Eduardo Dantas
Eduardo Dantas (born February 3, 1989) is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist who competes in the bantamweight division. A professional MMA competitor since 2007, Dantas has mostly fought for Bellator MMA He has also fought in Shooto , where he has competed for the Shooto 132-pound world title. He is the former Bellator Bantamweight World champion. Dantas is currently ranked as the #5 bantamweight in the world and the #1 bantamweight outside of the UFC by fightmatrix.com.[3]
Eduardo Dantas | |
---|---|
Born | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | February 3, 1989
Other names | DuDu |
Nationality | Brazilian |
Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
Weight | 135 lb (61 kg; 9.6 st) |
Division | Bantamweight Featherweight (2019–present)[1] |
Reach | 69 in (175 cm) |
Fighting out of | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
Team | Nova União |
Rank | 2nd degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu[2] |
Years active | 2007–present |
Mixed martial arts record | |
Total | 28 |
Wins | 21 |
By knockout | 4 |
By submission | 6 |
By decision | 11 |
Losses | 7 |
By knockout | 3 |
By decision | 3 |
By disqualification | 1 |
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog |
Mixed martial arts career
Background
Dantas trains with Nova União.[4] Dantas has also shown a tendency in his career to prefer the striking game.[5]
Shooto Brazil
After compiling a record of 3–1, including a win over Shooto champ Shinichi Kojima, Dantas main evented Shooto Brazil 5. Dantas attempted multiple striking techniques including flying knees, before finishing his opponent with punches to the stomach.[6]
Soon after, Dantas won the Shooto South American 132 lb title, which he owned up going into his fight against Ueda.[7]
Dantas would next compete for the Shooto 132-pound world title. At that time, his opponent, Masakatsu Ueda was ranked as the #2 bantamweight in the world.[8]
In a three-round bout, Dantas was able to rock his opponent on a number of occasions, but suffered a point deduction after holding the ropes to prevent a takedown from Ueda. Dantas would go on to lose the bout 29–28, 29–28, 30–28.[9]
Dantas later bounced back with a TKO victory over Carlos Roberto in the second round.[10] This was followed by a submission victory at The Way of Shooto 3 in May 2010.[11]
Dantas was next set to defend his Shooto South American 132 lb Championship in a rematch with Luis Alberto Nogueira, but the bout was cancelled.[12]
Bellator Fighting Championships
In the fall of 2011, Dantas entered Bellator's Season Five Bantamweight Tournament. He defeated Wilson Reis via second-round KO in the quarter-final round and Ed West by split decision in the semi-final round in order to advance to the finals.
In the finals, he defeated Alexis Vila via unanimous decision to become the tournament champion.
Eduardo challenged champion Zach Makovsky at Bellator 65 on April 13, 2012 for the Bellator Bantamweight title. He won the fight via technical submission in the second round.
In August 2012, Dantas faced Tyson Nam in a fight outside of Bellator. Dantas had been permitted by Bellator to fight against Nam, as the fight took place outside of the United States and wouldn't be aired on television in the U.S. either.[13] The two faced off at Shooto Brazil 33: Fight for BOPE II in an event that served as a fundraiser for the "Batalhao de Operacoes Policiais Especiais" (Special Police Operations Battalion), which was Rio de Janeiro's military special forces.[14] Although Dantas rocked Nam early with a knee, he was knocked out in the first round by a counter right hook after he rushed forward aggressively.[14]
On February 2013, Dantas defended his title against, good friend and teammate, Marcos Galvão at Bellator 89. He finished Galvão in the 2nd round via knock out.
It was reported that Dantas had injured his ankle and won't be able to return until 2014 to defend his belt against Rafael Silva.[15] It was announced on January 9, 2014 that Dantas will defend his belt against Rafael Silva on March 7, 2014.[16] However, Silva suffered a knee injury and was replaced by runner-up Anthony Leone.[17] Dantas successfully defended his title, winning via rear-naked choke submission in the second round.
Dantas was scheduled to face Bellator Season 9 Bantamweight Tournament winner Joe Warren at Bellator 118. However, Dantas suffered a head injury and withdrew from the bout. Rafael Silva then faced Warren for the interim title.[18]
Dantas faced Joe Warren in a title unification bout on October 10, 2014 at Bellator 128.[19] He lost the fight and bantamweight championship title via unanimous decision.
Dantas was expected to face Mike Richman on March 27, 2015 at Bellator 135.[20] However, the bout was removed from the fight card after Richman suffered an undisclosed injury.[21] The fight eventually took place at Bellator 137 on May 15, 2015, despite Richman not making weight.[22][23] Dantas won the back-and-forth fight by unanimous decision. In addition, Richman failed a post-fight drug screening.[24]
Dantas was originally scheduled to face former teammate, Marcos Galvão in a rematch for the Bellator Bantamweight Championship title at Bellator 144, but was postponed after an injury to Dantas.[25] The rematch was then scheduled to take place at Bellator 150 on February 26, 2016, however, the bout was again postponed, this time due to an illness suffered by Galvão.[26] The bout eventually took place on June 17, 2016 at Bellator 156, in which Dantas regained the championship, winning by unanimous decision.[27]
In his first title defense during his second stint as champion, Dantas faced Joe Warren in a rematch in the main event at Bellator 166 on December 2, 2016. Dantas was successful this time against Warren, winning the fight via majority decision.[28]
Dantas was expected to make his second title defense at Bellator 177 on April 14, 2017, facing off against Darrion Caldwell.[29] However, after an undisclosed injury to Caldwell, Dantas instead faced Leandro Higo at the event. The bout was changed to a non-title catchweight bout after Higo missed weight.[30] Dantas won via split decision after three rounds.[31]
The title bout between Dantas and Caldwell was rescheduled for Bellator 184 on October 6, 2017.[32] Dantas lost the fight and his title by unanimous decision.
Dantas next faced former UFC title contender Michael McDonald on July 13, 2018 at Bellator 202. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[33] In the course of fight, Dantas was dropped early by a right hand from McDonald. As he was falling, he broke his right fibula.[34]
Move up to featherweight
On May 28, 2019, it was announced that Dantas would move up to featherweight and face Juan Archuleta at Bellator 222 on June 14, 2019.[1] He lost the fight via knockout in the second round.
Championships and accomplishments
- Bellator Fighting Championships
- Bellator Bantamweight World Championship (Two times)
- Three Successful Title Defenses
- Bellator Season 5 Bantamweight Tournament Winner
- Shooto Brazil
- Shooto South American Featherweight Championship (One time)
Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown | ||
28 matches | 21 wins | 7 losses |
By knockout | 4 | 3 |
By submission | 6 | 0 |
By decision | 11 | 3 |
By disqualification | 0 | 1 |
Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Loss | 21–7 | Juan Archuleta | KO (punch) | Bellator 222 | June 14, 2019 | 2 | 4:59 | New York City, New York, United States | Featherweight bout | |
Win | 21–6 | Toby Misech | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 215 | February 15, 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | ||
Loss | 20–6 | Michael McDonald | KO (punches) | Bellator 202 | July 13, 2018 | 1 | 0:58 | Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States | ||
Loss | 20–5 | Darrion Caldwell | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 184 | October 6, 2017 | 5 | 5:00 | Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States | Lost Bellator Bantamweight World Championship. | |
Win | 20–4 | Leandro Higo | Decision (split) | Bellator 177 | April 14, 2017 | 3 | 5:00 | Budapest, Hungary | Higo missed weight. Fight changed to non-title. | |
Win | 19–4 | Joe Warren | Decision (majority) | Bellator 166 | December 2, 2016 | 5 | 5:00 | Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States | Defended Bellator Bantamweight World Championship. | |
Win | 18–4 | Marcos Galvão | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 156 | June 17, 2016 | 5 | 5:00 | Fresno, California, United States | Won Bellator Bantamweight World Championship. | |
Win | 17–4 | Mike Richman | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 137 | May 15, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Temecula, California, United States | ||
Loss | 16–4 | Joe Warren | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 128 | October 10, 2014 | 5 | 5:00 | Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States | Lost Bellator Bantamweight World Championship | |
Win | 16–3 | Anthony Leone | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Bellator 111 | March 7, 2014 | 2 | 2:04 | Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States | Defended Bellator Bantamweight Championship. | |
Win | 15–3 | Marcos Galvão | KO (punches) | Bellator 89 | February 14, 2013 | 2 | 3:01 | Charlotte, North Carolina, United States | Defended Bellator Bantamweight World Championship. | |
Loss | 14–3 | Tyson Nam | KO (punch) | Shooto Brazil 33: Fight for BOPE 2 | August 25, 2012 | 1 | 1:36 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | ||
Win | 14–2 | Zach Makovsky | Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke) | Bellator 65 | April 13, 2012 | 2 | 3:26 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Won Bellator Bantamweight World Championship. | |
Win | 13–2 | Alexis Vila | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 59 | November 26, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Bellator Season 5 Bantamweight Tournament Final. | |
Win | 12–2 | Ed West | Decision (split) | Bellator 55 | October 22, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Yuma, Arizona, United States | Bellator Season 5 Bantamweight Tournament Semifinal. | |
Win | 11–2 | Wilson Reis | KO (flying knee and punches) | Bellator 51 | September 24, 2011 | 2 | 1:02 | Canton, Ohio, United States | Bellator Season 5 Bantamweight Tournament Quarterfinal. | |
Win | 10-2 | Samuel de Souza | Submission (armbar) | Shooto - Brazil 20 | December 11, 2010 | 1 | 0:20 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | Defended Shooto South American 132 lb Title | |
Win | 9–2 | Hiromasa Ougikubo | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Shooto: The Way of Shooto 3: Like a Tiger, Like a Dragon | May 30, 2010 | 3 | 1:21 | Tokyo, Japan | ||
Win | 8–2 | Carlos Roberto | TKO (punches) | Shooto Brazil 14 | November 26, 2009 | 2 | 0:46 | Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro | ||
Loss | 7–2 | Masakatsu Ueda | Decision (unanimous) | Shooto: Revolutionary Exchanges 1: Undefeated | July 19, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | For the Shooto Featherweight Championship. | |
Win | 7–1 | Mauricio Antonio Santos Jr. | Decision (unanimous) | World Fighting Combat | April 24, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Camboinhas, Brazil | ||
Win | 6–1 | Luis Alberto Nogueira | Submission (armbar) | Shooto Brazil 9 | November 29, 2008 | 2 | 1:41 | Fortaleza, Ceara | Won the vacant Shooto South America Featherweight (123 - 132 lbs.) Championship. | |
Win | 5–1 | Juan Tessari | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Shooto Brazil 7 | June 28, 2008 | 2 | 2:33 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | ||
Win | 4–1 | Hudson Rocha | TKO (punches) | Shooto Brazil 5 | January 26, 2008 | 1 | N/A | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | ||
Win | 3–1 | Shinichi Kojima | Decision (unanimous) | Shooto: Back To Our Roots 6 | November 8, 2007 | 3 | 5:00 | Tokyo, Japan | ||
Loss | 2–1 | Aritano Silva Barbosa | DQ (illegal soccer kicks) | Cassino Fight 4 | September 15, 2007 | 1 | 3:31 | Manaus, Brazil | ||
Win | 2–0 | Fabio Oliveira | Decision (unanimous) | Shooto Brazil 3 | July 7, 2007 | 3 | 5:00 | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | ||
Win | 1–0 | William Porfirio | Decision (unanimous) | Shooto Brazil 2 | March 24, 2007 | 3 | 5:00 | Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro |
References
- Guilherme Cruz (May 28, 2019). "Eduardo Dantas moves up to featherweight, faces Juan Archuleta at Bellator 222". mmafighting.com.
- Eduardo Dantas [@DuduDantasMMA] (October 28, 2019). "Training Sunday #BJJ" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- "Current MMA Rankings » Bantamweight". Fight Matrix. 2014. Retrieved July 29, 2014.
- "Pictures: The Nova Uniao Army". sherdog.com. January 19, 2010.
- "Top Shootors go back to their roots". sherdog.com. November 7, 2007.
- "Ribeiro impresses at Shooto Brazil". sherdog.com. January 28, 2008.
- "10 July Tussles Worth Watching". sherdog.com. July 2, 2009.
- "Sherdog official Mixed Martial Arts rankings (July 16, 2009)". sherdog.com. July 16, 2009.
- "Ueda holds off Dantas; Formiga upsets Kojima". sherdog.com. July 19, 2009.
- "Weekend rundown: Browning, Prangley, Clementi victorious". sherdog.com. November 30, 2009.
- "Eduardo Dantas". sherdog.com. Retrieved November 6, 2010.
- "Title bouts added to Shooto - Brazil 20". sherdog.com. November 4, 2010.
- "Video: Bellator champion Eduardo Dantas knocked out by Tyson Nam in Brazil". mmamania.com. August 26, 2012.
- "Tyson Nam knocks out Bellator champ Eduardo Dantas at Shooto Brazil 33". mmajunkie.com. August 26, 2012.
- "Eduardo Dantas sidelined with injury, will defend title against Rafael Silva in 2014". mmafighting.com. October 10, 2013.
- Staff. "Champ Eduardo Dantas vs. Rafael Silva set for Bellator 111 on March 7". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-01-09.
- "Anthony Leone Replaces Injured Rafael Silva, Faces Eduardo Dantas for Bellator Bantamweight Title". MMAWeekly.com. Retrieved 2014-02-05.
- Al-Shatti, Shaun (April 27, 2014). "Eduardo Dantas suffers head injury, Joe Warren now meets Rafael Silva for interim bantamweight title at Bellator 118". MMA Fighting. Retrieved July 29, 2014.
- "Eduardo Dantas vs. Joe Warren title fight headlines Bellator 128". mmafighting.com. September 8, 2014.
- "Bellator 135 Fight Card". bellator.com. Archived from the original on 2014-12-29. Retrieved 2014-12-29.
- Jason Floyd (March 9, 2015). "Mike Richman vs. Eduardo Dantas scratched from Bellator 135; L.C. Davis vs. Hideo Tokoro elevated from prelims to co-main event". themmareport.com.
- Bellator MMA: Foundations with Eduardo Dantas
- Brent Brookhouse (March 31, 2015). "Three bouts announced for Bellator 137, including Mike Richman vs. Eduardo Dantas". mmajunkie.com.
- Steven Rondina (June 9, 2015). "2-Year Suspension Handed to Bellator's Mike Richman". bleacherreport.com.
- Dann Stupp (October 7, 2015). "Bellator 144's Marcos Galvao vs. Eduardo Dantas 2 title fight postponed". mmajunkie.com.
- Staff (February 25, 2016). "On eve of Bellator 150, Marcos Galvao vs. Eduardo Dantas title fight pulled from card". mmajunkie.com.
- Brent Brookhouse (June 17, 2016). "Bellator 156 results: Eduardo Dantas dominates Marcos Galvao to win bantamweight title". mmajunkie.com.
- Steven Marrocco (December 2, 2016). "Bellator 166 results: Eduardo Dantas retains bantamweight title with majority nod over Joe Warren". mmajunkie.com.
- Danny Segura (February 8, 2017). "Eduardo Dantas vs. Darrion Caldwell set to headline Bellator 177 in Budapest". mmafighting.com.
- Guilherme Cruz (April 13, 2017). "Leandro Higo misses weight, Bellator 177 main event now a non-title fight vs. Eduardo Dantas". mmafighting.com.
- Newswire (April 14, 2017). "Bellator 177 results: Eduardo Dantas takes split decision over Leandro Higo in Budapest". mmafighting.com.
- Staff (July 14, 2017). "Bellator 184 set for Oct. 6 with champ Eduardo Dantas vs. Darrion Caldwell, Emmanuel Sanchez vs. Daniel Straus". mmajunkie.com.
- Steven, Marrocco (2016-07-13). "Bellator 202 results: Michael McDonald KOs ex-champ Eduardo Dantas in 58 seconds". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-07-13.
- Staff (2016-07-14). "Bellator 202 highlights: Bad news for both fighters after this 58-second knockout". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-07-14.