Johnny Bedford
John Charles "Johnny" Bedford (born January 6, 1983) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Bantamweight division. A professional competitor since 2003, he has formerly competed for the UFC, Bellator, the Legacy Fighting Alliance, and was a competitor on Spike TV's The Ultimate Fighter: Team Bisping vs. Team Miller
| Johnny Bedford | |
|---|---|
| Born | John Charles Bedford January 6, 1983 Woodville, Ohio, United States |
| Other names | Brutal |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 140.1 lb (63.5 kg; 10.01 st) |
| Division | Featherweight Bantamweight |
| Reach | 71.0 in (180 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Fighting out of | Fort Worth, Texas, United States Colleyville, Texas, United States |
| Team | Fitness Fight Factory |
| Rank | Black belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Wrestling | NCAA Division I Wrestling |
| Years active | 2003–present |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 39 |
| Wins | 23 |
| By knockout | 10 |
| By submission | 9 |
| By decision | 4 |
| Losses | 14 |
| By knockout | 2 |
| By submission | 11 |
| By decision | 1 |
| Draws | 1 |
| No contests | 1 |
| Other information | |
| Website | Official Website |
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
Background
Bedford was born and raised in Woodville, Ohio. At the age of five, Bedford began wrestling year round. He and his family would travel all over the Midwest so Bedford could compete in various wrestling tournaments. He went on to wrestle for Woodmore High School, where his father was the head wrestling coach. Bedford was a three-time state qualifier, placed in the state tournament twice, and during his senior year finished third in the state tournament with a record of 51-1.[1] After graduating from Woodmore he enrolled at Cleveland State University. At Cleveland State, Bedford was on the wrestling team for a year and a half before he was removed from the school (as well as the wrestling squad) before later making the transition to a career in mixed martial arts.[1]
Mixed martial arts career
Amateur career
Bedford began fighting in 2003 because he was a self-proclaimed "tough guy" that just wanted to prove how tough he was. Bedford proclaims his first six amateur fights took place in a barn where the promoter just asked the audience who wanted to fight and then would match them up by who was closest to one another's weight. With no commission in Ohio at the time, the fights were not sanctioned.[2]
Early professional career
After a successful amateur career, Bedford took a year and half off from fighting before being offered his first professional fight in 2006 for $200. With no income, Bedford took the fight on short notice and lost via submission in the first round. Bedford began fighting more frequently and by the end of 2009 Bedford held a 13–8–1 record.
Bellator
Bedford was invited to fight for Bellator in 2010. The fight took place at Bellator 19 in Grand Prairie, Texas on May 20, 2010. Bedford fought and defeated Jared Lopez via third-round TKO.
Post-Bellator
At King of Kombat 9: Resurrection, Bedford fought future UFC fighter, Edwin Figueroa. Bedford lost the fight via TKO in the opening of the second round, handing Bedford his only knockout loss in his career. Four months later he bounced back with a first round submission over WEC veteran Frank Gomez.
The Ultimate Fighter
In 2011, Bedford had signed with the UFC to compete on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Bisping vs. Team Miller. In the first episode, Bedford fought Carson Beebe to gain entry into the Ultimate Fighter house. Bedford defeated Beebe in the first round via submission (neck crank). He was selected as a part of Team Mayhem.
Bedford then fought Josh Ferguson in the third episode and won by unanimous decision after using his superior size to take down and control Ferguson.
In the semi-finals Bedford pleaded for the fight against Team Mayhem teammate, John Dodson. The coaches and Dana White agreed with the fight, and matched the two up. After a closely contested first round, Bedford lost after being knocked unconscious one minute into round two. When asked if he knew where he was immediately after the fight, Bedford replied, "I'm in Ohio"; his home state.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Though he did not win the show, Bedford signed an exclusive contract with the UFC. He officially made his UFC debut on December 3, 2011 at The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale against Ultimate Fighter castmate Louis Gaudinot. Bedford dominated the entirety of the fight and won in the third round via TKO after hitting several knees to Gaudinot's body.
Bedford was expected to face Eddie Wineland on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2, replacing Demetrious Johnson who had been pulled from the bout to be a participant in the UFC's inaugural Flyweight tournament.[3][4] However, Wineland himself was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by promotional newcomer Mitch Gagnon.[5] On January 25, 2012, the UFC announced the bout was cancelled due to Gagnon's alleged visa issues.[6] Bedford received his show-money of $8,000 dollars, despite the cancellation.[7]
Bedford was expected to face Nick Denis at UFC on Fox 3 on May 5, 2012.[8] However, Bedford was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Roland Delorme.[9]
After nearly a year off due to various injuries, Bedford returned on December 15, 2012 to face Marcos Vinicius at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson Finale.[10] He won the fight via KO in the second round.
Bedford was expected to face Erik Perez on April 27, 2013 at UFC 159.[11] However, Perez pulled out of the bout just days before the event citing an injury and was replaced by Bryan Caraway.[12] He lost the back-and-forth fight via submission in the third round.
Bedford was expected to face Hugo Viana on September 4, 2013 at UFC Fight Night 28.[13] However, Bedford pulled out of the bout citing an injury and was replaced by Wilson Reis.[14]
Bedford faced Rani Yahya on April 11, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 39.[15] The bout ended in a No Contest as an accidental clash of heads rendered Yahya unable to protect himself, forcing a referee stoppage at 0:39 of round 1.[16] Bedford argued vociferously that the accidental clash of heads should have been ruled a TKO victory in his favor.[17]
A rematch with Yahya was expected to take place on June 28, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 44.[18] However, Yahya was forced out of the bout and replaced by Cody Gibson.[19] For the second time in a row, his fight ended under somewhat controversial circumstances as Bedford was dropped by punches from Gibson and the fight was stopped by the referee just as Bedford appeared to be regaining consciousness, resulting in a first-round TKO loss.[20]
The rescheduled rematch with Rani Yahya eventually took place on September 13, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 51.[21] Yahya won via submission in the second round, and Bedford was subsequently released from the promotion shortly after.[22]
Grappling
On September 30, 2012, Johnny Bedford competed in a no gi super fight against Jimmy Flick (Flick Brother's MMA) at the American Grappling Federation's Dallas Fall Classic.[23] Johnny won the match by points.
Bare knuckle boxing
Bedford faced Nick Mamalis at a Bare Knuckle FC event held on June 2, 2018. He won the fight via TKO in the second round.
On June 22, 2019, Bedford defeated Reggie Barnett, Jr. via unanimous decision to win BKFC and Police Gazette lightweight titles.
Championships and accomplishments
- Warrior Xtreme Cagefighting
- WXC Bantamweight Championship (One time; current)
- Bare Knuckle FC
- BKFC Lightweight World Champion (current)
- Police Gazette Lightweight Bare Knuckle title (current)
Mixed martial arts record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 39 matches | 23 wins | 14 losses |
| By knockout | 10 | 2 |
| By submission | 9 | 11 |
| By decision | 4 | 1 |
| Draws | 1 | |
| No contests | 1 | |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 23–14–1 (1) | Jesse Arnett | Decision (majority) | Fight Night 5: Medicine Hat | September 9, 2017 | 5 | 5:00 | Dallas, Texas, United States | For Z Promotions Bantamweight Championship. Bedford missed weight. |
| Loss | 23–13–1 (1) | Jimmy Flick | Submission (guillotine choke) | Legacy Fighting Alliance 18 | July 14, 2017 | 3 | 3:09 | Dallas, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 23–12–1 (1) | Eric Higaonna | TKO (punches) | WXC 68: Nemesis | April 28, 2017 | 1 | 1:28 | Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States | Defended WXC Bantamweight Championship. |
| Win | 22–12–1 (1) | Mike Hernandez | Submission (rear-naked choke) | WXC 64: Redemption | August 13, 2016 | 1 | 2:45 | Taylor, Michigan, United States | Defended WXC Bantamweight Championship. |
| Win | 21–12–1 (1) | Taylor Moore | Submission (kimura) | WXC 63: Implosion | April 23, 2016 | 4 | 2:15 | Southgate, Michigan, United States | Defended WXC Bantamweight Championship. |
| Win | 20–12–1 (1) | Josh Robinson | TKO (punches) | WXC 59: Homeland Pride | August 8, 2015 | 5 | 3:17 | Taylor, Michigan, United States | Won WXC Bantamweight Championship. |
| Loss | 19–12–1 (1) | Rani Yahya | Submission (kimura) | UFC Fight Night: Bigfoot vs. Arlovski | September 13, 2014 | 2 | 2:04 | Brasília, Brazil | |
| Loss | 19–11–1 (1) | Cody Gibson | TKO (punch) | UFC Fight Night: Swanson vs. Stephens | June 28, 2014 | 1 | 0:38 | San Antonio, Texas, United States | |
| NC | 19–10–1 (1) | Rani Yahya | No Contest (accidental headbutt) | UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs. Nelson | April 11, 2014 | 1 | 0:39 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | No Contest due to accidental clash of heads. |
| Loss | 19–10–1 | Bryan Caraway | Submission (guillotine choke) | UFC 159 | April 27, 2013 | 3 | 4:44 | Newark, New Jersey, United States | |
| Win | 19–9–1 | Marcos Vinicius | KO (body kick and punches) | The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale | December 15, 2012 | 2 | 1:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 18–9–1 | Louis Gaudinot | TKO (knees to the body) | The Ultimate Fighter 14 Finale | December 3, 2011 | 3 | 1:58 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 17–9–1 | Frank Gomez | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Jackson's MMA Series 3 | December 18, 2010 | 1 | 1:34 | Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States | |
| Loss | 16–9–1 | Edwin Figueroa | TKO (punches) | King of Kombat 9 | August 20, 2010 | 2 | 0:17 | Austin, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 16–8–1 | Jared Lopez | TKO (knees and punches) | Bellator 19 | May 20, 2010 | 3 | 2:16 | Grand Prairie, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 15–8–1 | Ryan Webb | Submission (kimura) | Supreme Warrior 10 | April 3, 2010 | 3 | 2:14 | Frisco, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 14–8–1 | Danny Tims | Decision (unanimous) | C3 Fights 19 | February 13, 2010 | 3 | 3:00 | Newkirk, Oklahoma, United States | |
| Win | 13–8–1 | Tim Snyder | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Supreme Warrior 9 | November 28, 2009 | 1 | 0:55 | Frisco, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 12–8–1 | Humberto DeLeon | Decision (unanimous) | Cage Kings 6 | October 9, 2009 | 3 | 3:00 | Bossier City, Louisiana, United States | |
| Loss | 11–8–1 | Mike Baskis | Submission (guillotine choke) | Supreme Warrior 8 | September 18, 2009 | 3 | 2:22 | Frisco, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 11–7–1 | Daniel Pineda | Submission (triangle choke) | Supreme Warrior 7 | June 20, 2009 | 2 | 2:58 | Frisco, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 10–7–1 | Francisco Barragan | Submission (D'Arce choke) | Urban Rumble 4 | May 23, 2009 | 1 | 0:53 | Pasadena, California, United States | |
| Win | 9–7–1 | Jeremy Dodd | TKO (punches) | Supreme Warrior 5 | April 11, 2009 | 1 | 2:11 | Frisco, Texas, United States | |
| Loss | 8–7–1 | Daniel Pineda | Submission (kneebar) | Supreme Warrior 3 | February 21, 2009 | 1 | 2:00 | Frisco, Texas, United States | |
| Loss | 8–6–1 | Dustin Neace | Submission (kneebar) | King of Kombat 5 | November 22, 2008 | 1 | 1:38 | Austin, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 8–5–1 | Shane Waits | Submission (armbar) | Elite Combat League 1 | November 1, 2008 | 2 | 2:12 | Bixby, Oklahoma, United States | |
| Win | 7–5–1 | Joshua Lee | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Supreme Warrior 1 | September 19, 2008 | 1 | 1:38 | Frisco, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 6–5–1 | Rocky Long | Decision (unanimous) | King of Kombat 4 | July 26, 2008 | 3 | 5:00 | Austin, Texas, United States | |
| Loss | 5–5–1 | Stephen Ledbetter | Submission (triangle choke) | Revolution Fight League 3 | May 17, 2008 | 1 | N/A | Macon, Georgia, United States | |
| Win | 5–4–1 | Damon Chamberlin | TKO (punches) | Toledo Fight Challenge | December 22, 2007 | 1 | 0:24 | Toledo, Ohio, United States | |
| Win | 4–4–1 | Justin Moore | TKO (punches) | Knockout Promotions | July 21, 2007 | 2 | 3:22 | Louisville, Kentucky, United States | |
| Win | 3–4–1 | Rocky Long | Decision (unanimous) | Adrenaline Fight Sports 1 | June 30, 2007 | 3 | 5:00 | Lufkin, Texas, United States | |
| Loss | 2–4–1 | Billy Vaughan | Submission (heel hook) | Explosion CFC 2 | March 10, 2007 | 1 | 1:31 | Tinley Park, Illinois, United States | |
| Loss | 2–3–1 | Arman Loktev | Submission (armbar) | Fightfest 11 | February 3, 2007 | 1 | 0:28 | Canton, Ohio, United States | |
| Win | 2–2–1 | Dan Caesar | Submission (guillotine choke) | Explosion CFC 1 | December 16, 2006 | 1 | 0:20 | Tinley Park, Illinois, United States | |
| Loss | 1–2–1 | Dustin Neace | Submission (armbar) | Genesis 5 | November 25, 2006 | 2 | 0:56 | Findlay, Ohio, United States | |
| Draw | 1–1–1 | Kris Kanaley | Draw | Ironheart Crown 11 | November 18, 2006 | 2 | 5:00 | Hammond, Indiana, United States | |
| Win | 1–1 | Roc Castricone | TKO (punches) | Fightfest 8 | October 20, 2006 | 1 | 2:43 | Cleveland, Ohio, United States | |
| Loss | 0–1 | Chino Duran | Submission (choke) | Xtreme Gladiators 3 | September 23, 2006 | 1 | N/A | Richmond, Virginia, United States |
Mixed martial arts exhibition record
| Exhibition record breakdown | ||
| 3 matches | 2 wins | 1 loss |
| By knockout | 0 | 1 |
| By submission | 1 | 0 |
| By decision | 1 | 0 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 2–1 | John Dodson | KO (punches) | The Ultimate Fighter: Team Bisping vs. Team Miller | November 16, 2011 (airdate) | 2 | 1:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Semi-finals. |
| Win | 2–0 | Josh Ferguson | Decision (unanimous) | The Ultimate Fighter: Team Bisping vs. Team Miller | November 2, 2011 (airdate) | 2 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Quarter-finals. |
| Win | 1–0 | Carson Beebe | Submission (neck crank) | The Ultimate Fighter: Team Bisping vs. Team Miller | September 21, 2011 (airdate) | 1 | 4:19 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Preliminary bout. |
Bare knuckle record
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 5 matches | 5 wins | 0 losses |
| By knockout | 3 | 0 |
| By decision | 2 | 0 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 5-0 | Charles Bennett | TKO (hand injury) | Bare Knuckle FC 9 | November 16, 2019 | 2 | 2:00 | Biloxi, Mississippi, United States | |
| Win | 4–0 | Reggie Barnett, Jr. | Decision (unanimous) | Bare Knuckle FC 6 | June 22, 2019 | 5 | 2:00 | Tampa, Florida, United States | Lightweight Tournament Final |
| Win | 3-0 | Abdiel Velazquez | TKO (punches) | Bare Knuckle FC 5 | April 6, 2019 | 4 | 0:58 | Biloxi, Mississippi, United States | Lightweight Tournament Semifinal |
| Win | 2–0 | Matt Murphy | Decision (unanimous) | BKFC 3: The Takeover | October 20, 2018 | 5 | 2:00 | Biloxi, Mississippi, USA | |
| Win | 1-0 | Nick Mamalis | TKO (punches) | BKFC 1: The Beginning | June 2, 2018 | 2 | 1:41 | Cheyenne, Wyoming, USA |
References
- Official Johnny Bedford Website, BRUTAL Johnny Bedford. Brutaljohnnybedford.com (2011-09-21). Retrieved on 2011-12-08.
- 'TUF' 14: Meet bantamweight hopeful Johnny Bedford. Usatoday.com (2011-09-21). Retrieved on 2011-12-08.
- "UFC adds flyweights: Johnson vs. McCall, Benavidez vs. Urushitani at UFC on FX 2". mmajunkie.com. December 11, 2011. Archived from the original on January 7, 2012.
- "'TUF 14' fighter Johnny Bedford takes UFC on FOX 2 slot against Eddie Wineland". mmajunkie.com. December 14, 2011. Archived from the original on January 8, 2012.
- "Mitch Gagnon Steps In Against Johnny Bedford at UFC on Fox 2". mmafrenzy.com. December 28, 2011.
- "Bedford/Gagnon off". MMAJunkie.com. January 25, 2012. Archived from the original on May 20, 2012.
- "The Mitch Gagnon vs. Johnny Bedford fight scheduled for UFC on Fox 2 has been cancelled due to visa issues". MMAMania.com. January 25, 2011.
- "UFC on FOX 3 adds Johnny Bedford vs. Nick Denis, Dennis Bermudez vs. Pablo Garza". mmainterplay.com. February 17, 2012. Archived from the original on February 21, 2012.
- Helwani, Ariel (April 18, 2012). "Roland Delorme Replaces Johnny Bedford Against Nick Denis at UFC on FOX 3". mmafighting.com. Retrieved April 18, 2012.
- "The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale adds Bedford-Vinicius". MMAjunkie.com. October 2, 2012. Archived from the original on October 4, 2012. Retrieved October 2, 2012.
- "Unbeaten 135-pounders Johnny Bedford and Erik Perez meet at UFC 159". MMAjunkie.com. March 6, 2013. Retrieved March 6, 2013.
- Staff (2013-04-22). "Erik Perez out, Johnny Bedford now meets Bryan Caraway at UFC 159". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-04-22.
- Alexandre Fernandes (2013-07-12). "Hugo Wolverine enfrenta Johnny Bedford no UFC de Belo Horizonte (Brazilian Portuguese)". sportv.globo.com. Retrieved 2012-07-12.
- Guilherme Cruz (2013-08-21). "Wilson Reis replaces injured Johny Bedford against Hugo Viana at UFN 28". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2012-08-21.
- Guilherme Cruz (2014-02-10). "Rani Yahya drops to 135 pounds, meets Johnny Bedford at UFN 39 card in Abu Dhabi". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2014-02-10.
- Ben Fowlkes (2014-04-11). "UFC Fight Night 39 results: Johnny Bedford vs. Rani Yahya ends in 39-second no-contest". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-04-11.
- Brent Brookhouse (2014-04-11). "Johnny Bedford knocks Rani Yahya out with headbutt, loses mind at 'no contest' announcement". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2014-04-11.
- Staff (2014-04-21). "Rani Yahya and Johnny Bedford get rematch at UFC Fight Night 44". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-04-21.
- Staff (2014-05-20). "Rani Yahya está fora da luta contra 'desafeto' Johnny Bedford; Ultimate anuncia substituto (Brazilian Portuguese)". tatame.com.br. Archived from the original on 2014-05-20. Retrieved 2014-05-20.
- Ben Fowlkes (2014-06-28). "UFC Fight Night 44 results: Cody Gibson stops irate Johnny Bedford in 38 seconds". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-06-28.
- C.J. Tuttle (2014-07-24). "Rani Yahya-Johnny Bedford Rematch Set for UFC Fight Night on Sept. 13". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2014-07-24.
- Steven Marrocco (2014-09-13). "UFC Fight Night 51 results: Rani Yahya gets revenge, taps Johnny Bedford in second". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-09-13.
- "2012 AGF Dallas Winter Classic - Johnny Bedford (F3) vs Jimmy Flick (Flick Brother's MMA Academy)". YouTube.com. September 30, 2012.
