- Miguel Torres (fighter)
-
Miguel Torres File:Miguel-Torres.jpg Born Miguel Angel Torres
January 18, 1981
East Chicago, Indiana, United StatesResidence Hammond, Indiana, United States Nationality American Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) Weight 135 lb (61.2 kg; 9.6 st) Division Bantamweight Reach 76 in (193 cm) Style Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Muay Thai Fighting out of Montreal, Québec, Canada Team Tristar Gym, Torres Martial Arts Trainer Firas Zahabi Rank black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Years active 2000 – present Mixed martial arts record Total 43 Wins 39 By knockout 9 By submission 23 By decision 7 Losses 4 By knockout 1 By submission 1 By decision 2 University Purdue University Children 1 Website http://www.torresmartialarts.com Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog last updated on: October 11, 2011 Miguel Angel Torres (born January 18, 1981) is an American mixed martial artist who fights for the Ultimate Fighting Championship organization.[1] He is a former WEC Bantamweight champion. Prior to fighting with the WEC, Torres also held the bantamweight title for the US Shooto organization, as well as for the Ironheart Crown. Torres specializes primarily in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and also possesses a potent Muay Thai striking arsenal. Torres received his black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from Carlson Gracie, Jr in September 2008.[2]
As of October 2011, Torres is ranked the #7 bantamweight in the world by Sherdog.[3]
Contents
Mixed martial arts career
For a number of years Torres fought primarily in small, unsanctioned events held in Northwest Indiana nightclubs and bars. As a result, much of his early fighting career is undocumented. Prior to signing with the WEC, he fought often on Chicago-area shows, including the Total Fight Challenge and the Ironheart Crown. He held the bantamweight title in both of these organizations for several years and his participation in those events is well documented.
After fighting for several years, Torres sought guidance and training under Carlson Gracie, Senior. 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.
Torres received several offers to fight overseas in Brazil and Japan after the challenge was issued. Because these offers were not lucrative, he turned them down and continued to fight locally instead.
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 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 undisputed champion at 135.
Following the defeat of Beebe, Torres successfully defended his title with back-to-back TKO victories; one over Yoshiro Maeda in an exciting war and the other over the previously-undefeated Manny Tapia. It capped off a 2008 where Torres earned Breakthrough Fighter of the Year honors from Sherdog.com. [1]
Torres fought Takeya Mizugaki in the main event of WEC 40 on April 5, 2009 in Chicago, Illinois and won by unanimous decision to retain his belt. Mizugaki seemingly surprised Torres with his proficient boxing skills and solid takedown defense, stuffing many attempts from the champion. Torres showed his prowess with striking, finding a home for his muay thai knees in the challenger's midsection, whilst becoming more accurate with his boxing. Both fighters displayed great heart in a competitive bout where Torres’ standup skills proved too much for his opponent.
Next in line to fight Torres for his title was Brian Bowles, who was replaced by Mizugaki due to an injury sustained by Bowles. 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 big upset. The loss snapped Torres' streak of 17 consecutive victories and marked his first loss at 135 lbs.
On March 6, 2010 at WEC 47,[4] Torres faced and was defeated by Joseph Benavidez, via guillotine choke in the second round.[5]
Torres faced Charlie Valencia on September 30, 2010 at WEC 51.[6] He won the fight via submission in the second round.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
On October 28, 2010, World Extreme Cagefighting merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC.[7]
Torres made his promotional debut against fellow WEC veteran Antonio Banuelos on February 5, 2011 at UFC 126.[8] He won the fight via unanimous decision.
Torres was expected to face Brad Pickett on May 28, 2011 at UFC 130.[9] However, Pickett was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Demetrious Johnson.[10] Torres lost to Johnson via decision (all judges scoring the fight 29-28). While taken down early in the first round, Torres controlled the first round, but in rounds 2 and 3 was outstruck and controlled on the ground, and Johnson earned the victory.[11]
Torres faced Nick Pace on November 19, 2011 at UFC 139.[12] He dominated Pace, winning a landslide unanimous decision.
Training
Torres owns and operates a mixed martial arts academy in Hammond, Indiana where he teaches nearly 200 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[13] 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.[14]
Personal life
Miguel Torres is divorced. His daughter was born on August 26, 2007.[13]
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."[13]
Torres was first introduced to martial arts at nine years old (although he had taken Tae-Kwon-Do lessons for a couple of years before that) when his father bought him a pair of boxing gloves for his birthday.[15]
In a live chat with his fans, Torres stated that he is an avid eater of chocolate ice cream and plays "way too many" video games.[16]
Championships and awards
- World Extreme Cagefighting
- WEC Bantamweight Championship (One time)
- Fight of the Night (Two times)
- Submission of the Night (One time)
- Sherdog
- Breakthrough Fighter of the Year (2008)[17]
Mixed martial arts record
While his fight database record is 39–4, Torres claims a ledger of 52–4,[18][19] stating that "he started fighting way before there were databases."[20]
Professional record breakdown 43 matches 39 wins 4 losses By knockout 9 1 By submission 23 1 By decision 7 2 Result Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes Win 39–4 
Nick PaceDecision (unanimous) UFC 139 November 19, 2011 3 5:00 San Jose, California, United States Catchweight bout as Pace weighed in at 141lbs. Loss 38–4 Demetrious JohnsonDecision (unanimous) UFC 130 May 28, 2011 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win 38–3 Antonio BanuelosDecision (unanimous) UFC 126 February 5, 2011 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win 37–3 Charlie ValenciaSubmission (rear naked choke) WEC 51 September 30, 2010 2 2:25 Broomfield, Colorado, United States Submission of the Night. Loss 36–3 Joseph BenavidezSubmission (guillotine choke) WEC 47 March 6, 2010 2 2:57 Columbus, Ohio, United States Loss 36–2 Brian BowlesKO (punches) WEC 42 August 9, 2009 1 3:57 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Lost the WEC Bantamweight Championship Win 36–1 
Takeya MizugakiDecision (unanimous) WEC 40 April 5, 2009 5 5:00 Chicago, Illinois, United States Defended WEC Bantamweight Championship Won Fight of the Night Honors Win 35–1 Manny TapiaTKO (punches and elbows) WEC 37 December 3, 2008 2 3:04 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Defended WEC Bantamweight Championship Win 34–1 Yoshiro MaedaTKO (doctor stoppage) WEC 34 June 1, 2008 3 5:00 Sacramento, California, United States Defended WEC Bantamweight Championship Won Fight of the Night Honors Win 33–1 Chase BeebeSubmission (guillotine choke) WEC 32 February 13, 2008 1 3:59 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States Won WEC Bantamweight Championship Win 32–1 Jeff BedardSubmission (triangle choke) WEC 30 September 5, 2007 1 2:30 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win 31–1 Darius TurcinskasSubmission (rear naked choke) IMMAC 2: Attack April 21, 2007 2 0:57 Chicago, Illinois, United States Win 30–1 Charles WilsonSubmission (triangle choke) Total Fight Challenge 7 February 10, 2007 3 1:29 Hammond, Indiana, United States Win 29–1 Bobby GamboaSubmission (rear naked choke) AFC 19 September 9, 2006 1 2:52 Boca Raton, Florida, United States Win 28–1 Derek CollinsTKO (punches) Total Fight Challenge 6 May 5, 2006 1 2:32 Hammond, Indiana, United States Win 27–1 
Richard NancooTKO (punches) IHC 10: Tempest April 29, 2006 2 N/A Hammond, Indiana, United States Win 26–1 Joe PearsonSubmission (triangle choke) Total Fight Challenge 5 February 18, 2006 1 0:28 Hammond, Indiana, United States Win 25–1 Ryan AckermanSubmission (armbar) IHC 9: Purgatory November 19, 2005 1 4:45 Hammond, Indiana, United States Win 24–1 Dan SwiftDecision (unanimous) Total Fight Challenge 3 April 20, 2005 3 5:00 Hammond, Indiana, United States Win 23–1 Mike FrenchSubmission (triangle choke) Superbrawl 40 January 16, 2005 2 2:44 Hammond, Indiana, United States Win 22–1 Jim BrukettaSubmission (triangle choke) Total Fight Challenge 2 February 19, 2005 2 2:08 Hammond, Indiana, United States Win 21–1 Alex KhanbabianSubmission (armbar) IHC 8: Ethereal November 20, 2004 1 1:01 Hammond, Indiana, United States Win 20–1 Mustafa HussainiTKO (punches) IHC 7: The Crucible June 5, 2004 3 1:24 Hammond, Indiana, United States Loss 19–1 Ryan AckermanDecision (unanimous) IHC 6: Inferno November 22, 2003 3 5:00 Hammond, Indiana, United States Win 19–0 Brian SzohrSubmission (triangle choke) TCC: Battle of the Badges March 13, 2002 1 3:36 Hammond, Indiana, United States Win 18–0 Craig WilliamsonSubmission (triangle choke) TCC: Battle of the Badges March 13, 2002 1 2:45 Hammond, Indiana, United States Win 17–0 Steve ReynaTKO (doctor stoppage) IHC 3: Exodus November 10, 2001 1 5:00 Hammond, Indiana, United States Win 16–0 Nick MitchellDecision (unanimous) IHC 3: Exodus November 10, 2001 2 5:00 Hammond, Indiana, United States Win 15–0 Danny LongKO (punches) TCC: Total Combat Challenge September 29, 2001 1 N/A Hammond, Indiana, United States Win 14–0 Patrick RodriguezSubmission Finke's FCC April 30, 2001 2 1:41 Highland, Indiana, United States Win 13–0 Josh MasonSubmission (punches) Cage Rage 2 April 14, 2001 2 N/A Kokomo, Indiana, United States Win 12–0 Mark JaromilloSubmission (armbar) Finke's FCC March 26, 2001 2 2:40 Highland, Indiana, United States Win 11–0 David OdleSubmission (punches) Finke's FCC February 26, 2001 1 2:05 Highland, Indiana, United States Win 10–0 Danny AlexanderSubmission (rear naked choke) Finke's FCC January 29, 2001 1 0:58 Highland, Indiana, United States Win 9–0 Jesse GudenschwaggerTKO (doctor stoppage) MMA Invitational 4 November 18, 2000 2 5:00 Hammond, Indiana, United States Win 8–0 Chad BrattonDecision (unanimous) Extreme Shootfighting September 30, 2000 1 15:00 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Win 7–0 Ricky OlsonDecision (unanimous) Extreme Shootfighting September 30, 2000 1 15:00 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Win 6–0 Cory MerrimanSubmission (punches) Extreme Shootfighting September 30, 2000 1 1:27 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Win 5–0 Dan CaesarSubmission (punches) Finke's FCC August 28, 2000 1 4:30 Highland, Indiana, United States Win 4–0 Kris KramerSubmission (triangle choke) Finke's FCC July 28, 2000 1 3:00 Highland, Indiana, United States Win 3–0 Michael ReynaSubmission (punches) Finke's FCC May 22, 2000 1 1:22 Highland, Indiana, United States Win 2–0 Dan CaesarSubmission (guillotine choke) Finke's FCC April 24, 2000 1 4:09 Highland, Indiana, United States Win 1–0 Larry PulliamTKO (punches) Finke's FCC March 27, 2000 1 0:10 Highland, Indiana, United States References
- ^ MMAmania.com exclusive sit down with WEC champion Miguel Torres
- ^ http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=15016
- ^ "Sherdog Official Mixed Martial Arts Rankings". Sherdog.com. October 11, 2011. http://www.sherdog.com/news/rankings/8/Sherdog-Official-Mixed-Martial-Arts-Rankings-36368.
- ^ "Event - WEC: Bowles vs. Cruz". wec.tv. 2009-12-19. http://www.wec.tv/index.cfm?fa=eventdetail.fightCard&eid=2685.
- ^ "Miguel Torres vs. Joseph Benavidez set for WEC 47, likely to determine No. 1 contender". mmajunkie.com. 2009-12-31. http://mmajunkie.com/news/17373/miguel-torres-vs-joseph-benavidez-set-for-wec-47-likely-to-determine-no-1-contender.mma.
- ^ "Miguel Torres to Face Charlie Valencia in WEC 51 Co-Main Event". mmafighting.com. 07-09-2010. http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/07/09/miguel-torres-to-face-charlie-valencia-in-wec-51-co-main-event/.
- ^ "UFC and WEC set to merge in 2011; events to air on Versus and Spike TV". mmajunkie.com. October 28, 2010. http://mmajunkie.com/news/21189/ufc-and-wec-set-to-merge-in-2011-events-to-air-on-versus-and-spike-tv.mma.
- ^ "Miguel Torres Takes On Antonio Banuelos At UFC 126". heavy.com. November 4, 2010. http://www.heavy.com/mma/mma-news/2010/11/exclusive-miguel-torres-takes-on-antonio-banuelos-at-ufc-126/.
- ^ "Miguel Torres announces he's been offered and accepted a fight with Brad Pickett at UFC 130". mmaweekly.com. February 11, 2011. http://mmaweekly.com/miguel-torres-announces-hes-been-offered-and-accepted-a-fight-with-brad-pickett-at-ufc-130.
- ^ "UFC 130: Miguel Torres vs Demetrious Johnson booked with Brad Pickett injured". mmamania.com. April 21, 2011. http://www.mmamania.com/2011/4/21/2124237/ufc-130-miguel-torres-vs-demetrious-johnson-booked-with-brad-pickett.
- ^ "UFC 130 results: Miguel Torres vs Demetrious Johnson ends in controversy; did the judges cageside monitors help?". mmamania.com. May 29, 2011. http://www.mmamania.com/2011/5/29/2196569/ufc-130-results-miguel-torres-vs-demetrious-johnson-ends-in.
- ^ "Nick Pace says he's fighting Miguel Torres at UFC 139 in November". mmajunkie.com. http://mmajunkie.com/news/25372/nick-pace-says-hes-fighting-miguel-torres-at-ufc-139-in-november.mma. Retrieved 2011-09-22.
- ^ a b c Miguel Torres talks mullets, sacrifice and daughters
- ^ Crawford, Percy (August 11, 2009). "Miguel Torres:"Brian Bowles Just Woke Up a Sleeping Giant"". Fight Hype. http://fighthype.com/pages/content5421.html. Retrieved 2009-08-15.
- ^ http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Curran-Mizugaki-and-backyard-brawls-Cage-Write?urn=mma,151293
- ^ Yahoo! Cagewriter Blog: Live Chat with Miguel Torres
- ^ http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/4/Sherdogs-Miscellaneous-Awards-for-2008-15727
- ^ "Fighters". Torres Martial Arts Academy. http://www.torresmartialarts.com/fighters.php. Retrieved 2008-06-08.
- ^ http://squabbles.com/2009/04/wec-bantamweight-news/#more-2457
- ^ Morgan, John (May 26, 2008). "Miguel Torres: from barrooms to the big time". MMA Junkie. http://mmajunkie.com/news/4427/miguel-torres-from-barrooms-to-the-big-time.mma. Retrieved 2008-06-08.
External links
- Official UFC Profile
- Torres Martial Arts: Miguel Torres's academy in Hammond, Indiana
- World Extreme Cagefightinng (WEC): Torres's current fighting organization
- Ironheart Crown: One of Torres's earliest fighting organizations
- Professional MMA record for Miguel Torres (fighter) from Sherdog
Preceded by
Chase Beebe3rd WEC Bantamweight Champion
February 13, 2008 - August 9, 2009Succeeded by
Brian BowlesCategories:- 1981 births
- American mixed martial artists
- American mixed martial artists of Mexican descent
- Bantamweight mixed martial artists
- World Extreme Cagefighting champions
- Living people
- World Extreme Cagefighting
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