Eduardo Dantas

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Eduardo Dantas
Born (1989-02-03) 3 February 1989 (age 32)
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Other namesDuDu
NationalityBrazilian
Height5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
Weight135 lb (61 kg; 9.6 st)
DivisionBantamweight
Featherweight (2019–present)[1]
Reach69 in (175 cm)
Fighting out ofRio de Janeiro, Brazil
TeamNova União
Rank2nd degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu[2]
Years active2007–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total29
Wins22
By knockout4
By submission7
By decision11
Losses7
By knockout3
By decision3
By disqualification1
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Eduardo Dantas (born 3 February 1989) is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist who competes in the bantamweight division. A professional MMA competitor since 2007, Dantas mostly fought for the Bellator MMA where he was the former two-time Bellator Bantamweight World champion. He has also fought in Shooto, where he has competed for the Shooto 132-pound world title. From January 2012 to October 2017, he was ranked in the top 10 bantamweights in the world by Fight Matrix, getting as high as #3 in January 2014. [3]

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.

Bellator Bantamweight Champion[]

Eduardo challenged champion Zach Makovsky at Bellator 65 on 13 April 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 9 January 2014 that Dantas will defend his belt against Rafael Silva on 7 March 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 10 October 2014 at Bellator 128.[19] He lost the fight and bantamweight championship title via unanimous decision.

Back to contention[]

Dantas was expected to face Mike Richman on 27 March 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 15 May 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]

Second title reign[]

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 26 February 2016, however, the bout was again postponed, this time due to an illness suffered by Galvão.[26] The bout eventually took place on 17 June 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 2 December 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 14 April 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 6 October 2017.[32] Dantas lost the fight and his title by unanimous decision.

After the second title reign[]

Dantas next faced former UFC title contender Michael McDonald on 13 July 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]

He was then scheduled to fight Manny Vazquez at Bellator 215 on 15 February 2019.[35] However, Vazquez withdrew from the bout citing an injury and was replaced by Toby Misech.[36] Dantas won the fight via unanimous decision.[37]

Move up to featherweight[]

On 28 May 2019, it was announced that Dantas would move up to featherweight and face Juan Archuleta at Bellator 222 on 14 June 2019.[1] He lost the fight via knockout in the second round. His contract expired after the fight, making him a free agent.[38]

Post-Bellator career[]

Dantas signed a contract with Elite MMA Championship and was scheduled to compete at EMC 7 on 3 July 2021. However, the bout was cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic travel restrictions.[39]

Return to Shooto Brazil[]

On 13 July 2021, it was announced that Dantas was returning to Shooto Brazil to face Michel Costa on 24 July 2021 in Rio de Janeiro.[39] He won the bout via arm-triangle in the first round.[40]

Dantas was scheduled to face Jose Johnson at Fury FC 53 on November 14, 2021.[41] However, Dantas withdrew from the bout due to travel issues and was replaced by Mo Miller.[42][43]

Championships and accomplishments[]

  • Bellator Fighting Championships
    • Bellator Bantamweight World Championship (Two times; former)
      • Three successful title defenses (overall)
        • Two successful title defenses (first reign)
        • One successful title defense (second reign)
    • Bellator Season 5 Bantamweight Tournament Winner
  • Shooto Brazil
    • Shooto South American Featherweight Championship (One time; former)

Mixed martial arts record[]

Professional record breakdown
29 matches 22 wins 7 losses
By knockout 4 3
By submission 7 0
By decision 11 3
By disqualification 0 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 22–7 Michel Costa Submission (arm-triangle choke) Shooto Brazil 107 24 July 2021 1 3:22 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Loss 21–7 Juan Archuleta KO (punch) Bellator 222 14 June 2019 2 4:59 New York City, New York, United States Featherweight bout.
Win 21–6 Toby Misech Decision (unanimous) Bellator 215 15 February 2019 3 5:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Loss 20–6 Michael McDonald KO (punches) Bellator 202 13 July 2018 1 0:58 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States
Loss 20–5 Darrion Caldwell Decision (unanimous) Bellator 184 6 October 2017 5 5:00 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States Lost the Bellator Bantamweight World Championship.
Win 20–4 Leandro Higo Decision (split) Bellator 177 14 April 2017 3 5:00 Budapest, Hungary Non-title bout; Higo missed weight (139 lbs).
Win 19–4 Joe Warren Decision (majority) Bellator 166 2 December 2016 5 5:00 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States Defended the Bellator Bantamweight World Championship.
Win 18–4 Marcos Galvão Decision (unanimous) Bellator 156 17 June 2016 5 5:00 Fresno, California, United States Won the Bellator Bantamweight World Championship.
Win 17–4 Mike Richman Decision (unanimous) Bellator 137 15 May 2015 3 5:00 Temecula, California, United States
Loss 16–4 Joe Warren Decision (unanimous) Bellator 128 10 October 2014 5 5:00 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States Lost the Bellator Bantamweight World Championship
Win 16–3 Anthony Leone Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator 111 7 March 2014 2 2:04 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States Defended the Bellator Bantamweight Championship.
Win 15–3 Marcos Galvão KO (punches) Bellator 89 14 February 2013 2 3:01 Charlotte, North Carolina, United States Defended the Bellator Bantamweight World Championship.
Loss 14–3 Tyson Nam KO (punch) Shooto Brazil 33: Fight for BOPE 2 25 August 2012 1 1:36 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 14–2 Zach Makovsky Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke) Bellator 65 13 April 2012 2 3:26 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Won the Bellator Bantamweight World Championship.
Win 13–2 Alexis Vila Decision (unanimous) Bellator 59 26 November 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 22 October 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 24 September 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 11 December 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 30 May 2010 3 1:21 Tokyo, Japan
Win 8–2 Carlos Roberto TKO (punches) Shooto Brazil 14 26 November 2009 2 0:46 Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro
Loss 7–2 Masakatsu Ueda Decision (unanimous) Shooto: Revolutionary Exchanges 1: Undefeated 19 July 2009 3 5:00 Tokyo, Japan For the Shooto Featherweight Championship.
Win 7–1 Mauricio Antonio Santos Jr. Decision (unanimous) World Fighting Combat 24 April 2009 3 5:00 Camboinhas, Brazil
Win 6–1 Luis Alberto Nogueira Submission (armbar) Shooto Brazil 9 29 November 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 28 June 2008 2 2:33 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 4–1 Hudson Rocha TKO (punches) Shooto Brazil 5 26 January 2008 1 N/A Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 3–1 Shinichi Kojima Decision (unanimous) Shooto: Back To Our Roots 6 8 November 2007 3 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Loss 2–1 Aritano Silva Barbosa DQ (illegal soccer kicks) Cassino Fight 4 15 September 2007 1 3:31 Manaus, Brazil
Win 2–0 Fabio Oliveira Decision (unanimous) Shooto Brazil 3 7 July 2007 3 5:00 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 1–0 William Porfirio Decision (unanimous) Shooto Brazil 2 24 March 2007 3 5:00 Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro

[11]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ a b Guilherme Cruz (28 May 2019). "Eduardo Dantas moves up to featherweight, faces Juan Archuleta at Bellator 222". mmafighting.com.
  2. ^ Eduardo Dantas [@DuduDantasMMA] (28 October 2019). "Training Sunday #BJJ" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  3. ^ "Eduardo Dantas - MMA Fighter Profile, Ranking - FightMatrix.com". Retrieved 13 April 2021.
  4. ^ "Pictures: The Nova Uniao Army". sherdog.com. 19 January 2010.
  5. ^ "Top Shootors go back to their roots". sherdog.com. 7 November 2007.
  6. ^ "Ribeiro impresses at Shooto Brazil". sherdog.com. 28 January 2008.
  7. ^ "10 July Tussles Worth Watching". sherdog.com. 2 July 2009.
  8. ^ "Sherdog official Mixed Martial Arts rankings (July 16, 2009)". sherdog.com. 16 July 2009.
  9. ^ "Ueda holds off Dantas; Formiga upsets Kojima". sherdog.com. 19 July 2009.
  10. ^ "Weekend rundown: Browning, Prangley, Clementi victorious". sherdog.com. 30 November 2009.
  11. ^ a b "Eduardo Dantas". sherdog.com. Retrieved 6 November 2010.
  12. ^ "Title bouts added to Shooto - Brazil 20". sherdog.com. 4 November 2010.
  13. ^ "Video: Bellator champion Eduardo Dantas knocked out by Tyson Nam in Brazil". mmamania.com. 26 August 2012.
  14. ^ a b "Tyson Nam knocks out Bellator champ Eduardo Dantas at Shooto Brazil 33". mmajunkie.com. 26 August 2012.
  15. ^ "Eduardo Dantas sidelined with injury, will defend title against Rafael Silva in 2014". mmafighting.com. 10 October 2013.
  16. ^ Staff. "Champ Eduardo Dantas vs. Rafael Silva set for Bellator 111 on March 7". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 9 January 2014.
  17. ^ "Anthony Leone Replaces Injured Rafael Silva, Faces Eduardo Dantas for Bellator Bantamweight Title". MMAWeekly.com. Retrieved 5 February 2014.
  18. ^ Al-Shatti, Shaun (27 April 2014). "Eduardo Dantas suffers head injury, Joe Warren now meets Rafael Silva for interim bantamweight title at Bellator 118". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 29 July 2014.
  19. ^ "Eduardo Dantas vs. Joe Warren title fight headlines Bellator 128". mmafighting.com. 8 September 2014.
  20. ^ "Bellator 135 Fight Card". bellator.com. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
  21. ^ Jason Floyd (9 March 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.
  22. ^ Bellator MMA: Foundations with Eduardo Dantas
  23. ^ Brent Brookhouse (31 March 2015). "Three bouts announced for Bellator 137, including Mike Richman vs. Eduardo Dantas". mmajunkie.com.
  24. ^ Steven Rondina (9 June 2015). "2-Year Suspension Handed to Bellator's Mike Richman". bleacherreport.com.
  25. ^ Dann Stupp (7 October 2015). "Bellator 144's Marcos Galvao vs. Eduardo Dantas 2 title fight postponed". mmajunkie.com.
  26. ^ Staff (25 February 2016). "On eve of Bellator 150, Marcos Galvao vs. Eduardo Dantas title fight pulled from card". mmajunkie.com.
  27. ^ Brent Brookhouse (17 June 2016). "Bellator 156 results: Eduardo Dantas dominates Marcos Galvao to win bantamweight title". mmajunkie.com.
  28. ^ Steven Marrocco (2 December 2016). "Bellator 166 results: Eduardo Dantas retains bantamweight title with majority nod over Joe Warren". mmajunkie.com.
  29. ^ Danny Segura (8 February 2017). "Eduardo Dantas vs. Darrion Caldwell set to headline Bellator 177 in Budapest". mmafighting.com.
  30. ^ Guilherme Cruz (13 April 2017). "Leandro Higo misses weight, Bellator 177 main event now a non-title fight vs. Eduardo Dantas". mmafighting.com.
  31. ^ Newswire (14 April 2017). "Bellator 177 results: Eduardo Dantas takes split decision over Leandro Higo in Budapest". mmafighting.com.
  32. ^ Staff (14 July 2017). "Bellator 184 set for Oct. 6 with champ Eduardo Dantas vs. Darrion Caldwell, Emmanuel Sanchez vs. Daniel Straus". mmajunkie.com.
  33. ^ Steven, Marrocco (13 July 2016). "Bellator 202 results: Michael McDonald KOs ex-champ Eduardo Dantas in 58 seconds". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 13 July 2016.
  34. ^ Staff (14 July 2016). "Bellator 202 highlights: Bad news for both fighters after this 58-second knockout". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 14 July 2016.
  35. ^ Guilherme Cruz (2 January 2019). "Former champion Eduardo Dantas returns against Manny Vazquez at Bellator 215". mmafighting.com.
  36. ^ "Return to Hilo put Toby Misech back on track ahead of Eduardo Dantas matchup". mmafighting.com. 15 February 2019.
  37. ^ Matt Erickson (15 February 2019). "Bellator 215 results: Eduardo Dantas snaps skid, outworks Toby Misech". MMAjunkie.com.
  38. ^ Guilherme Cruz (8 October 2020). "Former champ Eduardo Dantas parts ways with Bellator, wants UFC deal". mmafighting.com.
  39. ^ a b Cruz, Guilherme (13 July 2021). "Eduardo Dantas returns to Shooto Brasil for first post-Bellator fight". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 15 July 2021.
  40. ^ "Ex-campeão do Bellator, Dudu Dantas vence por finalização na luta principal do Shooto Brazil 108". ge (in Portuguese). Retrieved 28 July 2021.
  41. ^ Nolan King (3 November 2021). "On the Doorstep: 5 fighters who could make UFC or Bellator with November wins". MMAjunkie.com.
  42. ^ Chris De Santiago (11 November 2021). "Dudu Dantas, Johnny Campbell Out, Mo Miller Now Gets Jose Johnson At Fury FC 53". mymmanews.com.
  43. ^ Eduardo Dantas [@DuduDantasMMA] (10 November 2021). "The Organization is having problems booking my visa. I don't know if I'll be able to board" (Tweet) – via Twitter.

External links[]

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