: Yushin Okami beats Alan Belcher in rematch of 2006 bout". mmafighting.com.
  43. "UFC 159 gets Michael Bisping vs. Alan Belcher as co-main". bloodyelbow.com. January 30, 2013.
  44. Ben Fowlkes (April 28, 2013). "UFC 159 results/photos: Michael Bisping tops Alan Belcher via technical decision". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on April 29, 2013. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
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  46. Dann Stupp (November 6, 2015). "Former UFC middleweight contender Alan Belcher announces retirement". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
  47. Brandon Davis (February 10, 2022). Savage Association Podcast with Alan Belcher via YouTube.
  48. Bryan Henderson (February 27, 2020). "Out of Obscurity: Titan FC 59, Combate 56 and FNG". combatpress.com.
  49. "Alan Belcher faces Roy Nelson for Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA heavyweight title following BKFC release". MMA Fighting. September 6, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  50. Damon Martin (May 20, 2021). "UFC veteran Alan Belcher returns from retirement to sign with BKFC on multi-fight deal". mmafighting.com.
  51. Bowker, Dylan (July 10, 2021). "Alan Belcher vs. Tony Lopez Set for BKFC 20 in August". Cageside Press. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
  52. Andrew Harbaugh (August 20, 2021). "BKFC 20 Results". mmasucka.com.
  53. Nolan King (January 4, 2022). "Former UFC contender Alan Belcher booked for 'BKFC Fight Night: Jackson'". MMAjunkie.com.
  54. Zane Simon (June 13, 2022). "Video: UFC vet Alan Belcher picks up another big KO win in bare knuckle boxing". bloodyelbow.com.
  55. "Video: UFC veteran Alan Belcher scores monster bare-knuckle KO over Frank Tate". mmafighting.com. June 12, 2022.
  56. Dylan Bowker. "Arnold Adams vs Alan Belcher title fight set for BKFC 36". mymmanews.com.
  57. Matthew Wells (February 25, 2023). "BKFC 36 results: UFC veteran Alan Belcher rallies, knocks out Arnold Adams for heavyweight title". MMAjunkie.com.
  58. Damon Martin (June 20, 2023). "Alan Belcher stripped of BKFC heavyweight title, still expected to return to the promotion". mmafighting.com.
  59. "MF & DAZN: X Series 008 heads to Nashville on July 22". DAZN. June 14, 2023.
  60. "Alan Belcher will now face Chase DeMoor at Misfits Boxing 8". MMA Fighting. July 21, 2023.
  61. "Misfits Boxing 8 Results: Belcher vs. DeMoor". MMA Fighting. July 22, 2023.
  62. Fit Soda Media (January 27, 2023). Meditation is the key to BKFC Champ Camp with Alan Belcher - IY Podcast EP 9 via YouTube.
  63. "Alan "The Talent" Belcher MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography". Sherdog.
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