Fernando Gonzalez
BornFernando Esparza Gonzalez
(1983-09-15) September 15, 1983
Escondido, California, United States[1]
Other namesThe Menifee Maniac
ResidenceMurrieta, California, United States[2]
NationalityAmerican
Height5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight170 lb (77 kg; 12 st)
DivisionLight Heavyweight
Middleweight
Welterweight
Reach68.0 in (173 cm)
Fighting out ofMenifee, California, United States
TeamNext Generation
Years active2003–present
Kickboxing record
Total2
Wins1
Losses1
Mixed martial arts record
Total49
Wins29
By knockout10
By submission8
By decision11
Losses20
By knockout2
By submission5
By decision13
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Fernando Esparza Gonzalez (born September 15, 1983)[3] is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Welterweight division. A professional competitor since 2003, Gonzalez has also competed for the WEC, King of the Cage, Bellator MMA, Absolute Championship Akhmat, and Strikeforce. Also a successful competitor in Muay Thai, Gonzalez is the former WBC National Muay Thai Cruiserweight Champion.[4]

Background

Born in Escondido, California, Gonzalez began boxing at the age of five. During high school, Gonzalez competed in football and began training in mixed martial arts after graduating at the age of 19.[5]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career: WEC

Gonzalez made his MMA and WEC debut against Mike Castillo on October 17, 2003, at WEC 8. He was victorious via first-round TKO.[6]

After going 7–3 in his next ten bouts, Gonzalez returned to the promotion when he faced Jimmy Dexter at WEC 20, defeating him via rear-naked choke submission.[7]

He next faced Alex Stiebling at WEC 23 on August 17, 2006. He won the fight via TKO due to a doctor stoppage in the first round.[8]

Gonzalez faced Brendan Seguin at WEC 25 on January 20, 2007. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[9]

In what would be his last fight for the promotion, Gonzalez faced Hiromitsu Miura at WEC 29 on August 5, 2007. He lost the fight via submission due to punches in the second round.[10]

Strikeforce

Gonzalez made his Strikeforce debut at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal on December 17, 2011. He faced Eddie Mendez and lost via split decision.[11]

Bellator MMA

Gonzalez made his Bellator debut on July 25, 2014, when he faced Bellator season 6 welterweight tournament winner Karl Amoussou at Bellator 122. Despite coming in as an underdog, Gonzalez pulled off the upset, winning via unanimous decision.[12]

In his second appearance for Bellator, Gonzalez was expected to face Justin Baesman at Bellator 127 on October 3, 2014. However, Karo Parisyan's opponent, Marius Žaromskis, was removed from their scheduled bout on the same card, so Gonzalez stepped in as a replacement.[13] He won the fight via TKO in the first round.[14] In his post-fight drug test, Gonzalez tested positive for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).[15] As a result, Gonzalez was suspended for 30 days in the state of California by the CSAC and fined $315.[16]

Gonzalez faced Marius Žaromskis at Bellator 132 on January 16, 2015.[17] He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Gonzalez next faced Curtis Millender at Bellator 137 on May 15, 2015.[18] He won the fight via submission in the third round, bringing his Bellator record to 4–0. After the fight it was revealed by the CSAC that Gonzalez tested positive for marijuana; his second violation while with the promotion.[19]

On March 4, 2016, Gonzalez fought Gilbert Smith at Bellator 151. He won the fight by split decision.[20]

Gonzalez fought Michael Page on November 19, 2016, at Bellator 165.[21] He lost the fight via split decision.

After his first loss in the promotion, Gonzalez was scheduled to face former Bellator Welterweight Champion, Andrey Koreshkov, at Bellator 174 on March 3, 2017. However, an injury forced Koreshkov out of the bout.[22] Instead, Gonzalez faced Brandon Girtz at the event and won via unanimous decision.[23]

Gonzalez faced Brennan Ward at Bellator 182 on August 25, 2017. Originally a catchweight of 178 pounds, Gonzalez missed weight and came in at 180 pounds. He won the fight via a guillotine choke submission in the third round.[24]

Gonzalez faced Lorenz Larkin in a catchweight bout at Bellator 193 on January 26, 2018.[25] Gonzalez missed weight for the third time in a row.[26] After surviving a late flurry of strikes in the third round, Gonzalez lost the fight via unanimous decision and was subsequently released from the promotion.[27][28]

Personal life

Gonzalez and his wife have children.[29]

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
49 matches 29 wins 20 losses
By knockout 10 2
By submission 8 5
By decision 11 13
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 29–20 Maki Pitolo Decision (unanimous) Tuff-N-Uff 127 March 4, 2022 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 29–19 Sidiah Parker Decision (unanimous) NWFA 1: Retribution August 28, 2021 3 5:00 Bentonville, Arkansas, United States Catchweight (180 lb) bout.
Win 29–18 Ty Freeman KO J Street Fights 1 May 29, 2021 3 0:14 Bentonville, Arkansas, United States
Loss 28–18 Abubakar Vagaev Decision (unanimous) ACA 100 October 4, 2019 3 5:00 Grozny, Russia
Loss 28–17 Elias Silvério Decision (unanimous) ACA 96: Goncharov vs. Johnson June 8, 2019 3 5:00 Łódź, Poland Return to Welterweight.
Win 28–16 Gabriel Checco Decision (split) CXF 17: March Madness March 9, 2019 3 5:00 Los Angeles, California, United States Middleweight bout.
Loss 27–16 Piotr Strus Decision (split) ACB 87: Mousah vs Whiteford May 19, 2018 3 5:00 Nottinghamshire, England Middleweight bout.
Loss 27–15 Lorenz Larkin Decision (unanimous) Bellator 193 January 26, 2018 3 5:00 Temecula, California, United States Catchweight (180 lbs) bout; Gonzalez missed weight.
Win 27–14 Brennan Ward Submission (guillotine choke) Bellator 182 August 25, 2017 3 1:02 Verona, New York, United States Catchweight (180 lbs) bout; Gonzalez missed weight.[30]
Win 26–14 Brandon Girtz Decision (unanimous) Bellator 174 March 3, 2017 3 5:00 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States Catchweight (174 lbs) bout; Gonzalez missed weight.[31]
Loss 25–14 Michael Page Decision (split) Bellator 165 November 19, 2016 3 5:00 San Jose, California, United States
Win 25–13 Gilbert Smith Decision (split) Bellator 151 March 4, 2016 3 5:00 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States
Win 24–13 Curtis Millender Submission (guillotine choke) Bellator 137 May 15, 2015 3 1:14 Temecula, California, United States Gonzalez tested positive for marijuana metabolites in post-fight drug test.
Win 23–13 Marius Žaromskis Decision (unanimous) Bellator 132 January 16, 2015 3 5:00 Temecula, California, United States
Win 22–13 Karo Parisyan TKO (punches) Bellator 127 October 3, 2014 1 1:43 Temecula, California, United States Catchweight (173 lb) bout. Gonzalez tested positive for THC in his post-fight drug test.
Win 21–13 Karl Amoussou Decision (unanimous) Bellator 122 July 25, 2014 3 5:00 Temecula, California, United States Welterweight bout.
Loss 20–13 David Mitchell TKO (punches) WFC 8: Avila vs. Berkovic February 15, 2014 3 1:45 Sacramento, California, United States
Loss 20–12 Max Griffin Decision (split) WFC 7: Griffin vs. Gonzalez November 16, 2013 5 5:00 Sacramento, California, United States For the Interim WCFC Middleweight Championship.
Win 20–11 Kenny Ento Decision (unanimous) Gladiator Challenge: Showdown May 25, 2013 3 5:00 Woodlake, California, United States
Win 19–11 Lucas Gamaza Decision (unanimous) Red Canvas: Art of Submission 3 October 27, 2012 3 5:00 Stockton, California, United States
Win 18–11 Theodore Whitfield TKO (punches) Gladiator Challenge September 29, 2012 1 1:02 San Diego, California, United States
Loss 17–11 Eddie Mendez Decision (split) Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal December 17, 2011 3 5:00 San Diego, California, United States
Loss 17–10 Joe Williams Decision (split) Respect in the Cage June 4, 2011 5 5:00 Pomona, California, United States For the RITC Middleweight Championship.
Loss 17–9 Brent Cooper Decision (unanimous) Respect in the Cage April 23, 2011 3 5:00 Pomona, California, United States
Win 17–8 Nick Zarate TKO (punches) Gladiator Challenge: Never Quit November 8, 2009 1 0:47 San Jacinto, California, United States
Win 16–8 Frank Avant Submission (rear-naked choke) Gladiator Challenge: High Impact July 23, 2009 1 0:21 Pauma Valley, California, United States
Loss 15–8 Tony Lopez Submission (rear-naked choke) KOTC: Storm May 16, 2009 5 1:48 Lake Elsinore, California, United States For the KOTC Light Heavyweight Championship.
Win 15–7 Larry Mays TKO (elbows) Gladiator Challenge: Venom April 23, 2009 1 1:53 Pauma Valley, California, United States
Loss 14–7 Tony Lopez Submission (rear-naked choke) KOTC: Misconduct October 16, 2008 2 1:37 Highland, California, United States Light Heavyweight debut; for the KOTC Light Heavyweight Championship.
Win 14–6 Hector Urbina Submission (guillotine choke) KOTC: Fight Nite @ The Shrine April 19, 2008 1 2:10 Los Angeles, California, United States Welterweight bout.
Loss 13–6 Jay Martinez TKO (punches) MMA Xtreme 15 November 16, 2007 2 3:11 Mexico City, Mexico
Loss 13–5 Hiromitsu Miura Submission (punches) WEC 29 August 5, 2007 2 3:35 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 13–4 Joe Atoe TKO (punches) MMA Xtreme 12 June 30, 2007 1 2:31 Mexicali, Mexico
Win 12–4 Jay Carter Decision (unanimous) X-1: Extreme Fighting 2 March 17, 2007 3 3:00 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Loss 11–4 Brendan Seguin Decision (unanimous) WEC 25 January 20, 2007 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 11–3 Umar Luv Submission (injury) KOTC: Destroyer December 1, 2006 2 0:28 San Jacinto, California, United States
Win 10–3 Alex Stiebling TKO (doctor stoppage) WEC 23 August 17, 2006 1 2:35 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 9–3 Jimmy Dexter Submission (rear-naked choke) WEC 20 May 5, 2006 1 4:09 Lemoore, California, United States Return to Middleweight.
Loss 8–3 Danny Higgins Submission (rear-naked choke) Extreme Wars 2: X-1 March 18, 2006 2 N/A Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 8–2 Ray Lizama Decision (unanimous) KOTC 63: Final Conflict December 2, 2005 2 5:00 San Jacinto, California, United States
Win 7–2 Aaron Torres Submission (punches) KOTC 58: Prime Time August 5, 2005 1 1:33 San Jacinto, California, United States
Win 6–2 Sidney Silva Decision (unanimous) Extreme Wars: X-1 July 2, 2005 3 5:00 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States Return to Welterweight.
Loss 5–2 Miguel Gutierrez Submission (armbar) KOTC: Mortal Sins May 7, 2005 1 1:42 Primm, Nevada, United States
Win 5–1 Reggie Orr Decision (majority) KOTC 49: Soboba March 20, 2005 2 5:00 San Jacinto, California, United States Welterweight bout.
Win 4–1 Reggie Orr Submission (injury) KOTC 44: Revenge November 14, 2004 2 2:38 San Jacinto, California, United States
Win 3–1 Travis Goodman KO (punch) KOTC 41: Relentless September 24, 2004 1 0:25 San Jacinto, California, United States Return to Middleweight.
Win 2–1 Scott Sepulveda TKO (punches) KOTC 39: Hitmaster August 6, 2004 1 3:28 San Jacinto, California, United States Welterweight debut.
Loss 1–1 Eric Escobedo Decision Pit Fighting Championship February 7, 2004 3 5:00 California, United States
Win 1–0 Mike Castillo TKO (punches) WEC 8 October 17, 2003 1 1:27 Lemoore, California, United States

Kickboxing record

Kickboxing record
1 Win (0 (T)KO's), 1 Losses
Date Result OpponentEventLocation MethodRoundTimeRecord
2015-09-19LossUnited Kingdom Paul DaleyBellator MMA & Glory: Dynamite 1San Jose, California, USADecision (unanimous)33:000–1
2010-07-3WinEngland Smith WellingtonExtreme Brawling USA Decision (unanimous)3
Legend:   Win   Loss   Draw/No contest   Notes

References

  1. "Fernando Gonzalez: "I'm trying to finish the fight every single time I'm in the cage" - Bellator MMA". Archived from the original on 2015-01-15. Retrieved 2015-01-15.
  2. "MMA: Patience pays off for Menifee's Gonzalez". 15 January 2015.
  3. Mixed martial arts show results Date: May 7, 2005
  4. "San Diego Muay Thai LIVE Event | Dave Nielsen vs Fernando Gonzalez". 17 July 2012.
  5. "MMA: Patience pays off for Menifee's Gonzalez". 15 January 2015.
  6. "WEC 8 – Halloween Fury 2". Sherdog.com.
  7. "WEC 20 – Cinco de Mayhem". Sherdog.com.
  8. "WEC 23 – Hot August Fights". Sherdog.com.
  9. "WEC 25 – Las Vegas". Sherdog.com.
  10. "Carlos Condit, Paulo Filho Win Championship Bouts at WEC 29". MMAJunkie.com. August 6, 2007.
  11. "'Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal' results: Champ Melendez shuts out Masvidal". MMAJunkie.com. December 18, 2011.
  12. "Fernando Gonzalez vs. Karl Amoussou". Sherdog.com. July 25, 2014.
  13. "With Marius Zaromskis out, Karo Parisyan now meets Fernando Gonzalez at Bellator 127". TheMMAReport.com. September 23, 2014.
  14. "Bellator 127 results: Ex-champ Daniel Straus loads up and KOs Justin Wilcox". MMAJunkie.com. October 3, 2014.
  15. "4 fighters fail post-fight drug screenings following Bellator 127 in California". Sherdog.com. October 30, 2014.
  16. "CSAC issues fines, suspensions to 4 fighters who failed Bellator 127 drug tests". Sherdog.com. November 4, 2014.
  17. "Alexander-Zwicker Rematch, Zaromskis-Gonzalez Round Out Bellator 132 Main Card". Sherdog.com. December 9, 2014.
  18. Brent Brookhouse (March 31, 2015). "Three bouts announced for Bellator 137, including Mike Richman vs. Eduardo Dantas". mmajunkie.com.
  19. Steven Marrocco (2015-06-09). "Bellator's Mike Richman suspended two years after failed drug test". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-06-10.
  20. "Bellator 151 Results: Play-by-Play, Updates & Round-by-Round Scoring". sherdog.com. 4 March 2016.
  21. "Bellator's Michael Page to face Gonzalez in San Jose Nov. 19". bigstory.ap.org. 26 August 2016.
  22. John Morgan (February 27, 2017). "Bellator 174's Fernando Gonzalez says 'MVP' was the one who asked for rematch, now refuses". mmajunkie.com.
  23. Staff (March 3, 2017). "Bellator 174 results: Julia Budd wins featherweight title vs. Marloes Coenen, who retires". mmajunkie.com.
  24. Matt Erickson (August 25, 2017). "Bellator 182 results: Ex-champ Andrey Koreshkov pounds out Chidi Njokuani in first round". mmajunkie.com.
  25. Staff (November 14, 2017). "Lorenz Larkin vs. Fernando Gonzalez catchweight fight headlines Bellator 193". mmajunkie.com.
  26. Matt Erickson and John Morgan (January 25, 2018). "Before missing, Fernando Gonzalez said weight issue wouldn't happen; looking for star turn at Bellator 193". mmajunkie.com.
  27. John Morgan (January 26, 2018). "Bellator 193 results: Lorenz Larkin picks up first Bellator win". mmajunkie.com.
  28. Guilherme Cruz (2018-02-20). "Bellator trims roster, parts ways with 13 fighters". mmafighting.com.
  29. "Fernando Gonzalez: "I'm trying to finish the fight every single time I'm in the cage"". bellator.com. January 11, 2015. Archived from the original on January 15, 2015. Retrieved January 15, 2015.
  30. Staff (August 24, 2017). "Bellator 182 weigh-in results: Chidi Njokuani heavy, but set for Andrey Koreshkov". mmajunkie.com.
  31. Steve Juon (March 2, 2017). "Bellator 174 weigh in results, live video for 'Coenen vs Budd' in Thackerville". mmamania.com.
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