Saad Awad

Saad Awad (Arabic: سعد عوض‎)[1], born June 7, 1983) is an American mixed martial artist competing in Bellator's lightweight division. A professional competitor since 2006, Awad has formerly competed for Strikeforce and King of the Cage.

Saad Awad
Born (1983-06-07) June 7, 1983
San Bernardino, California, United States
Other namesAssassin
NationalityAmerican
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight155 lb (70 kg; 11.1 st)
DivisionLightweight (155 lb)
Welterweight (170 lb)
Reach73 1⁄2 in (187 cm)
Fighting out ofSan Bernardino, California, United States
TeamMillennia MMA Gym
Aguirres FS
Years active2006–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total36
Wins23
By knockout10
By submission7
By decision5
By disqualification1
Losses13
By knockout4
By submission3
By decision6
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background

Born in San Bernardino, California to a Palestinian father and a Brazilian mother, Awad is the fourth eldest of twelve siblings. Growing up, Awad competed in soccer and wrestling at Cajon High School and later wrestled for a semester at a Jr. College. Later, Awad stumbled upon mixed martial arts and eventually moved to Las Vegas, Nevada.[2][3]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Awad started his career in 2006. He fought mainly for the Costa Rican promotion Titans of the Pentagon and for the Californian promotion Gladiator Challenge.

For Titans of the Pentagon, he compiled four victories, winning a four-man tournament on the way.[4]

For Gladiator Challenge, he had his first defeat against Nam Phan on February 16, 2008 at GC 74. Despite having lost his GC debut, Awad won the Gladiator Challenge Lightweight Championship against Kyle Olsen on October 25, 2008 at GC 85.[5]

Strikeforce

Awad faced Joe Duarte on April 9, 2011 at Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley. He lost via submission in the second round.[6]

The Ultimate Fighter

Awad appeared in the first episode of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson. He lost via unanimous decision against Joey Rivera during the entry round.[7]

Bellator MMA

Awad made his Bellator MMA debut on January 25, 2009 at Bellator 10 against Diego Garijo. He lost via submission in the first round.[8]

On January 31, 2013 at Bellator 87, Awad was expected to face Jason Fischer. However, he had to replace Patricky Freire in the quarterfinal match of Bellator Season Eight Lightweight Tournament due to a knee injury against Guillaume DeLorenzi.[9][10] He won via KO 31 seconds into the first round.[11]

In the semifinals, Awad faced Will Brooks on February 28, 2013 at Bellator 91. In a major upset, Awad knocked out the heavily-favored Brooks via KO in under a minute once again. This remains the only loss on Brook's record thus far.[12]

Awad faced David Rickels in the tournament finals at Bellator 94. He lost the fight via TKO due to a highly controversial finish. Rickels dropped Awad with a right hand at the very end of the round, but Awad remained resting on his back instead of getting up to his corner, resulting in the referee declaring an end to the match.[13]

Awad next faced British fighter Martin Stapleton in the quarterfinal match of Bellator season nine lightweight tournament on September 27, 2013 at Bellator 101. He won the fight via submission in the first round.[14]

Awad had a rematch with Will Brooks in the semifinal round on October 25, 2013 at Bellator 105. He lost via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).[15]

Awad fought Joe Duarte at Bellator 122 in a rematch from their 2011 bout.[16] He won the fight via TKO in the first round where he locked in an arm triangle, and elbowed Duarte, having been punched in the head and made him suffering from symptoms of concussion.[17]

Awad faced undefeated Sergio Rios on October 3, 2014 at Bellator 127.[18] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Awad faced Rob Sinclair at Bellator 136 on April 10, 2015.[19] He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Awad faced Patricky Freire at Bellator 141 on August 28, 2015. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Awad moved up to the welterweight division and faced Evangelista Santos at Bellator 154 on May 14, 2016. Awad defeated the veteran via TKO after repeated strikes on the ground while Santos held on to a submission attempt.[20]

Returning to lightweight, Awad faced Derek Anderson at Bellator 160 on August 26, 2016. In a back-and-forth affair, in which both fighters traded near submission finishes, Awad ultimately lost the fight via unanimous decision.[21]

Awad again moved up to the welterweight division and faced Brennan Ward at Bellator 163 on November 4, 2016. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[22]

Awad faced Ryan Quinn at Bellator 178 on April 21, 2017. He won the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision.[23]

Awad faced Zach Freeman at Bellator 186 on November 3, 2017.[24] He won the fight via TKO in the first round.

Awad faced J.J. Ambrose at Bellator 193 on January 26, 2018.[25] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[26]

Awad fought Ryan Couture at Bellator 201 on June 29, 2018, winning the fight via technical knockout.[27]

Awad faced Benson Henderson at Bellator 208 on October 13, 2018.[28] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

As the first bout of his new contract with Bellator, Awad faced Goiti Yamauchi at Bellator 229 on October 4, 2019.[29] He lost the fight via a verbal submission due to an armbar in the first round.

Awad stepped in as a short-notice replacement for Sabah Homasi against Paul Daley at Bellator 232 on October 26, 2019. He lost the fight via TKO in the second round

Personal life

Awad and his wife Britni live in Riverside, California with their daughter Amaiyah (b. 2016) and son Ace (b. 2018).[30][31]

Championships and accomplishments
  • Bellator Fighting Championships
    • Bellator Season 8 Lightweight Tournament Runner-Up
    • Most losses in Bellator history (10)[32]
  • Gladiator Challenge
    • Gladiator Challenge Lightweight Championship (One time)
  • Titans of the Pentagon
    • TOTP Four-Man Welterweight Tournament Winner (2007)
  • MMAJunkie.com

Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
36 matches 23 wins 13 losses
By knockout 10 4
By submission 7 3
By decision 5 6
By disqualification 1 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 23–13 Paul Daley TKO (punches) Bellator 232 October 26, 2019 2 1:30 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Catchweight (175 lbs) bout.
Loss 23–12 Goiti Yamauchi Verbal Submission (armbar) Bellator 229 October 4, 2019 1 1:40 Temecula, California, United States
Loss 23–11 Brandon Girtz Decision (unanimous) Bellator 219 March 29, 2019 3 5:00 Temecula, California, United States
Loss 23–10 Benson Henderson Decision (unanimous) Bellator 208 October 13, 2018 3 5:00 Uniondale, New York, United States
Win 23–9 Ryan Couture TKO (punches) Bellator 201 June 29, 2018 1 4:29 Temecula, California, United States
Win 22–9 J.J. Ambrose Decision (unanimous) Bellator 193 January 26, 2018 3 5:00 Temecula, California, United States
Win 21–9 Zach Freeman TKO (punch) Bellator 186 November 3, 2017 1 1:07 University Park, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 20–9 Ryan Quinn Decision (unanimous) Bellator 178 April 21, 2017 3 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Catchweight (165 lbs) bout.
Loss 19–9 Brennan Ward KO (punches) Bellator 163 November 4, 2016 1 1:26 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Welterweight bout.
Loss 19–8 Derek Anderson Decision (unanimous) Bellator 160 August 26, 2016 3 5:00 Anaheim, California, United States
Win 19–7 Evangelista Santos TKO (punches) Bellator 154 May 14, 2016 1 4:31 San Jose, California, United States Welterweight bout.
Loss 18–7 Patricky Freire Decision (unanimous) Bellator 141 August 28, 2015 3 5:00 Temecula, California, United States
Win 18–6 Rob Sinclair Decision (unanimous) Bellator 136 April 10, 2015 3 5:00 Irvine, California, United States
Win 17–6 Sergio Rios Decision (unanimous) Bellator 127 October 3, 2014 3 5:00 Temecula, California, United States
Win 16–6 Joe Duarte TKO (elbows) Bellator 122 July 25, 2014 1 1:18 Temecula, California, United States
Loss 15–6 Will Brooks Decision (unanimous) Bellator 105 October 25, 2013 3 5:00 Rio Rancho, New Mexico, United States Bellator Season Nine Lightweight Tournament Semifinal.
Win 15–5 Martin Stapleton Submission (rear naked choke) Bellator 101 September 27, 2013 1 3:46 Portland, Oregon, United States Bellator Season Nine Lightweight Tournament Quarterfinal.
Loss 14–5 David Rickels TKO (punches) Bellator 94 March 28, 2013 2 5:00 Tampa, Florida, United States Bellator Season Eight Lightweight Tournament Final.
Win 14–4 Will Brooks KO (punches) Bellator 91 February 28, 2013 1 0:43 Rio Rancho, New Mexico, United States Bellator Season Eight Lightweight Tournament Semifinal.
Win 13–4 Guillaume DeLorenzi KO (punches) Bellator 87 January 31, 2013 1 0:31 Mount Pleasant, Michigan, United States Bellator Season Eight Lightweight Tournament Quarterfinal.
Win 12–4 Daniel McWilliams Submission IES: Inland Empire Strikes October 20, 2012 1 1:16 Ontario, California, United States
Win 11–4 Matt Shorey TKO (punches) Gladiator Challenge: Star Wars April 29, 2012 1 0:28 San Jacinto, California, United States
Win 10–4 Andy Morales Submission (rear-naked choke) MEZ Sports: Pandemonium 6 March 3, 2012 2 3:59 Riverside, California, United States
Win 9–4 Joey Nier KO (punch) Gladiator Challenge: Pro-Am Series 2 October 16, 2011 1 0:11 San Jacinto, California, United States
Loss 8–4 Joe Duarte Submission (armbar) Strikeforce: Diaz vs. Daley April 9, 2011 2 2:45 San Diego, California, United States
Win 8–3 Bryson Kamaka TKO (punches) KOTC: Sniper August 5, 2010 1 0:21 San Bernardino, California, United States
Loss 7–3 Diego Garijo Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator 10 January 25, 2009 1 4:45 Ontario, California, United States
Loss 7–2 Karen Darabedyan Decision (split) Gladiator Challenge: Revolution January 25, 2009 3 5:00 Los Angeles, California, United States
Win 7–1 Jorge Britto Decision (majority) CCF 3: Undisputed November 28, 2008 2 5:00 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Win 6–1 Kyle Olsen Submission GC 85: Cross Fire October 25, 2008 1 1:14 San Diego, California, United States Won Gladiator Challenge Lightweight Championship.
Loss 5–1 Nam Phan TKO (punches) GC 74: Evolution February 16, 2008 2 0:52 Los Angeles, California, United States
Win 5–0 Evan Vasquez Matus TKO TOTP: Titans of the Pentagon September 22, 2007 1 N/A San José, Costa Rica
Win 4–0 Eric Beitia Submission (guillotine choke) TOTP: Titans of the Pentagon July 21, 2007 N/A N/A San José, Costa Rica
Loss 3–0 Ludwing Salazar KO (punch) TOTP: Titans of the Pentagon April 28, 2007 1 4:50 San José, Costa Rica Won TOTP Four-Man Welterweight Tournament.
Win 2–0 Wilberth Montoya Submission (rear-naked choke) TOTP: Titans of the Pentagon April 28, 2007 1 1:30 San José, Costa Rica
Win 1–0 Art Ruiz DQ KOTC: The Return March 19, 2006 1 4:43 San Jacinto, California, United States
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See also

References
  1. https://www.dostor.org/2572322
  2. http://saadawad.com/?page_id=42
  3. http://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/saad-awad-assassin
  4. Saad Awad's profile MMARoast.com
  5. Gladiator Challenge - Casino Pauma Event by Todd Hester (Gladiatorchallenge.com) on January 13, 2009
  6. Strikeforce Diaz Vs. Daley results: Joe Duarte armbars Saad Awad in second round by Luke Thomas (SBNation.com) on April 9, 2011
  7. Episode No. 1 Recap: 'The Ultimate Fighter 16: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson' MMAjunkie.com (September 14, 2012)
  8. Bellator X results: Soto wins gold; Reis escapes with a win ... barely MMAmania.com (June 6, 2009)
  9. Awad replaces injured Freire, Woodard-Rickles likely new Bellator 87 headliner by Dann Stupp (MMAjunkie.com) on January 30, 2013
  10. Knee injury knocks Patricky 'Pitbull' out of Bellator 87; Saad Awad granted LW tourney berth by Mike Whitman (Sherdog.com) on January 30, 2013
  11. Bellator 87 results: Saad Awad, Will Brooks advance to lightweight tourney semis by Dave Meltzer (MMAfighting.com) on February 1, 2013
  12. Bellator 91 results: Vegh takes M'Pumbu's belt; Awad-Rickels set for 155 title MMAjunkie.com (February 28, 2013)
  13. Bellator 94 results: Emanuel Newton, David Rickels claim tournament titles MMAjunkie.com (March 28, 2013)
  14. Bellator 101 results: Warren taps Kirk; Sarnavskiy, Tirloni, Brooks, Awad win MMAjunkie.com (September 27, 2013)
  15. Bellator 105 results: Brooks and Sarnavskiy book tourney-final date by Dann Stupp (MMAjunkie.com) on October 25, 2013
  16. "Saad Awad returns at Bellator 122, meets Joe Duarte in a rematch of their 2011 bout in Strikeforce". themmareport.com. June 12, 2014.
  17. Bellator MMA: Foundations with Saad Awad
  18. "Bellator 127 full fight card finalized for Pechanga Resort & Casino on Oct. 3 on Spike TV". mmamania.com. September 15, 2014.
  19. Staff (March 5, 2015). "Bellator 136 gets five new fights, including Held vs. Sarnavskiy, Beltran vs. Rogers". mmajunkie.com.
  20. Staff (May 15, 2016). "Bellator 154 Results: Phil Davis Top King Mo to Earn Light Heavyweight Title Shot". mmaweekly.com.
  21. Luke Thomas (August 27, 2016). "Bellator 160 results: Benson Henderson earns victory on Patricio Pitbull injury". mmafighting.com.
  22. Staff (November 4, 2016). "Bellator 163 results: Phil Davis dominates Liam McGeary to capture light heavyweight belt". mmajunkie.com.
  23. Steven Marrocco (April 21, 2017). "Bellator 178 results: 'Pitbull' Freire submits Straus in fourth encounter to recapture title". mmajunkie.com.
  24. Alexander K. Lee (August 31, 2017). "Coming off quick win over Aaron Pico, Zach Freeman meets Saad Awad at Bellator 186". mmafighting.com.
  25. Alexander K. Lee (November 27, 2017). "Saad Awad to face J.J. Ambrose in Bellator 193 co-main event". mmafighting.com.
  26. John Morgan (January 26, 2018). "Bellator 193 results: Lorenz Larkin picks up first Bellator win". mmajunkie.com.
  27. >Bryan Tucker (June 29, 2018). "Bellator 201 Results: Macfarlane vs. Lara". mmafighting.com.
  28. Steven Marrocco (August 14, 2018). "https://mmajunkie.com/2018/08/benson-henderson-vs-saad-awad-tapped-for-bellator-208". mmajunkie.com. External link in |title= (help)
  29. Nolan King (July 19, 2019). "Saad Awad vs. Goiti Yamauchi set for Bellator 229 co-main event". mmajunkie.com.
  30. Gabriel Rizk (May 14, 2016). "MMA: Riverside's Saad Awad takes out Santos in first round". pe.com.
  31. Steven Marrocco (October 3, 2019). "Bellator 229's Saad Awad on how to light a fire under a 13-year vet". mmafighting.com.
  32. Mike Bohn (October 27, 2019). "Bellator 232 post-event facts: Saad Awad's loss comes with dubious footnote". mmajunkie.com.
  33. "MMA Junkie's 'Fight of the Month' for March: A barnburner brawl in Bellator". mmajunkie.com. April 4, 2019.


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