John Castañeda (born December 18, 1991) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional competitor since 2012, he formerly competed for Combate Global.
| John Castañeda | |
|---|---|
| Born | John Castañeda December 18, 1991 Dallas, Texas, United States |
| Other names | Sexi Mexi |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| Weight | 135 lb (61 kg; 9 st 9 lb) |
| Division | Lightweight Featherweight Bantamweight |
| Reach | 71 in (180 cm)[1] |
| Team | Mankato Martial Arts (2010–2014)[2] Minnesota Martial Arts Academy (2015–present)[2] Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA (2023–present)[3] |
| Rank | Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Greg Nelson[4] |
| Years active | 2012–present |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 28 |
| Wins | 21 |
| By knockout | 8 |
| By submission | 6 |
| By decision | 7 |
| Losses | 7 |
| By knockout | 2 |
| By decision | 5 |
| University | Minnesota State University, Mankato[2] |
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
Background
editCastañeda was born in Dallas, Texas. At four, he relocated to Minnesota, where he currently resides. During his freshman year of college, he wrestled for the Minnesota State Mavericks. In 2013, Castañeda graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato.[5][6] He double-majored in criminal justice and Spanish with a minor in social work.[2][5]
Professional mixed martial arts career
editEarly career
editCastañeda went 15–1 in amateur competition, and racked a professional record of 7–2 in the regional circuit of Minnesota before signing with Combate Americas.[5] In Combate Americas, Castañeda amassed four straight victories which led to a shot at the inaugural Combate Americas Bantamweight Championship. Castañeda faced Gustavo Lopez at Combate Americas - Empire Rising on October 14, 2016, with the bout being originally being for the championship, however Castañeda missed weight, coming in at 137.5 lbs. He won the bout via fourth-round knockout.[7][8]
Castañeda was cut from Combate Americas after he refused the rematch against Gustavo Lopez, however he later returned to the promotion, defeating Chris Beal via TKO in the second round at Combate Americas 14.[8][9]
Dana White's Contender Series
editHaving racked up a record of 13–2, Castañeda was invited to compete at Dana White's Contender Series 5, facing Cheyden Leialoha. He won the bout via unanimous decision, but was not awarded with a contract to the UFC.[10]
Return to Combate
editOn October 26, 2017, it was announced that Castañeda would participate in Combate Americas' Copa Combate 2017 one-night tournament that took place on November 11, 2017.[11] In the quarterfinals Castañeda faced Kevin Moreyra, winning by first-round submission. Advancing to the semifinals, he defeated Marc Gomez by unanimous decision. In the tournament final Castañeda faced Levy Marroquín, losing the bout via unanimous decision.[12]
Castañeda was expected to headline Combate Americas Mexico vs. USA against Érik Pérez on October 13, 2018, but the bout was postponed to a later date because Castañeda caught staph infection.[13][14]
After the tournament, Castañeda went on to lose one and win one bout in Combate Americas before being signed to the UFC on short notice.[15]
Ultimate Fighting Championship
editReplacing the mourning Umar Nurmagomedov on short notice on July 26, 2020, Castañeda made his UFC debut against Nathaniel Wood at UFC on ESPN 14.[16][17] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[18]
Castañeda faced Eddie Wineland on February 20, 2021 at UFC Fight Night 185.[19] He won the fight via first round technical knockout.[20]
Castañeda faced Miles Johns on February 5, 2022 at UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Strickland.[21] He won the fight via third round technical submission.[22]
As the last bout of his initial UFC contract, Castañeda faced Daniel Santos on October 1, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 211.[23][24] He lost the bout in the second round, getting knocked out with a knee.[25] This bout earned the Fight of the Night award.[26]
As the first fight of his new four-fight contract, Castañeda was scheduled to face Mateus Mendonça on June 3, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 46.[27][24] However, Mendonça withdrew from the bout and was replaced by Muin Gafurov.[28] Castañeda won the fight by unanimous decision.[29]
Castañeda faced Kang Kyung-ho on November 18, 2023 at UFC 295.[30] He won the bout via unanimous decision.[31]
Castañeda faced Daniel Marcos on June 8, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 57.[32] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[33]
Championships and accomplishments
editMixed martial arts
edit- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Daniel Santos[26]
Mixed martial arts record
edit| 28 matches | 21 wins | 7 losses |
| By knockout | 8 | 2 |
| By submission | 6 | 0 |
| By decision | 7 | 5 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 21–7 | Daniel Marcos | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on ESPN: Cannonier vs. Imavov | June 8, 2024 | 3 | 5:00 | Louisville, Kentucky, United States | |
| Win | 21–6 | Kang Kyung-ho | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 295 | November 11, 2023 | 3 | 5:00 | New York City, New York, United States | Catchweight (138 lb) bout. |
| Win | 20–6 | Muin Gafurov | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on ESPN: Kara-France vs. Albazi | June 3, 2023 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Gafurov was deducted 1 point in round 2 due to repeatedly leading with the head. |
| Loss | 19–6 | Daniel Santos | KO (punches and knee) | UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Yan | October 1, 2022 | 2 | 4:28 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Catchweight (140 lb) bout. Fight of the Night. |
| Win | 19–5 | Miles Johns | Technical Submission (arm-triangle choke) | UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Strickland | February 5, 2022 | 3 | 1:38 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Johns tested positive for adderall. |
| Win | 18–5 | Eddie Wineland | TKO (punches) | UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. Lewis | February 20, 2021 | 1 | 4:44 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 17–5 | Nathaniel Wood | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on ESPN: Whittaker vs. Till | July 26, 2020 | 3 | 5:00 | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates | |
| Win | 17–4 | Marcelo Rojo | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | Combate Americas 35 | April 12, 2019 | 3 | 2:37 | Monterrey, Mexico | Catchweight (138.5 lb) bout; Castañeda missed weight. |
| Loss | 16–4 | José Alday | Decision (split) | Combate Americas 20 | April 13, 2018 | 3 | 5:00 | Los Angeles, California, United States | |
| Loss | 16–3 | Levy Marroquín | Decision (unanimous) | Combate Americas 18: Copa Combate | November 11, 2017 | 3 | 3:00 | Cancún, Mexico | Lost the Copa Combate 2017. |
| Win | 16–2 | Marc Gomez | Decision (unanimous) | 3 | 3:00 | Copa Combate 2017 Semifinal. | |||
| Win | 15–2 | Kevin Moreyra | Submission (rear-naked choke) | 1 | 4:52 | Copa Combate 2017 Quarterfinal. | |||
| Win | 14–2 | Cheyden Leialoha | Decision (unanimous) | Dana White's Contender Series 4 | August 1, 2017 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 13–2 | Chris Beal | TKO (punches) | Combate Americas 14 | May 5, 2017 | 2 | 0:42 | Ventura, California, United States | |
| Win | 12–2 | Gustavo Lopez | TKO (punches) | Combate Americas 9 | October 14, 2016 | 4 | 2:24 | Verona, New York, United States | For the vacant CAMMA Bantamweight Championship. Castañeda missed weight (137.5 lb) and was ineligible to win the title. |
| Win | 11–2 | Angel Cruz | TKO (punches) | Combate Americas 8 | August 11, 2016 | 2 | 2:25 | Los Angeles, California, United States | Featherweight bout. |
| Win | 10–2 | Gabriel Solorio | Decision (split) | Combate Americas 6 | April 25, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Los Angeles, California, United States | Featherweight bout. |
| Win | 9–2 | Federico Lopez | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | Combate Americas: Road to the Championship 2 | December 16, 2015 | 3 | 4:49 | Los Angeles, California, United States | Catchweight (140 lb) bout. |
| Win | 8–2 | Justin Governale | Decision (unanimous) | Combate Americas: Road to the Championship 1 | September 17, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Catchweight (140 lb) bout. |
| Win | 7–2 | Joe Pearson | TKO (punches) | KOTC: Power Surge | August 22, 2015 | 1 | 2:47 | Carlton, Minnesota, United States | |
| Win | 6–2 | Pedro Velasco | Submission (rear-naked choke) | KOTC: Total Dominance | May 16, 2015 | 1 | 2:42 | Carlton, Minnesota, United States | |
| Loss | 5–2 | Matt Brown | Decision (split) | RFA 19: Checco vs. Collier | October 10, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | Prior Lake, Minnesota, United States | |
| Win | 5–1 | Ruddy Gray | TKO (punches) | Driller Promotions: Live MMA at 7 Clans Casino | July 26, 2014 | 2 | 3:17 | River Falls, Minnesota, United States | Catchweight (140 lb) bout. |
| Loss | 4–1 | Matt Brown | TKO (punches) | Driller Promotions: Mecca 5 | May 31, 2014 | 1 | 2:22 | Prior Lake, Minnesota, United States | For the Driller Promotions Bantamweight Championship. |
| Win | 4–0 | Derrick Mandell | Decision (unanimous) | Driller Promotions / SEG: Caged Chaos at Canterbury Park 5 | February 22, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | Shakopee, Minnesota, United States | Bantamweight bout. |
| Win | 3–0 | Adam Schumacher | TKO (submission to punches) | Driller Promotions: Mecca 2 | November 2, 2013 | 1 | 3:32 | Prior Lake, Minnesota, United States | |
| Win | 2–0 | Bruce Johnson | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Driller Promotions / SEG: Downtown Showdown 12 | January 26, 2013 | 1 | 2:32 | Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States | Catchweight (165 lb) bout. |
| Win | 1–0 | Brandon Abrego | KO (punch) | Driller Promotions / SEG: Caged Chaos | September 22, 2012 | 1 | 0:36 | Shakopee, Minnesota, United States | Lightweight debut. |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Stats | UFC". www.ufcstats.com. Retrieved February 5, 2022.
- ^ a b c d Michael DeSantis (July 30, 2017). "DWTNCS' John Castaneda Chose "Deep Passion" MMA Over Criminal Law Field". mmasucka.com.
- ^ MMAjunkie.com (June 4, 2023). John Castaneda: 'I Can't Blame' Muin Gafurov For Head Butts, Was Aware of Hype | UFC on ESPN 45 – via YouTube.
- ^ John Castañeda [@johncastaneda_] (March 6, 2021). "11+ years invested on my BJJ journey. Blessed to have received my brown belt today from coach @gregnelsonmma" – via Instagram.
- ^ a b c "John Castañeda". Ultimate Fighting Championship. September 14, 2018. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ Caron, Nick. "John Castaneda: Minn. MMA Amateur Champ Looking for 1st-Round KO in Pro Debut". Bleacher Report. Retrieved February 5, 2022.
- ^ Mike Sloan (October 14, 2016). "John Castaneda Denies Gustavo Lopez Inaugural Combate Americas Bantamweight Title". Sherdog.
- ^ a b Holland, Jesse (November 15, 2016). "Combate Americas Cuts John Castaneda". MMAmania.com. Retrieved February 5, 2022.
- ^ "Combate Americas 14 Results: Chávez Chokes Estrada, Castañeda Finishes Beal". Combat Press. Retrieved February 5, 2022.
- ^ "DWTNCS 5 results: Mike Rodriguez, Alex Perez latest UFC signees". MMA Fighting. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ Danny Segura (October 26, 2017). "Combate Americas' Copa Combate fight card complete with three new bouts". mmafighting.com.
- ^ Danny Segura (November 12, 2017). "Copa Combate results: Levy Marroquin wins eight-man bantamweight tournament, takes home $100K". mmafighting.com.
- ^ Jesse Holland (September 18, 2018). "Erik Perez vs John Castaneda headlines Combate Americas 'Mexico vs USA' on Oct. 13 in Tucson". mmamania.com.
- ^ Guilherme Cruz (October 9, 2018). "Erik Perez out of Combate Americas 24 main event as opponent deals with staph infection". mmafighting.com.
- ^ Nolan King (July 9, 2020). "UFC taps John Castaneda to replace Umar Nurmagomedov, will fight Nathaniel Wood on 'Fight Island'". MMAjunkie.com.
- ^ "Umar Nurmagomedov, Tagir Ulanbekov delay travel to Fight Island following the passing of Khabib's dad". FanSided. July 3, 2020. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
- ^ "UFC adds Nathaniel Wood vs. Umar Nurmagomedov to July 25 lineup". MMA Junkie. June 12, 2020. Retrieved June 13, 2020.
- ^ Bitter, Shawn (July 25, 2020). "UFC Fight Island 3 Results: Nathaniel Wood Too Much for Debuting John Castaneda". Cageside Press. Retrieved July 25, 2020.
- ^ Jay Anderson (December 8, 2020). "UFC: Eddie Wineland and John Castaneda to throw down on February 20". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved December 8, 2020.
- ^ McClory, Mike (February 20, 2021). "UFC Vegas 19 Results: John Castaneda Overwhelms Eddie Wineland". Cageside Press. Retrieved February 21, 2021.
- ^ Dorff, Marcel (October 8, 2021). "BREAKING: Miles Johns vs. John Castaneda toegevoegd aan UFC evenement op 5 februari". MMA DNA (in Dutch). Retrieved October 9, 2021.
- ^ Evanoff, Josh (February 5, 2022). "UFC Vegas 47: John Castaneda Puts Miles Johns to Sleep". Cageside Press. Retrieved February 6, 2022.
- ^ Nolan King and Farah Hannoun (August 2, 2022). "UFC books John Castaneda vs. Daniel Santos for Oct. 1". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved August 2, 2022.
- ^ a b Current MMA (May 4, 2023). "John Castaneda on June 3 fight, new UFC contract & training in Thailand" – via YouTube.
- ^ Law, Eddie (October 1, 2022). "UFC Vegas 61: Daniel Santos Goes To War With Castaneda, Finishes Fight With Vicious Knee". Cageside Press. Retrieved October 2, 2022.
- ^ a b Staff (October 1, 2022). "UFC Fight Night 211 bonuses: Six fighters take home extra $50,000 each". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved October 1, 2022.
- ^ Raghuwanshi, Mohit. "UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Allen - ITN WWE". www.itnwwe.com. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
- ^ "Updates to UFC Fight Night: Kara-France vs Albazi". Ultimate Fighting Championship. June 2, 2023.
- ^ Bitter, Shawn (June 3, 2023). "UFC Vegas 74: John Castaneda Defeats Newcomer Muin Gafurov on Scorecards". Cageside Press. Retrieved June 4, 2023.
- ^ Desk, ITN News (August 16, 2023). "Kyung Ho Kang vs John Castaneda Reported for UFC Nov 18 Event". www.itnwwe.com. Retrieved August 17, 2023.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ Dewar, Val (November 12, 2023). "UFC 295: John Castaneda Sweeps Scorecards in Back and Forth Affair with Kyung Ho Kang". Cageside Press. Retrieved November 12, 2023.
- ^ King, Nolan (April 22, 2024). "Matchup Roundup: New UFC, PFL, Bellator fights announced in the past week (April 15–21)". MMA Junkie. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
- ^ Hester, Bryson (June 8, 2024). "UFC Louisville: Daniel Marcos Wins Clear Decision Over John Castañeda, Stays Unbeaten". Cageside Press. Retrieved June 8, 2024.
- ^ "John "Sexi Mexi" Castañeda". Sherdog. Retrieved October 30, 2021.