Joshua Ray Burkman[2] (born April 10, 1980) is a retired American professional mixed martial artist formerly competing in the Welterweight division. He formerly competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the World Series of Fighting, the XFC, and was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter 2.[3]

Josh Burkman
Burkman in 2007
Born (1980-04-10) April 10, 1980 (age 44)
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Other namesThe People's Warrior
Height5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)[1]
Weight170 lb (77 kg; 12 st)
DivisionMiddleweight
Welterweight
Lightweight
Reach72 in (183 cm)[1]
StyleWrestling
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofSalt Lake City, Utah, United States
TeamThe Pit Elevated Fight Team
Years active2003–2019
Mixed martial arts record
Total47
Wins28
By knockout7
By submission10
By decision11
Losses18
By knockout2
By submission9
By decision7
No contests1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background

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Burkman was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, he attended Cottonwood High School. He was a three-sport star athlete for the Colts. He was a Class 5A All-State third baseman on the baseball team, and was captain of the football team, where he rushed for over 1,000 yards as a senior. As a member of the wrestling team, he finished second place in the state championships in the 171-pound division.

Burkman played two seasons of college football before he began his career in mixed martial arts. He spent his freshman season at Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, but he missed half the season with an injury. Then he transferred to Dixie State College in St. George, Utah. His sophomore season (2001) was spectacular: he rushed for 1,439 yards and 13 touchdowns for the Rebels, earning JUCO All-American honors. His team won the Dixie Rotary Bowl; for his performance, Burkman earned a scholarship offer from the University of Utah. Ultimately, he decided to drop football and pursue mixed martial arts.

Mixed martial arts career

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Ultimate Fighting Championship

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Burkman was originally chosen to be on the inaugural season of The Ultimate Fighter, but he failed pre-show drug test failure and admitted to taking Winstrol.[4] He was later a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter 2 as part of Team Hughes.

Burkman was signed by the UFC and had his debut fight at The Ultimate Fighter 2 Finale; he defeated Sammy Morgan by knockout in 21 seconds of the first round.

During his time with the UFC, Burkman earned wins over Drew Fickett, Josh Neer, and Forrest Petz, but was largely unsuccessful against the bigger names in the division. After three back-to-back losses in 2008, Burkman was cut from the UFC with a record of 5 wins and 5 losses.

Showdown Fights

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On November 20, 2009, Burkman faced Ultimate Fighter alumni Brandon Melendez defeating him by KO in round one at Throwdown Showdown 5.

On April 9, 2010, Burkman took on Jake Paul at Showdown Fights – Burkman vs. Paul winning via unanimous decision.

On September 24, 2010, Burkman faced undefeated Jordan Smith at Showdown Fights – Respect. Burkman won the fight via split decision.

On April 2, 2011, Burkman faced Canadian prospect Jordan Mein at MMA: The Reckoning in Orillia, Ontario, Canada, Burkman lost via unanimous decision.

On February 24, 2012, Burkman faced Koffi Adzitso at Showdown Fights – Breakout, Burkman won via unanimous decision.

On August 25, 2012, Burkman faced Ultimate Fighter alumni Jamie Yager at Showdown Fights - Burkman vs. Yager. Burkman won via guillotine choke submission.

World Series of Fighting

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On September 6, 2012, it was announced that Burkman was one of many fighters to sign on with new MMA Promotion the World Series of Fighting.[5] He faced Gerald Harris on November 3, 2012, at WSOF 1 and won via unanimous decision.

Burkman faced Aaron Simpson at World Series of Fighting 2 on March 23, 2013.[6] He won the fight via KO due to a knee strike and punches in the first round.

Burkman faced Jon Fitch on June 14, 2013, at World Series of Fighting 3 in a rematch of their first fight in which Burkman lost to Fitch due to a rear naked choke. Burkman avenged his loss, dropping Fitch with a series of punches before applying a guillotine choke submission and getting the win in just 41 seconds of round number one.[7]

Burkman faced Steve Carl on October 26, 2013, at WSOF 6 in the main event for the WSOF Welterweight Championship.[8] He lost the fight via triangle choke in the fourth round. It was noted that Josh did tap out from the choke but the ref ignored the tap, allowing Steve Carl to choke Burkman until he lost consciousness.[9]

Burkman faced Tyler Stinson at WSOF 9 on March 29, 2014. He won the fight via knockout in the first round.

Return to the Ultimate Fighting Championship

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Burkman signed a contract to return to the UFC for the first time since 2008 on October 3, 2014. Burkman faced Héctor Lombard on January 3, 2015, at UFC 182.[10] He lost the fight by unanimous decision. Subsequently, it was revealed that Lombard failed his post-fight drug test. On March 23, 2015, it was announced by the NSAC that the result of the fight had been overturned to a no contest.[11]

Burkman faced Dong Hyun Kim on May 23, 2015, at UFC 187.[12] Burkman lost the fight via submission in the third round.[13]

Burkman faced Patrick Côté on August 23, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 74.[14] He lost the back and forth fight via TKO in the third round and both participants were awarded Fight of the Night honors.[15][16]

For his next fight, Burkman dropped down to the lightweight division as he faced K. J. Noons on February 6, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 82.[17] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[18]

Burkman next faced Paul Felder on May 29, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 88.[19] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[20]

Burkman was expected to face Bobby Green on October 1, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 96. However, Green pulled out of the fight citing an undisclosed injury. He was replaced by promotional newcomer Zak Ottow. As a result of the late notice opponent change, the bout was contested at welterweight.[21][22] He lost the fight via split decision.[23]

Burkman faced Michel Prazeres on March 11, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 106.[24] He lost the fight via submission in the first round.[25]

Burkman faced Drew Dober on July 29, 2017, at UFC 214.[26] He lost the fight by knockout in the first round.[27]

Burkman faced Alex Morono on February 18, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 126 at the welterweight division.[28] He lost the fight via a guillotine choke submission in the first round.[29]

Post-UFC career

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After being released from the UFC for the second time, Burkman faced William Macário at LFA 66 on May 10, 2019.[30] He lost the fight via split decision and announced his retirement from MMA.[31]

Championships & accomplishments

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Personal life

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Burkman dated current UFC ring girl, Arianny Celeste.[34]

Burkman married Brandy Lyn Winfield, 2010 International Yoga Champion, on December 1, 2011. Together they have a son, Legend Burkman, who was born in 2012 and had a second son Atlas born January 13, 2015.[35]

His older brother Jered was a star baseball player alongside Chris Shelton at both Cottonwood High School and Salt Lake Community College.

Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
47 matches 28 wins 18 losses
By knockout 7 2
By submission 10 9
By decision 11 7
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 28–18 (1) William Macário Decision (split) LFA 66 May 10, 2019 3 5:00 West Valley City, Utah, United States
Loss 28–17 (1) Alex Morono Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night: Cowboy vs. Medeiros February 18, 2018 1 2:12 Austin, Texas, United States Welterweight bout.
Loss 28–16 (1) Drew Dober KO (punch) UFC 214 July 29, 2017 1 3:04 Anaheim, California, United States
Loss 28–15 (1) Michel Prazeres Submission (north-south choke) UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Gastelum March 11, 2017 1 1:42 Fortaleza, Brazil
Loss 28–14 (1) Zak Ottow Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Lineker vs. Dodson October 1, 2016 3 5:00 Portland, Oregon, United States Welterweight bout.
Loss 28–13 (1) Paul Felder Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Almeida vs. Garbrandt May 29, 2016 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 28–12 (1) K. J. Noons Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Hendricks vs. Thompson February 6, 2016 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Lightweight debut.
Loss 27–12 (1) Patrick Côté TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Holloway vs. Oliveira August 23, 2015 3 1:26 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada Fight of the Night.
Loss 27–11 (1) Dong Hyun Kim Submission (arm-triangle choke) UFC 187 May 23, 2015 3 2:13 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
NC 27–10 (1) Héctor Lombard NC (overturned) UFC 182 January 3, 2015 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Originally a unanimous decision win for Lombard; overturned after he tested positive for anabolic steroids.
Win 27–10 Tyler Stinson KO (punch) WSOF 9 March 29, 2014 1 2:15 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 26–10 Steve Carl Technical Submission (triangle choke) WSOF 6 October 26, 2013 4 1:02 Coral Gables, Florida, United States For the inaugural WSOF Welterweight Championship.
Win 26–9 Jon Fitch Technical Submission (guillotine choke) WSOF 3 June 14, 2013 1 0:41 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 25–9 Aaron Simpson KO (knee and punches) WSOF 2 March 23, 2013 1 3:04 Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win 24–9 Gerald Harris Decision (unanimous) WSOF 1 November 3, 2012 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 23–9 Jamie Yager Submission (guillotine choke) Showdown Fights 8 – Burkman vs. Yager August 25, 2012 2 3:25 Orem, Utah, United States
Win 22–9 Koffi Adzitso Decision (unanimous) Showdown Fights 6 – Breakout February 24, 2012 3 5:00 Orem, Utah, United States
Loss 21–9 Jordan Mein Decision (unanimous) MMA 1: The Reckoning April 2, 2011 3 5:00 Rama, Ontario, Canada
Win 21–8 Jordan Smith Decision (split) Showdown Fights 2: Respect September 24, 2010 3 5:00 Orem, Utah, United States
Win 20–8 Jake Paul Decision (unanimous) Showdown Fights 1: Burkman vs. Paul April 9, 2010 3 5:00 Orem, Utah, United States
Win 19–8 Brandon Melendez KO (punch) Throwdown Showdown 5 November 20, 2009 1 4:14 Orem, Utah, United States
Loss 18–8 Pete Sell Decision (unanimous) UFC 90 October 25, 2008 3 5:00 Rosemont, Illinois, United States
Loss 18–7 Dustin Hazelett Submission (armbar) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rampage vs Team Forrest Finale June 21, 2008 2 4:46 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 18–6 Mike Swick Decision (majority) UFC Fight Night: Swick vs. Burkman January 23, 2008 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 18–5 Forrest Petz Decision (split) UFC 77 October 20, 2007 3 5:00 Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Loss 17–5 Karo Parisyan Decision (unanimous) UFC 71 May 26, 2007 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 17–4 Chad Reiner Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Evans vs. Salmon January 25, 2007 3 5:00 Hollywood, Florida, United States
Win 16–4 Josh Neer Decision (unanimous) UFC 61 July 8, 2006 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 15–4 Jon Fitch Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night 4 April 6, 2006 2 4:57 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 15–3 Drew Fickett Submission (guillotine choke) UFC Fight Night 3 January 16, 2006 1 1:07 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 14–3 Sammy Morgan KO (slam and elbows) The Ultimate Fighter 2 Finale November 5, 2005 1 0:21 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 13–3 Jeremy Horn Technical Submission (choke) XFC – Dome Of Destruction 1 April 29, 2005 1 1:14 Tacoma, Washington, United States Middleweight bout.
Win 13–2 Brian Wieber TKO (punches) IFC: Eve Of Destruction March 5, 2005 1 2:36 Salt Lake City, Utah, United States Welterweight debut.
Win 12–2 Kyacey Uscola Submission (rear-naked choke) SF 4: Fight For Freedom June 26, 2004 1 N/A Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Win 11–2 Drew Ellisor Decision (unanimous) Cage Fighting Championship 1 May 1, 2004 3 5:00 Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Win 10–2 Isidro Gonzalez Submission (guillotine choke) SF 2: On the Move March 19, 2004 1 1:58 Portland, Oregon, United States
Loss 9–2 Matt Horwich Submission (triangle choke) SF 1: Revolution February 21, 2004 2 2:11 Portland, Oregon, United States
Win 9–1 Jeremy Brown Decision UCE Winter Warrior Land: Episode 1 November 29, 2003 N/A N/A Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Win 8–1 Derek Downey Decision (unanimous) UCE Summer Series: Episode 4 August 30, 2003 3 3:00 Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Win 7–1 Brian Garlick Submission (choke) UCE Round 4: Finals July 12, 2003 2 N/A Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Win 6–1 Jeremy Brown Submission (choke) UCE Round 4: Semi-Finals July 5, 2003 1 N/A Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Win 5–1 Matthew Bell KO (punch) UCE Round 4: Episode 4 June 28, 2003 1 N/A Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Win 4–1 Gedeon Jarvis Submission (choke) UCE Round 3: Finals May 10, 2003 1 N/A Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Win 3–1 Hank Weiss KO (punch) UCE Round 3: Semi-Finals May 3, 2003 1 N/A Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Win 2–1 Matt King Submission (choke) UCE Round 3: Episode 2 April 12, 2003 1 N/A Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Win 1–1 Cedric Nicholsen Submission (choke) UCE Round 3: Episode 1 April 5, 2003 1 N/A Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Loss 0–1 Hank Weiss Submission (choke) UCE Round 2: Episode 1 February 7, 2003 N/A N/A Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Fight Card - UFC 187 Johnson vs. Cormier". UFC.com. Retrieved May 31, 2015.
  2. ^ Revised mixed martial arts show results (PDF), State of Nevada Department of Business and Industry Athletic Commission, March 29, 2014.
  3. ^ Justin Bolduc. "Josh Burkman Ready for Reiner". Nokaut. Archived from the original on January 30, 2013. Retrieved January 25, 2007.
  4. ^ Joe Myers (September 22, 2010). "Burkman Explains Steroid Usage from a Fighter's Perspective". sherdog.com. Retrieved February 10, 2015.
  5. ^ "Burkman Signs With The WSOF". Retrieved September 6, 2012.
  6. ^ MMAjunkie.com Staff (February 13, 2013). "WSOF 2 main card includes Burkman-Simpson, Branch-Filho, Cavalcante-Gaethje". MMAjunkie.com. Archived from the original on February 16, 2013.
  7. ^ "Burkman Stuns Fitch in 41 seconds with seriously tight submission". June 15, 2013. Retrieved June 16, 2013.
  8. ^ "WSOF 6 Gets Josh Burkman-Steve Carl Welterweight Title Headliner In Florida". Retrieved September 5, 2013.
  9. ^ "WSOF 6 results: Steve Carl downs Josh Burkman in fourth to claim belt". Retrieved October 26, 2013.
  10. ^ Tristen Critchfield (October 3, 2014). "Welterweight Josh Burkman Returns to Octagon, Faces Hector Lombard at UFC 182". sherdog.com. Retrieved October 3, 2014.
  11. ^ Matt Erickson and Brent Brookhouse (March 23, 2015). "Hector Lombard suspended one year, fined, has UFC 182 win overturned by NSAC". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved March 24, 2015.
  12. ^ Staff (March 2, 2015). "Josh Burkman vs. Dong Hyun Kim added to May's blockbuster UFC 187 event". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  13. ^ Steven Marrocco (May 23, 2015). "UFC 187 results: Dong Hyun Kim pushes through rally to choke out Josh Burkman". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved May 23, 2015.
  14. ^ Ariel Helwani (June 24, 2015). "Rick Story vs. Erick Silva to serve as UFC Saskatoon co-main event; other fights added to card". mmafighting.com. Retrieved June 24, 2015.
  15. ^ Elias Cepeda (August 23, 2015). "Patrick Cote stops Josh Burkman after back-and-forth scrap". foxsports.com. Retrieved August 23, 2015.
  16. ^ Mike Sloan (August 23, 2015). "UFC Fight Night Saskatoon bonuses: Cote, Burkman, Arantes, Perez nab $50K Awards". sherdog.com. Retrieved August 23, 2015.
  17. ^ Staff (December 13, 2015). "UFC Fight Night 82 adds Burkman-Noons". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved December 13, 2015.
  18. ^ Steven Marrocco (February 6, 2016). "UFC Fight Night 82 results: Josh Burkman gets unanimous decision sweep of K. J. Noons". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved February 6, 2016.
  19. ^ Mike Bohn and Matt Erickson (March 19, 2016). "UFC Fight Night 88 gets 8 new fights". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved March 19, 2016.
  20. ^ Ben Fowlkes (May 29, 2016). "UFC Fight Night 88 results: Paul Felder bloodies up Josh Burkman, takes unanimous decision win". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved May 29, 2016.
  21. ^ Staff (August 1, 2016). "Josh Burkman vs. Bobby Green added to UFC Fight Night 96 in Portland". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved August 1, 2016.
  22. ^ Brent Brookhouse (September 20, 2016). "Zak Ottow in against Josh Burkman at UFC Fight Night 96". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved September 20, 2016.
  23. ^ Matt Erickson (October 1, 2016). "UFC Fight Night 96 results: Short-notice underdog Zak Ottow takes split from Josh Burkman". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved October 1, 2016.
  24. ^ Guilherme Cruz (December 29, 2016). "Josh Burkman vs. Michel Prazeres added to UFC Fight Night card in Brazil". mmafighting.com. Retrieved December 29, 2016.
  25. ^ Ben Fowlkes (March 11, 2017). "UFC Fight Night 106 results: Michel Prazeres cruises past Josh Burkman for easy submission". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved March 11, 2017.
  26. ^ John King (May 25, 2017). "Josh Burkman meets Drew Dober at UFC 214". thesprawlmma.com. Retrieved May 25, 2017.
  27. ^ "UFC 214 results: Drew Dober breaks Josh Burkman's guard for 1st-round knockout win". MMAjunkie. July 29, 2017. Retrieved July 30, 2017.
  28. ^ "Joshua Burkman vs. Alex Morono added to UFC Fight Night 126 in Austin". MMAjunkie. February 7, 2018. Retrieved February 7, 2018.
  29. ^ "UFC Fight Night 126 results: Alex Morono taps out Josh Burkman, calls out Diego Sanchez". MMAjunkie. February 18, 2018. Retrieved February 19, 2018.
  30. ^ "UFC vets Josh Burkman, William Macario meet in LFA 66 co-main event". mmajunkie.com. April 19, 2019.
  31. ^ "Josh Burkman retires after split-decision loss at LFA 66". MMA Junkie. May 11, 2019. Retrieved May 11, 2019.
  32. ^ "MMAjunkie's 'Fight of the Month' for August with a sensational scrap in Saskatoon". September 2, 2015.
  33. ^ "Sherdog.com's 2013 Submission of the Year - Submission of the Year". Sherdog.com. January 11, 2014. Retrieved October 7, 2022.
  34. ^ "Burkman and Celeste". May 17, 2007. Retrieved May 17, 2007.
  35. ^ "Through the eyes of the Underdog Part 1: Josh Burkman". Archived from the original on January 16, 2017. Retrieved October 26, 2012.
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