Brandon Thatch
{{short description|American mixed martial arts fighter}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Brandon Thatch
| other_names = Rukus
| image =
| image_size = 200px
| alt =
| caption = Brandon Thatch at the UFC FN 60 Weigh-ins
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|07|11}}
| birth_place = Denver, Colorado, United States
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| residence =
| height = {{height|ft=6|in=2}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/event/UFC189/printFightCard|title=Fight Card - UFC 189 Mendes vs. McGregor|publisher=UFC|access-date=July 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150720202123/http://www.ufc.com/event/UFC189/printFightCard|archive-date=July 20, 2015|url-status=dead}}
| weight_lb = 170
| weight_class = Welterweight
| reach_in = 74+1/2
| style =
| stance =
| fighting_out_of = Denver, Colorado, United States
| team = Elevation Fight Team
| years_active = 2007–present
| mma_kowin = 7
| mma_subwin = 4
| mma_decwin =
| mma_koloss =
| mma_subloss = 4
| mma_decloss = 1
| am_win = 3
| am_kowin = 1
| am_subwin = 2
| am_loss =
| am_koloss =
| am_subloss =
| url =
| sherdog = 22298
| footnotes =
| updated =
}}
Brandon Michael Mathew Thatch{{cite web|url=http://www.ruckusapparel.com/blog/blog/time-to-cause-a-rukus|title=Time to Cause a Rukus - Exclusive Interview With Brandon "Rukus" Thatch|publisher=ruckusapparel.com|date=2011-03-31|accessdate=2016-08-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160829064216/http://www.ruckusapparel.com/blog/blog/time-to-cause-a-rukus|archive-date=2016-08-29|url-status=dead}} (born July 11, 1985) is an American professional mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Background
Thatch was adopted at age five by his mother's partner, Clarence Thatch, a former karate champion and MMA specialist. Thatch's grandfather was also a professional boxer. Thatch began training in karate at the age of three,{{cite web|url=http://www.denverpost.com/ci_27517398/brandon-thatch-has-come-age-world-martial-arts|title=Brandon Thatch coming of age with MMA, as bout vs. Benson Henderson on tap|author=Nick Groke|work=Denver Post|date=2015-02-12}} and fought in his first kickboxing bout at age 17. He later transitioned into a career in mixed martial arts.{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/1/7/2689274/brandon-thatch-mma-world-mma-welterweight-scouting-report|title=2012 World MMA Welterweight Scouting Report: #3 – Brandon Thatch|author=Leland Rolling|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|date=2012-01-07|accessdate=2013-08-26}}
Mixed martial arts career
=Early career=
Thatch started his amateur MMA career on March 31, 2007, against Jesse Brown, which he won via second round submission. Thatch went undefeated as amateur in 2007 with a 3–0 record. He made his pro debut in June 2008 against Mike Crisman at Ring of Fire 32. Thatch won the fight via TKO 38 seconds into the fight.
Thatch made his Strikeforce debut against Brandon Magana at Strikeforce: At The Mansion II. He lost the fight via split decision. He would bounce back with an 18-second head kick knockout win over Michael Arrant at Ring of Fire 33. In Thatch's next fight, he took on Danny Davis Jr, winning via submission in the first round.
Thatchthen faced Chris Holland at Ring of Fire 40, winning via KO in 19 seconds. Next for Thatch was a bout with Chidi Njokuani at Ring of Fire 41, which he won by TKO in the first minute. In his next fight, Thatch took on Patrick Vallee at Instinct MMA 2 on December 2, 2011, winning via TKO in 15 seconds. Thatch was named Bloody Elbow's #3 welterweight prospect in their annual scouting report. Four months later, Thatch fought Jory Erickson at Instinct MMA 3. He won the fight by KO in 18 seconds. Thatch next faced Martin Grandmont at Instinct MMA 4 on June 29, 2012. He won the fight via submission in the first round.
In Thatch's next fight, he headlined Resurrection Fighting Alliance 7 against Mike Rhodes. Thatch won the bout via submission in the first round. Before and after the fight, Thatch believed that he was going to get a call from the UFC.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/04/rfa-7-winner-brandon-thatch-believes-shot-at-ufc-is-just-around-the-corner|title=RFA 7 winner Brandon Thatch believes UFC shot is just around corner |author=Matt Erickson |work =MMA Junkie|date=2013-04-02}}
=Ultimate Fighting Championship=
On May 8, 2013, Thatch signed a multi-fight deal with the UFC.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/05/ufc-signs-colorado-based-welterweight-brandon-thatch-to-multi-fight-deal|title=UFC signs Colorado-based welterweight Brandon Thatch to multi-fight deal |author=Staff |publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2013-05-08}}
Thatch faced Justin Edwards on August 28, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 27.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/06/justin-ewards-brandon-thatch-booked-for-ufc-on-fox-sports-1-2-in-indianapolis |title=Justin Edwards-Brandon Thatch booked for UFC on FOX Sports 1 2 in Indianapolis |publisher=mmajunkie.com |author=Staff |date=2013-06-05 |accessdate=2013-06-05 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130608230733/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/06/justin-ewards-brandon-thatch-booked-for-ufc-on-fox-sports-1-2-in-indianapolis |archivedate=2013-06-08 }} He won the fight via TKO in the first round. The win earned him his first Knockout of the Night bonus award.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/08/ufc-fight-night-27-bonuses-thatch-cummings-condit-kampmann-earn-50k-award|title=UFC Fight Night 27 bonuses: Thatch, Cummings, Condit, Kampmann earn $50K|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2013-08-28|accessdate=2013-08-28|author=Staff|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831233244/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/08/ufc-fight-night-27-bonuses-thatch-cummings-condit-kampmann-earn-50k-award|archivedate=2013-08-31}}
In his second UFC fight, Thatch faced Paulo Thiago at UFC Fight Night 32 on November 9, 2013.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/9/14/4729924/thatch-vs-thiago-sicilia-vs-castro-added-to-ufn-32|title=Thatch vs. Thiago, Sicilia vs. Castro added to UFN 32|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|author=Guilherme Cruz|accessdate=2013-09-14}} He won the fight via TKO in the first round, forcing Thiago to submit after landing a knee to the liver.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/11/9/5085920/ufc-fight-night-32-results-brandon-thatch-stops-paulo-thiago-with|title=UFC Fight Night 32 results: Brandon Thatch stops Paulo Thiago with brutal liver shot|author=Luke Thomas|work=MMA Fighting|date=2013-11-09}} With the win, Thatch extended his first round finish streak to ten.
Thatch was expected to face Jordan Mein on August 23, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 49, replacing an injured Thiago Alves.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/07/knee-injury-scratches-thiago-alves-from-ufc-fight-night-49-brandon-thatch-now-faces-jordan-mein|title=Knee injury scratches Thiago Alves from UFC Fight Night 49, Brandon Thatch now faces Jordan Mein|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=2014-07-02|accessdate=2014-07-02}} Subsequently, Thatch pulled out of the bout with Mein, citing a toe injury.{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/08/brandon-thatch-withdraws-from-jordan-mein-fight-posts-graphic-pic-of-injury|title=Brandon Thatch withdraws from Jordan Mein fight |publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2014-08-02|accessdate=2014-08-02}}
Thatch was expected to face Stephen Thompson on February 14, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 60.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2014/11/13/7214883/brandon-thatch-set-to-square-off-with-stephen-thompson-in-colorado|title=Brandon Thatch set to square off with Stephen Thompson in Colorado|publisher=mmafighting.com|author=Chuck Mindenhall|date=2014-11-13|accessdate=2014-11-13}} However, Thompson pulled out of the fight on January 30, citing a rib injury.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/stephen-thompson-ufc-fight-night-60-main-event-012020272--mma.html;_ylt=A0LEV7x3OMxUtWIA9QIPxQt.|title=Stephen Thompson Out of UFC Fight Night 60 Main Event, Brandon Thatch Awaits a Replacement|publisher=mmaweekly.com|author=Staff|date=2015-01-30|accessdate=2015-01-30}} Subsequently, Thatch faced former UFC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson at the event.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/02/benson-henderson-vs-brandon-thatch-set-as-new-ufc-fight-night-60-main-event|title=Benson Henderson vs. Brandon Thatch set as new UFC Fight Night 60 main event|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=John Morgan|date=2015-02-01|accessdate=2015-02-01}} Thatch lost the back and forth fight via submission in the fourth round.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2015/2/15/8041139/ufc-fight-night-60-results-ben-henderson-brandon-thatch-submission-broomfield|title=UFC Fight Night 60 results: Ben Henderson survives Brandon Thatch beating, scores sensational rear-naked choke submission |publisher=mmamania.com|author=Thomas Myers|date=2015-02-15|accessdate=2015-02-15}} Their performance earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/02/ufc-fight-night-60-bonuses-neil-magny-got-his-first-50000-who-joined-him|title=UFC Fight Night 60 bonuses: Neil Magny got his first $50,000. Who joined him?|author=Staff|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2015-02-15|accessdate=2015-02-15}}
Thatch was expected to face John Howard on July 11, 2015, at UFC 189.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/04/brandon-thatch-vs-john-howard-added-to-ufc-189-in-las-vegas|title=Brandon Thatch vs. John Howard added to UFC 189 in Las Vegas|author=Mike Bohn|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2015-04-01|accessdate=2015-04-01}} However, on June 23, Thatch was pulled from that bout in favor of a fight with Gunnar Nelson, as his scheduled opponent, John Hathaway, was forced out with an injury.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/06/brandon-thatch-in-for-injured-john-hathaway-vs-gunnar-nelson-at-ufc-189|title=Brandon Thatch meets Gunnar Nelson at UFC 189, John Howard now gets Cathal Pendred|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|date=2015-06-23|accessdate=2015-06-23}} Thatch lost the fight by submission in the first round after getting knocked down by Nelson.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2015/07/ufc-189-results-gunnar-nelson-drops-then-chokes-out-brandon-thatch-in-first|title=UFC 189 results: Gunnar Nelson drops, then chokes out Brandon Thatch in first|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Brent Brookhouse|date=2015-07-11|accessdate=2015-07-11}}
Thatch next faced Siyar Bahadurzada on March 5, 2016, at UFC 196.{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/02/medication-clearance-issue-moves-siyar-bahadurzada-vs-brandon-thatch-to-ufc-196|title='Medication' clearance issue moves Siyar Bahadurzada vs. Brandon Thatch to UFC 196|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2016-02-12|accessdate=2016-02-12}} He lost the fight via submission in the third round.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/03/ufc-196-results-siyar-bahadurzada-finishes-overmatched-brandon-thatch-with-choke|title=UFC 196 results: Siyar Bahadurzada finishes overmatched Brandon Thatch with choke|author=Brent Brookhouse|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2016-03-05|accessdate=2016-03-05}}
Thatch was expected to face Erick Silva on September 24, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 95.{{cite news|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/8/2/12354490/report-erick-silva-meets-brandon-thatch-at-ufc-fight-night-95|title=Erick Silva meets Brandon Thatch at UFC Fight Night 95|publisher=mmamania.com|author=Lucas Rezende|date=2016-08-02|accessdate=2016-08-02}} However, Thatch pulled out of the fight with an undisclosed injury and was subsequently replaced by Luan Chagas.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/08/injuries-force-several-changes-to-ufc-fight-night-95-in-brasilia|title=Injuries force several changes to UFC Fight Night 95 in Brasilia|author=Staff|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2016-08-13|accessdate=2016-08-13}}
Thatch was expected to face Sabah Homasi on December 30, 2016, at UFC 207.{{cite web |url=http://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/mma-ufc/welterweight-bout-added-ufc-207-card|title=Welterweight bout added to UFC 207 card|publisher=reviewjournal.com|author=Adam Hill|date=2016-10-17|accessdate=2016-10-17}} However, Homasi pulled out of the fight, citing injury, and was subsequently replaced by promotional newcomer Niko Price.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/12/sabah-homasi-out-brandon-thatch-meets-newcomer-niko-price-at-ufc-207|title=Sabah Homasi out, Brandon Thatch meets newcomer Niko Price at UFC 207|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2016-12-12|accessdate=2016-12-12}} Thatch lost the fight by submission in the first round and was subsequently released from the promotion.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2016/12/ufc-207-results-niko-price-taps-brandon-thatch-with-first-round-arm-triangle-choke|title=UFC 207 results: Niko Price taps Brandon Thatch with first round arm-triangle choke|author=Ben Fowlkes|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=2016-12-30|accessdate=2016-12-30}}
Championships and accomplishments
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Benson Henderson
- Knockout of the Night (One time) vs. Justin Edawrds
- UFC.com Awards
- 2013: Newcomer of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-newcomers-2013|title=Ten Best: The Newcomers of 2013|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 31, 2013|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
- Ring of Fire
- Young Guns Welterweight Championship (One time)
- ESPN
- 2015 Best Fight of the Half-Year vs. Benson Henderson{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/13191864/henderson-thatch|title=Fight of the midyear: Henderson-Thatch|author=Brett Okamoto|work=ESPN|date=2015-07-03}}
Mixed martial arts record
{{MMArecordbox
|ko-wins=8
|ko-losses=0
|sub-wins=3
|sub-losses=4
|dec-wins=0
|dec-losses=1
|nc=
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|11–5
|Submission (arm-triangle choke)
|{{dts|2016|December|30}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|4:30
|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|11–4
|Submission (arm-triangle choke)
|{{dts|2016|March|05}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|4:11
|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|11–3
|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|{{dts|2015|July|11}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|2:54
|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|11–2
|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Thatch
|{{dts|2015|February|14}}
|align=center|4
|align=center|3:58
|Broomfield, Colorado, United States
| {{small|Fight of the Night.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 11–1
|TKO (submission to knee to the body)
|UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson
|{{dts|2013|November|9}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:10
|Goiânia, Brazil
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 10–1
| TKO (knees and punches)
| UFC Fight Night: Condit vs. Kampmann 2
| August 28, 2013
|align=center|1
|align=center|1:23
|Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
| {{small|Knockout of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 9–1
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| RFA 7
| March 22, 2013
|align=center|1
|align=center|2:22
|Broomfield, Colorado, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 8–1
| Martin Grandmont
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| Instinct MMA: Instinct Fighting 4
| June 29, 2012
|align=center|1
|align=center|1:55
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 7–1
| Jory Erickson
| KO (knee)
| Instinct MMA: Instinct Fighting 3
| March 31, 2012
|align=center|1
|align=center|0:18
|Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 6–1
| Patrick Vallee
| TKO (punches)
| Instinct MMA: Instinct Fighting 2
| December 2, 2011
|align=center|1
|align=center|0:15
|Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 5–1
| TKO (punches)
| Ring of Fire 41: Bragging Rights
| August 20, 2011
|align=center|1
|align=center|0:53
|Broomfield, Colorado, United States
|{{small|Catchweight (173 lbs) bout; Njokuani missed weight.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 4–1
| Chris Holland
| KO (punches)
| Ring of Fire 40: Backlash
| April 16, 2011
|align=center|1
|align=center|0:19
|Broomfield, Colorado, United States
| {{small|Won the ROF Young Guns Welterweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 3–1
| Danny Davis Jr.
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| Ring of Fire 39: Summer Brawl 2
| August 27, 2010
|align=center|1
|align=center|4:12
|Denver, Colorado, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 2–1
| Michael Arrant
| KO (head kick)
| Ring of Fire 33: Adrenaline
| January 10, 2009
|align=center|1
|align=center|0:18
|Broomfield, Colorado, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
|align=center| 1–1
| Brandon Magana
| Decision (split)
| Strikeforce: At The Mansion II
| September 20, 2008
|align=center|3
|align=center|3:00
|Los Angeles, California, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 1–0
| Mike Crisman
| TKO (knees)
| Ring of Fire 32: Respect
| June 13, 2008
|align=center|1
|align=center|0:38
|Broomfield, Colorado, United States
|
|-
{{end}}
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.ufc.com/athlete/brandon-thatch Official UFC Profile]
- {{Sherdog}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Thatch, Brandon}}
Category:American male mixed martial artists
Category:Mixed martial artists from Colorado
Category:Martial artists from Denver
Category:Welterweight mixed martial artists
Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing karate