Efrain Escudero

Efraín Escudero
Born (1986-01-15) January 15, 1986
San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico[1]
Other names Hecho En México[1]
Nationality American, Mexican
Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)[2]
Weight 155 lb (70 kg; 11.1 st)
Division Lightweight
Reach 70.0 in (178 cm)[2]
Style Wrestling, Kickboxing
Fighting out of Tempe, Arizona, United States
Team MMA LAB
Rank Blue belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under John Crouch[1]
Wrestling NJCAA wrestling[3]
Years active 2006–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total 35
Wins 24
By knockout 2
By submission 13
By decision 9
Losses 11
By submission 2
By decision 9
Other information
University Grand Canyon University
Pima Community College
Notable school(s) Cibola High School
Website http://www.efrainescudero.com/
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
last updated on: September 25, 2009

Efraín Escudero (born January 15, 1986) is a Mexican-American mixed martial artist. He trains under Drew Fickett and competes in the 155 lb (70.3 kg) weight class. Efrain was the winner of season eight of Spike TV's reality show, The Ultimate Fighter. Escudero is currently fighting in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Escudero began his career in the summer of 2006 by putting together two back to back wins in Roland Sarria's Phoenix based Rage in the Cage mixed martial arts organization. He followed up his two fight win streak the following summer by recording 7 straight wins, all by submission. This streak of submissions was the highest recorded in the year of 2007.

Escudero only fought during the summer months because he was a full-time collegiate wrestler. He competed for Pima Community College for the 2006 and 2007 seasons. This is the same college that fellow MMA competitors Drew Fickett, Jamie Varner and Jesse Forbes attended. During the 2006-2007 season, Escudero placed 7th at the NJCAA national tournament in the 157 lb weight class, officially making Escudero an All-American.

In 2007 Escudero stepped out of his summer fight schedule to compete in Full Moon Fighting's inaugural event held in Puerto Peñasco, Mexico. This was Escudero's first fight in his birth country of Mexico and he wore a pair of fight shorts bearing the Mexican Flag. This bout was against Tommy Wagner, whom he defeated by submission due to strikes at 1:12 of round 1.

The Ultimate Fighter 8

Escudero was a contestant on the UFC's The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir on Spike TV as a lightweight. He won his first fight against Ido Pariente with a rear naked choke in the first round to make it into the house. He then beat Shane Nelson in the second round with a mounted triangle to earn a spot in the semi-finals. He then beat Junie Browning with a D'Arce choke in the second round to advance to the finals. In the The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir finale, shown on Spike TV, Escudero earned a six-figure UFC contract by defeating Phillipe Nover by unanimous decision. Upon receiving the trophy, Escudero dedicated his win to his late father, who died just before he left for the show. He further dedicated his win to anybody who had ever lost anybody they loved.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Escudero earned his first official win in the UFC on December 13, 2008, by defeating Phillipe Nover by unanimous decision during the main event of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs. Team Mir.

Efrain was set to fight Jeremy Stephens at UFC Fight Night 18.[4] Efrain came down with a rib injury that forced him to withdraw from the bout. In an online interview, hosted by Escudero's official website, Escudero confirmed that he would fight Cole Miller at UFC 103. Prior to his fight with Miller, Efrain told FightLockdown.com "I have been concentrating on knocking people out. My hands are improving every day. If they want to keep it standing, I am ready and willing to do just that.”[5]

At UFC 103, in his first post-TUF fight, Escudero eventually earned an impressive KO win over Miller at 3:36 of the first round. He was aggressive throughout, once executing a powerful takedown in lifting and slamming Miller to the canvas. After dropping Miller with a strong jab, he followed up with two ground and pound strikes to the head of his opponent to stop the fight.

Escudero suffered his first professional defeat against Evan Dunham at UFC Fight Night 20 via submission in the third round.[6] Escudero refused to tap until the armbar was at an extreme angle and left the ring under medical supervision before the victory presentation, leading to speculation that the arm was broken. Escudero reassured fans via Twitter that the arm only suffered tendon damage.[7]

After an MRI showed that Efrain's arm was healthy, and he confirmed that he would be fighting Dan Lauzon at UFC 114.[8]

Escudero then defeated Lauzon via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27) after being deducted a point late in the third round for accidentally striking Lauzon in the groin.[9]

Escudero was expected to face John Gunderson on September 15, 2010 at UFC Fight Night 22.[10] Escudero was then set to face Matt Wiman after Wiman's original opponent, Mac Danzig was forced from the card with an injury. Wiman also suffered an injury and was replaced by Charles Oliveira.[11] Gunderson will now face returning UFC veteran Yves Edwards.[12]

Escudero weighed in at 159 pounds, three pounds over the limit, resulting in the fight becoming a catchweight bout.[13] Escudero lost the bout via submission due to a standing rear-naked choke in the third round.[14]

On September 20, 2010, Escudero was released from his UFC contract, making him the second TUF winner to be released by the UFC.[15]

Independent Promotions

After leaving the UFC, Escudero compiled a 5-1 record, finishing three of his opponents via submission.

Escudero's fourth fight since leaving the UFC came against fellow UFC veteran Fabrício Camões at Tachi Palace Fights 9 on May 5.[16] He lost via unanimous decision after being controlled by Camões for the first two rounds.

Escudero was then scheduled to fight submission wizard Tim Radcliffe at BAMMA 7. However, on September 6, it was announced that visa issues prevented his travel to England.[17]

After visa-issues forced Paul Kelly out of his fight at Legacy Fighting Championship 9, Efrain was announced as his replacement. He was signed to fight Jeff Rexroad on Dec. 16th, 2011.[18] However, Efrain was re-signed to the UFC, causing him to withdraw from the bout.

Escudero faced Tyson Griffin at Resurrection Fighting Alliance 4 on November 2, 2012.[19] Escudero lost via unanimous decision.

Escudero faced Bellator vet Luis Palomino at CFA 12 on October 12, 2013 [20] Escudero won via unanimous decision.

Return to the UFC

In his UFC return, Escudero faced Jacob Volkmann on December 30, 2011 at UFC 141, replacing an injured TJ Grant.[21] He lost the fight via unanimous decision, but was very close to submitting Volkmann in the closing minutes.

Escudero then faced Mac Danzig on April 21, 2012 at UFC 145.[22] Escudero lost the fight by unanimous decision and was subsequently released from the promotion for a second time.[23]

Bellator MMA

Efrain signed a one-fight deal with Bellator Fighting Championships and fought Cesar Avila at Bellator 55. He won the fight by guillotine choke submission in the first round.

Escudero faced Zack Surdyka on September 20, 2013 at Bellator 100. He won the bout via unanimous decision.

Third UFC stint

Escudero was originally expected to face Francisco Trinaldo on September 13, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 51.[24] However, Trinaldo was replaced in the bout by Leonardo Santos.[25] Escudero lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Escudero faced Rodrigo de Lima on February 14, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 60.[26] He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Escudero then faced Drew Dober at UFC 188 on June 13, 2015.[27] He won the fight by guillotine choke submission in the first round.[28]

Escudero faced Leandro Silva on November 21, 2015 at The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 2 Finale.[29] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[30]

Escudero next faced Kevin Lee on April 23, 2016 at UFC 197.[31] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[32]

Personal life

Escudero was a collegiate wrestler at Grand Canyon University. Though he left the school to join the UFC, he eventually returned to earn his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice in 2011.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 24–11 Kevin Lee Decision (unanimous) UFC 197 April 23, 2016 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 24–10 Leandro Silva Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter Latin America 2 Finale: Magny vs. Gastelum November 21, 2015 3 5:00 Monterrey, Mexico
Win 24–9 Drew Dober Submission (guillotine choke) UFC 188 June 13, 2015 1 0:54 Mexico City, Mexico
Win 23–9 Rodrigo de Lima Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Thatch February 14, 2015 3 5:00 Broomfield, Colorado, United States
Loss 22–9 Leonardo Santos Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Bigfoot vs. Arlovski September 13, 2014 3 5:00 Brasília, Brazil
Win 22–8 Juha-Pekka Vainikainen TKO (elbows and punches) Superior Challenge 10 May 3, 2014 3 4:48 Helsingborg, Sweden Won the SC Lightweight Championship.
Loss 21–8 Dakota Cochrane Decision (unanimous) RFA 13 March 7, 2014 3 5:00 Lincoln, Nebraska, United States
Win 21–7 Luis Palomino Decision (unanimous) CFA 12: Sampo vs. Thao October 12, 2013 3 5:00 Coral Gables, Florida, United States
Win 20–7 Zack Surdyka Decision (unanimous) Bellator 100 September 20, 2013 3 5:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 19–7 Marcus Edwards Decision (split) Sparta Combat League: Live at the Stampede June 29, 2013 3 5:00 Greeley, Colorado, United States
Loss 18–7 Jorge Patino Decision (split) Max Sport: 13.2 May 11, 2013 3 5:00 São Paulo, Brazil
Loss 18–6 Tyson Griffin Decision (unanimous) RFA 4 November 2, 2012 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 18–5 Mac Danzig Decision (unanimous) UFC 145 April 21, 2012 3 5:00 Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Loss 18–4 Jacob Volkmann Decision (unanimous) UFC 141 December 30, 2011 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 18–3 Cesar Avila Submission (guillotine choke) Bellator 55 October 22, 2011 1 1:55 Yuma, Arizona, United States
Win 17–3 Mike Rio Decision (unanimous) CFA 2: McCorkle vs. Hayes July 23, 2011 3 5:00 Miami, Florida, United States
Loss 16–3 Fabrício Camões Decision (unanimous) TPF 9: The Contenders May 5, 2011 3 5:00 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 16–2 Ashe Bowman Decision (unanimous) XCage: Predators April 8, 2011 3 5:00 Tijuana, Mexico
Win 15–2 Jeremy Larsen Submission (armbar) Rage In The Cage 148 January 29, 2011 3 3:21 Chandler, Arizona, United States
Win 14–2 Alfredo Martinez Submission (rear-naked choke) Desert Rage Full Contact Fighting 8 November 19, 2010 1 1:14 Somerton, Arizona, United States
Loss 13–2 Charles Oliveira Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Marquardt vs. Palhares September 15, 2010 3 2:25 Austin, Texas, United States Catchweight (159 lbs) bout; Escudero missed weight.
Win 13–1 Dan Lauzon Decision (unanimous) UFC 114 May 29, 2010 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 12–1 Evan Dunham Submission (armbar) UFC Fight Night: Maynard vs. Diaz January 11, 2010 3 1:59 Fairfax, Virginia, United States
Win 12–0 Cole Miller KO (punches) UFC 103 September 19, 2009 1 3:36 Dallas, Texas, United States
Win 11–0 Phillipe Nover Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Nogueira vs Team Mir Finale December 13, 2008 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Won The Ultimate Fighter 8 Lightweight tournament.
Win 10–0 Tommy Wagner Submission (punches) Full Moon Fighting February 23, 2008 1 1:12 Puerto Peñasco, Mexico
Win 9–0 Eric Regan Submission (rear-naked choke) Rage in the Cage 99 August 18, 2007 2 2:15 Tucson, Arizona, United States
Win 8–0 Jon Kecks Submission (triangle choke) Cage Supremacy 2 July 22, 2007 1 2:04 Tucson, Arizona, United States
Win 7–0 TJ Zasa Submission (rear-naked choke) Cage Supremacy June 24, 2007 2 0:43 Tucson, Arizona, United States
Win 6–0 Peter Newsheller Submission (rear-naked choke) Rage in the Cage 96 June 15, 2007 1 1:13 Tucson, Arizona, United States
Win 5–0 Jose Rodriguez Submission (triangle choke) Rage in the Cage 95 May 12, 2007 1 2:29 Fountain Hills, Arizona, United States
Win 4–0 Nic Stone Submission (armbar) Rage in the Cage 93 April 20, 2007 2 1:25 Somerton, Arizona, United States
Win 3–0 Mike Smith Submission (rear-naked choke) Rage in the Cage 92: Cronin vs Vigil March 30, 2007 1 2:57 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 2–0 Joe Cronin Decision (unanimous) Rage in the Cage 84: Celebrity Theatre July 1, 2006 3 3:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 1–0 Chris Collado Submission (choke) Rage in the Cage 83: Rampage June 10, 2006 1 N/A Fountain Hills, Arizona, United States

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Efrain "Hecho en Mexico" Escudero - Official UFC Fighter Profile". UFC.com. Retrieved February 15, 2015.
  2. 1 2 "Fight Card - UFC 188 Velasquez vs. Werdum". UFC.com. Retrieved June 14, 2015.
  3. ↑ "Jeremy Stephens vs. "TUF8" winner Efrain Escudero likely at UFN 18". MMAjunkie.com. January 2, 2009.
  4. ↑ http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=7890&zoneid=2
  5. ↑ "FLD Exclusive Interview with Efrain Escudero". FightLockdown. Retrieved 2009-08-04.
  6. ↑ "UFC Fight Night 20 recap". mmajunkie. January 12, 2010.
  7. ↑ https://www.twitter.com/effyescudero/status/7660755026
  8. ↑ MRI results encouraging for Efrain Escudero, bout with Dan Lauzon a go for UFC 114
  9. ↑ "UFC 114 Live results and play-by-play". mmaweekly.com. May 29, 2010.
  10. ↑ "Efrain Escudero vs. John Gunderson targeted for UFC Fight Night 22". mmajunkie. July 10, 2010.
  11. ↑ http://www.mmaweekly.com/absolutenm/templates/dailynews.asp?articleid=12381&zoneid=13
  12. ↑ "Escudero vs. Wiman new UFN 22 co-headliner, Edwards vs. Gunderson on prelims". mmajunkie.com. August 18, 2010.
  13. ↑ "UFC Fight Night 22 live weigh-in results". mmajunkie.com. September 14, 2010.
  14. ↑ "UFC Fight Night 22 live play by play and live results". mmajunkie.com. September 15, 2010.
  15. ↑ "After UFC release, TUF 8 winner Efrain Escudero talking to Strikeforce, Bellator". mmajunkie.com. September 20, 2010.
  16. ↑ Joseph Zigler. "125 Proof: Montague Mauls Gomez, McCall Upsets 'Formiga' at TPF 8". Sherdog.
  17. ↑ "Efrain Escudero Off BAMMA 7 Card This Weekend". mmaweekly.com. 6 September 2011.
  18. ↑ http://mmajunkie.com/news/26352/paul-kelly-out-efrain-escudero-in-at-hdnets-legacy-fighting-championships-9.mma
  19. ↑ "RFA 4 Heads to Las Vegas with UFC Vets Gilbert Yvel, Marcio Cruz, Tyson Griffin, Efrain Escudero". Retrieved 23 August 2012.
  20. ↑ "Lightweight Veterans Efrain Escudero, Luis Palomino to Collide at CFA 12 in Florida". Sherdog.com. 2013-10-03.
  21. ↑ Stupp, Dann (December 6, 2011). "'TUF 8' champ Escudero returning to UFC, meets Volkmann at UFC 141". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved December 6, 2011.
  22. ↑ "UFC 145; seven bouts shift to Atlanta". mmajunkie.com. January 20, 2012.
  23. ↑ Anton Tabuena (June 4, 2012). "UFC Releases Several Fighters From Their Roster". bloodyelbow.com.
  24. ↑ Guiolherme Cruz (2014-07-15). "Efrain Escudero returns to the UFC, meets Francisco Trinaldo in Brazil". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2014-07-15.
  25. ↑ Guilherme Cruz (2014-08-28). "Leonardo Santos vs. Efrain Escudero, Francisco Trinaldo vs. Leandro Silva now set for UFC Fight Night 51". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2014-08-28.
  26. ↑ C.J. Tuttle (2014-12-11). "Escudero-De Lima Added to UFC Fight Night in Colorado". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2014-12-11.
  27. ↑ Staff (2015-03-30). "Efrain Escudero Draws Drew Dober at UFC 188 in Mexico City". mmaweekly.com. Retrieved 2015-03-30.
  28. ↑ Dave Doyle (2015-06-13). "UFC 188 results: Efrain Escudero quickly submits Drew Dober". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2015-06-13.
  29. ↑ Sean Bio (2015-08-04). "Efrain Escudero, Leandro Silva square off in November at UFC Monterrey". cagepages.com. Retrieved 2015-08-04.
  30. ↑ Brent Brookhouse (2015-11-21). "UFC Fight Night 78 results: Leandro Silva gets past Efrain Escudero in back-and-forth bout". MMAJunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-11-21.
  31. ↑ Staff (2016-02-18). "Efrain Escudero vs. Kevin Lee added to UFC 197 lineup". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-02-18.
  32. ↑ Ben Fowlkes (2016-04-23). "UFC 197 results: Kevin Lee outworks 'TUF' winner Efrain Escudero for decision win". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-04-23.

External links

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