Daniel Pineda (fighter)

Daniel Pineda (born August 6, 1985) is an American former mixed martial artist who competed in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2007, he has also competed for the Professional Fighters League, Bellator, and EliteXC.

Daniel Pineda
Born (1985-08-06) August 6, 1985 (age 39)
Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Other namesThe Pit
ResidenceHouston, Texas, U.S.
Height5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Weight145 lb (66 kg; 10.4 st)
DivisionWelterweight
Lightweight
Featherweight
Reach69 in (175 cm)[1]
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofHouston, Texas, United States
Team4oz Fight Club
RankBlack belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[2]
Years active2007–2024
Mixed martial arts record
Total48
Wins28
By knockout9
By submission19
Losses17
By knockout3
By submission6
By decision8
No contests3
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background

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Born in Dallas and raised in Waller, Texas, Pineda wrestled in high school for three years before he began training in mixed martial arts at 21.[3]

Mixed martial arts career

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Legacy Fighting Championship

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Pineda was the Featherweight Champion of Legacy Fighting Championship. None of his fights with Legacy went to decision with notable wins over fighters such as WEC veteran Frank Gomez. Pineda's fights with Legacy Fighting Championships were always exciting and his last fight with Legacy Fighting Championships before he went to the UFC ended in a TKO by spinning backfist at Legacy Fighting Championships 9.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

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In early January 2012, it was announced that Pineda had been signed to the UFC.

He made his debut on January 20, 2012, at UFC on FX: Guillard vs. Miller against fellow UFC newcomer Pat Schilling.[4] Pineda won the fight via submission in the first round.

Pineda faced Mackens Semerzier on March 3, 2012, at UFC on FX 2, replacing an injured Robbie Peralta.[5] He won the fight via triangle armbar in the first round.

Pineda faced Mike Brown on May 26, 2012, at UFC 146.[6] Pineda lost the bout via unanimous decision.

Pineda faced Antonio Carvalho on July 21, 2012, at UFC 149, replacing an injured George Roop.[7] Pineda lost the fight after he was knocked out for the first time in his professional MMA career.

Pineda returned after a layoff to face Justin Lawrence on April 13, 2013, at The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale.[8] Pineda won the fight via submission in the first round, earning Submission of the Night honors for his performance.[9]

Pineda faced Diego Brandão on August 17, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 26[10] He lost the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision.

Pineda faced Robert Whiteford on March 15, 2014, at UFC 171.[11] He lost the fight via unanimous decision, and was subsequently released from the UFC.

Return to Legacy FC

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Following his UFC release, Pineda re-signed with Legacy Fighting Championships in July 2014.[12]

Pineda faced Leonard Garcia at Legacy FC 37 on November 14, 2014.[13] He won the fight via submission in the first round.[14]

Pineda next faced Thomas Webb at Legacy FC 39 on February 28, 2015. He won the fight via submission early in the first round.[15]

Return to Bellator MMA

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After nearly a six-year absence, Pineda returned to the Bellator MMA promotion in 2016. He faced Emmanuel Sanchez on the main card at Bellator 149 on February 19, 2016. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Pineda faced Mark Dickman at Bellator 161 on September 16, 2016. He won the fight via submission in the third round.[16]

Pineda faced Georgi Karakhanyan at Bellator 182 on August 25, 2017. He lost the fight via doctor stoppage in the second round due to a cut.[17]

Professional Fighters League

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Pineda joined Professional Fighters League (PFL) in 2019 and fought Movlid Khaybulaev and Jeremy Kennedy at PFL. He won both of the bouts on the same night; however it was ruled no contest after Pineda failed a drug test and was subsequently suspended and fined $12,500 by NAC.[18]

Return to the UFC

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Pineda re-signed with UFC in June 2020.[18]

Pineda faced Herbert Burns on August 15, 2020, at UFC 252.[19] He won the fight via technical knockout in round two.[20] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[21]

Pineda faced Cub Swanson on December 12, 2020, at UFC 256.[22] He lost the fight via knockout in the second round.[23]

Pineda faced Andre Fili on June 26, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 190.[24] Early in round two, Pineda was accidentally poked in the eye and was deemed unable to continue. The fight was declared a no contest.[25]

A urine sample Pineda produced on fight night tested positive for amphetamine, a banned substance under the NAC rules. As a result, Pineda was handed a nine-month suspension in September 2021, retroactive to the positive test. He was also fined a total of $2,554.38, accounting for the violation and subsequent legal fees.[26]

Pineda was scheduled to face Jamall Emmers on May 14, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 36.[27] However, the bout was scrapped in late April due to unknown reasons.[28]

Pineda faced Tucker Lutz on March 25, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 43.[29] He won the fight via a guillotine choke submission in the second round.[30] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[31]

Pineda faced Alex Caceres on June 3, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 46.[32] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[33] The win earned Pineda his first Fight of the Night bonus award.[34]

Pineda was scheduled to face Khusein Askhabov on October 7, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 229.[35] However on September 11, Askhabov has been arrested after being connected to the kidnap and torture in Thailand and the bout was cancelled.[36]

Pineda faced Nathaniel Wood on July 27, 2024, at UFC 304.[37] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[38]

Pineda faced Darren Elkins on October 19, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 245.[39] He lost the fight by unanimous decision and retired from mixed martial arts competition after the bout.[40][41] This fight earned him another Fight of the Night award.[42]

Personal life

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Pineda and his wife have a daughter born in 2020.[43]

Championships and accomplishments

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Mixed martial arts

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Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
48 matches 28 wins 17 losses
By knockout 9 3
By submission 19 6
By decision 0 8
No contests 3
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 28–17 (3) Darren Elkins Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs. Pereira October 19, 2024 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Loss 28–16 (3) Nathaniel Wood Decision (unanimous) UFC 304 July 27, 2024 3 5:00 Manchester, England
Loss 28–15 (3) Alex Caceres Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Kara-France vs. Albazi June 3, 2023 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 28–14 (3) Tucker Lutz Submission (guillotine choke) UFC on ESPN: Vera vs. Sandhagen March 25, 2023 2 2:50 San Antonio, Texas, United States Performance of the Night.
NC 27–14 (3) Andre Fili NC (accidental eye poke) UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Volkov June 26, 2021 2 0:46 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Accidental eye poke rendered Pineda unable to continue.
Loss 27–14 (2) Cub Swanson KO (punches) UFC 256 December 12, 2020 2 1:52 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 27–13 (2) Herbert Burns TKO (elbows) UFC 252 August 15, 2020 2 4:37 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Catchweight (149.5 lb) bout; Burns missed weight. Performance of the Night.
NC 26–13 (2) Jeremy Kennedy NC (overturned) PFL 8 (2019) October 17, 2019 1 4:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States 2019 PFL Featherweight Tournament Semifinal. Originally a submission (guillotine choke) win for Pineda; overturned after he tested positive for a banned substance.
NC 26–13 (1) Movlid Khaybulaev 1 0:29 2019 PFL Featherweight Tournament Quarterfinal. Originally a TKO (punches) win for Pineda; overturned after he tested positive for a banned substance.
Win 26–13 Rey Trujillo TKO (punches) Fury FC 32 May 24, 2019 1 3:32 Humble, Texas, United States Return to Featherweight.
Win 25–13 Elias Rodriguez Submission (guillotine choke) Fury FC 28 December 15, 2018 1 0:51 Humble, Texas, United States Won the Fury FC Lightweight Championship.
Win 24–13 Dimitre Ivy Submission (triangle choke) Fury FC 25 July 20, 2018 1 1:10 Humble, Texas, United States Won the interim Fury FC Featherweight Championship.
Win 23–13 Josh Davila TKO (punches) LFA 35 March 9, 2018 2 0:58 Houston, Texas, United States Lightweight bout.
Loss 22–13 Georgi Karakhanyan TKO (doctor stoppage) Bellator 182 August 25, 2017 2 4:05 Verona, New York, United States
Win 22–12 Mark Dickman Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator 161 September 16, 2016 3 2:07 Cedar Park, Texas, United States Return to Featherweight.
Loss 21–12 Emmanuel Sanchez Decision (split) Bellator 149 February 19, 2016 3 5:00 Houston, Texas, United States Catchweight (150 lb) bout.
Win 21–11 Jonny Carson Submission (kimura) Legacy FC 41 April 3, 2015 3 1:45 Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
Win 20–11 Thomas Webb Submission (triangle choke) Legacy FC 39 February 27, 2015 1 0:49 Houston, Texas, United States Catchweight (150 lb) bout.
Win 19–11 Leonard Garcia Submission (kimura) Legacy FC 37 November 14, 2014 1 1:54 Houston, Texas, United States Return to Lightweight.
Loss 18–11 Robert Whiteford Decision (unanimous) UFC 171 March 15, 2014 3 5:00 Dallas, Texas, United States
Loss 18–10 Diego Brandão Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen August 17, 2013 3 5:00 Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Win 18–9 Justin Lawrence Submission (kimura) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Jones vs. Team Sonnen Finale April 13, 2013 1 1:35 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Submission of the Night.
Loss 17–9 Antonio Carvalho KO (punches) UFC 149 July 21, 2012 1 1:11 Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Loss 17–8 Mike Brown Decision (unanimous) UFC 146 May 26, 2012 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 17–7 Mackens Semerzier Submission (triangle-armbar) UFC on FX: Alves vs. Kampmann March 3, 2012 1 2:05 Sydney, Australia
Win 16–7 Pat Schilling Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC on FX: Guillard vs. Miller January 20, 2012 1 1:37 Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Win 15–7 Gilbert Jimenez TKO (spinning backfist) Legacy FC 9 December 16, 2011 2 1:37 Houston, Texas, United States Catchweight (150 lb) bout.
Win 14–7 Frank Gomez Submission (rear-naked choke) Legacy FC 7 July 22, 2011 3 2:25 Houston, Texas, United States Defended the Legacy FC Featherweight Championship.
Win 13–7 Ray Blodgett KO (punch) Legacy FC 6 April 9, 2011 1 0:58 Houston, Texas, United States Defended the Legacy FC Featherweight Championship.
Win 12–7 Levi Forrest Submission (heel hook) Legacy FC 5 January 29, 2011 1 2:49 Houston, Texas, United States Non-title bout.
Win 11–7 Reynaldo Trujillo Submission (rear-naked choke) Legacy Promotions July 31, 2010 1 1:58 Houston, Texas, United States Won the Legacy FC Featherweight Championship.
Loss 10–7 Chas Skelly Submission (kneebar) Bellator 19 May 20, 2010 2 2:16 Grand Prairie, Texas, United States
Win 10–6 James King TKO (punches) KOK 8: The Uprising February 27, 2010 1 4:30 Austin, Texas, United States
Win 9–6 Douglas Frey Submission (heel hook) SWC 9: Redemption November 28, 2009 2 1:55 Frisco, Texas, United States
Loss 8–6 Chas Skelly Submission SWC 8: Night of Rumble September 18, 2009 1 2:12 Frisco, Texas, United States
Loss 8–5 Johnny Bedford Submission (triangle choke) SWC 7: Discountenance June 20, 2009 2 2:58 Frisco, Texas, United States
Loss 8–4 Kyle Miers Submission (rear-naked choke) International Xtreme Fight Association June 6, 2009 1 1:24 Vinton, Louisiana, United States
Loss 8–3 Roberto Vargas Decision (unanimous) Bellator 6 May 8, 2009 3 5:00 Robstown, Texas, United States
Win 8–2 Johnny Bedford Submission (kneebar) SWC 3: St. Valentine's Day Massacre February 21, 2009 1 2:00 Frisco, Texas, United States
Win 7–2 Ira Evanson Submission (armbar) Katana Cagefighting December 6, 2008 2 1:22 Robstown, Texas, United States Won the Katana Cagefighting Featherweight Championship.
Loss 6–2 Scott Bear Submission (choke) Legacy FC 2 August 23, 2008 2 N/A Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
Win 6–1 Vince Libardi TKO (punches) South Coast Promotions July 18, 2008 1 1:13 Houston, Texas, United States
Win 5–1 John Alvarez TKO (punches) Katana Cagefighting May 17, 2008 2 2:04 Robstown, Texas, United States
Win 4–1 Warren Stewart TKO (punches) Urban Rumble Championships 1 April 4, 2008 1 1:42 Pasadena, Texas, United States
Loss 3–1 Lim Jae-suk Submission (rear-naked choke) EliteXC: Renegade November 10, 2007 1 2:42 Corpus Christi, Texas, United States Welterweight bout.
Win 3–0 Kierre Gooch Submission (choke) Renegades Extreme Fighting October 20, 2007 2 0:59 Houston, Texas, United States
Win 2–0 Warren Stewart Submission (rear-naked choke) Art of War 2 May 11, 2007 1 2:00 Austin, Texas, United States
Win 1–0 Jeremy Mahon Submission (rear-naked choke) IFC: Caged Combat April 13, 2007 1 1:03 Corpus Christi, Texas, United States Lightweight debut.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Daniel Pineda | UFC". UFC.com. September 14, 2018. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  2. ^ Sean Zerillo (August 15, 2020). "Herbert Burns vs. Daniel Pineda Odds, Pick & Prediction: 'The Blaze' Has Little Betting Value At UFC 252". The Action Network.
  3. ^ "Daniel Pineda looking to stay undefeated in Houston at Legacy FC 37 – TXMMA – Texas Mixed Martial Arts". November 13, 2014. Retrieved July 31, 2020.
  4. ^ "UFC on FX 1 adds Easton vs. Papazian, Schilling vs. Pineda". mmajunkie.com. January 10, 2012. Archived from the original on January 13, 2012. Retrieved January 16, 2012.
  5. ^ "UFC on FX 2: Daniel Pineda replaces Robert Peralta, meets Mackens Semerzier". mmajunkie.com. February 6, 2012. Archived from the original on February 8, 2012.
  6. ^ "Mike Brown vs. Daniel Pineda added to May's UFC 146 event". mmajunkie.com. March 14, 2012. Archived from the original on March 17, 2012.
  7. ^ "George Roop out, Daniel Pineda meets Antonio Carvalho at UFC 149". mmajunkie.com. June 26, 2012. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012.
  8. ^ "Miller-Palaszewski, Pineda-Lawrence set for TUF 17 Finale in April". mmajunkie.com. February 11, 2013.
  9. ^ a b Andrew Saunders (April 14, 2013). "TUF 17 Finale Results: Recapping the Fight Night Bonuses". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
  10. ^ Staff (June 5, 2013). "Diego Brandao vs. Daniel Pineda added to UFC on FOX Sports 1 1 in Boston". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved June 5, 2013.
  11. ^ Staff (January 19, 2014). "Daniel Pineda vs. Robert Whiteford added to UFC 171 in Dallas". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved January 19, 2014.
  12. ^ MMAJunkie.com Staff (July 14, 2014). "After UFC run, former two-division champ Daniel Pineda returns to Legacy FC". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved July 14, 2014.
  13. ^ "LFC 37 - LEGACY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP 37". sherdog.com.
  14. ^ "Legacy FC 37 results: Daniel Pineda taps Leonard Garcia, 'Bad Boy' calls it a career". mmajunkie.com. November 15, 2014.
  15. ^ "Legacy FC 39 results: Leonardo Leite claims belt with controversial finish". mmajunkie.com. February 28, 2015.
  16. ^ Mike Bohn (September 16, 2016). "Bellator 161 results: Kongo takes decision over Johnson, Warren submits Kakai". mmajunkie.com.
  17. ^ Matt Erickson (August 25, 2017). "Bellator 182 results: Ex-champ Andrey Koreshkov pounds out Chidi Njokuani in first round". mmajunkie.com.
  18. ^ a b "Daniel Pineda re-signs with UFC, six years after release". MMA Junkie. June 24, 2020. Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  19. ^ Raphael Marinho (July 31, 2020). "Herbert Burns to face Daniel Pineda at UFC 252 on August 15th". sportv.globo.com. Retrieved August 3, 2020. (in Portuguese)
  20. ^ Anderson, Jay (August 15, 2020). "UFC 252 Results: Daniel Pineda Traps Herbert Burns in Crucifix, Smashes Way to Victory". Cageside Press. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  21. ^ a b Lee, Alexander K. (August 16, 2020). "UFC 252 bonuses: Newcomers Kai Kamaka, Tony Kelley earn Fight of the Night". MMA Fighting. Retrieved August 16, 2020.
  22. ^ Andrew L. John (November 11, 2020). "Cub Swanson set to return to UFC 256 against Daniel Pineda on Dec. 12". desertsun.com. Retrieved November 12, 2020.
  23. ^ Doherty, Dan (December 12, 2020). "UFC 256 Results: Cub Swanson Knocks Daniel Pineda Out on Injured Leg". Cageside Press. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
  24. ^ DNA, MMA (June 11, 2021). "Andre Fili treft Daniel Pineda op 26 juni". MMA DNA. Retrieved June 12, 2021.
  25. ^ Anderson, Jay (June 26, 2021). "UFC Vegas 30 Results: Andre Fili vs. Daniel Pineda Dazzles Until Eye Poke Results in No Contest". Cageside Press. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  26. ^ "Three UFC fighters suspended by NAC for positive drug tests including amphetamine, marijuana, more". MMA Junkie. September 22, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021.
  27. ^ ATSteveDuncan (February 2, 2022). "Jamall Emmers vs. Daniel Pineda agregado a UFC Fight Night del 14 de mayo". MMA.uno, #1 En noticias de Artes Marciales Mixtas (MMA) en Español. (in Spanish). Retrieved February 2, 2022.
  28. ^ Nolan King and Farah Hannoun (April 29, 2022). "Daniel Pineda vs. Jamall Emmers scrapped from UFC on ESPN 36". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved April 29, 2022.
  29. ^ Nolan King (January 4, 2023). "UFC on ESPN 43 adds Tucker Lutz vs. Daniel Pineda to San Antonio lineup". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  30. ^ Jay Anderson (March 25, 2023). "Daniel Pineda submits Tucker Lutz in return at UFC San Antonio". Cageside Press. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  31. ^ a b Matt Erickson (March 25, 2023). "UFC on ESPN 43 bonuses: Early Comeback of Year candidate gets $50,000". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved March 25, 2023.
  32. ^ "Jim Miller set for 42nd UFC fight, meets Ludovit Klein in Las Vegas". MMA Junkie. April 22, 2023. Retrieved April 25, 2023.
  33. ^ Richardson, Andrew (June 3, 2023). "Caceres Decisions Pineda In Wild Barn-Burner Brawl". MMAmania.com. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
  34. ^ a b UFC Staff Report (June 3, 2023). "Bonus Coverage - UFC Fight Night - Kara-France vs Albazi". ufc.com. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
  35. ^ "UFC books Daniel Pineda vs. Khusein Askhabov for October". MMA Junkie. August 16, 2023. Retrieved August 16, 2023.
  36. ^ Leonard, Harvey (September 11, 2023). "UFC Fighter Khusein Askhabov Arrested In Connection To Kidnap & Torture Of A Man In Thailand". MMA News | UFC News, Results and Interviews. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
  37. ^ Anderson, Jay (April 30, 2024). "Daniel Pineda vs. Nathaniel Wood Added to UFC 304". Cageside Press. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
  38. ^ Cade Morehouse (July 27, 2024). "Nathaniel Wood Takes Win at UFC 304, Daniel Pineda Drops Another Decision". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024.
  39. ^ Anderson, Jay (September 2, 2024). "UFC: Daniel Pineda vs. Darren Elkins Set for October 19". Cageside Press. Retrieved September 2, 2024.
  40. ^ Bryan Hester (October 19, 2024). "UFC Vegas 99: Darren Elkins Sends Daniel Pineda Into Retirement". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
  41. ^ Sayan Nag (October 20, 2024). "Daniel Pineda Announces Retirement After Battle Against Darren Elkins". sherdog.com. Retrieved October 20, 2024.
  42. ^ a b Chris Taylor (October 19, 2024). "UFC Vegas 99 Bonus Report: Darren Elkins and Daniel Pineda earn FOTN honors". bjpenn.com. Retrieved October 19, 2024.
  43. ^ Daniel Pineda wants to keep busy after UFC 252 win. mmajunkie.com. August 15, 2020.
  44. ^ UFC.com (February 24, 2024). "UFC Stats - Featherweight Division". ufc.com.
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