Brian Bowles (fighter)
{{short description|American mixed martial arts fighter}}
{{For|the baseball player|Brian Bowles (baseball)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2021}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Brian Bowles
| image = Brian-bowles.jpg
| image_size = 200px
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name = Brian David Bowles
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1980|06|22}}
| birth_place = Charleston, West Virginia, United States
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| other_names =
| residence =
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=7}}
| weight = {{convert|135|lb|kg st|abbr=on}}
| weight_class = Bantamweight
| reach = {{convert|70+1/2|in|cm|abbr=on}} {{cite web|url=http://www.fightmagazine.com/fighters/brian-bowles-1806.htm|title=Brian Bowles Fight! Magazine Stats|accessdate=October 4, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304030441/http://www.fightmagazine.com/fighters/brian-bowles-1806.htm|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=dead}}
| stance =
| fighting_out_of = Athens, Georgia, United States
| team = [http://www.thehardcoregym.net The HardCore Gym]
(now [http://www.athensfitnessandmma.com SBG Athens])
| trainer = Adam Singer & Rory Singer
| rank = Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
| years_active = 2006–2013
| mma_kowin = 3
| mma_subwin = 6
| mma_decwin = 1
| mma_koloss = 2
| mma_subloss = 1
| mma_draw =
| mma_nc =
| occupation =
| university =
| spouse =
| relatives =
| students =
| club =
| school =
| url = [https://web.archive.org/web/20090718204330/http://www.brianbowles.tv/]
| boxrec =
| sherdog = 18944
| footnotes =
| updated =
}}
Brian Bowles (born June 22, 1980) is a retired American mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor from 2006 to 2013, Bowles is also the former WEC Bantamweight Champion.
Background
Bowles was born in Charleston, West Virginia and raised in the small town of Chesapeake, West Virginia by his single mother. Bowles' father, who was largely absent from his life, died when Bowles was 11 years old. In the tenth grade, Bowles moved to Jackson County, Georgia, attending Jackson County Comprehensive High School where he competed in wrestling for three years. Bowles was later introduced to mixed martial arts by a former teammate after graduating, and began training at The HardCore Gym which has since been renamed to SBG Athens.{{Cite web |url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/mma/2010/08/28/showdown_column_aug28/ |access-date=2010-09-01 |title=Archived copy |archive-date=May 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150520215137/http://www.sportsnet.ca/mma/2010/08/28/showdown_column_aug28/ |url-status=dead }}{{cite web| url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/20914/injured-brian-bowles-out-of-wec-52-replacement-search-underway.mma| title=Injured Brian Bowles out of WEC 52, replacement search underway| website=Mmajunkie.com| date=October 7, 2010| access-date=October 6, 2010| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009010757/http://mmajunkie.com/news/20914/injured-brian-bowles-out-of-wec-52-replacement-search-underway.mma| archive-date=October 9, 2010| url-status=dead| df=mdy-all}}
Mixed martial arts career
=Early career=
Bowles compiled an undefeated 7-0 amateur record and began his professional career in regional promotions, earning two first-round stoppages and amassing an undefeated record of 3-0.
=World Extreme Cagefighting=
In his first two fights in the organization, he submitted Charlie Valencia with a rear-naked choke and knocked out Marcos Galvao at WEC 31 with a flurry that stunned his opponent and a strong right hook to finish, both ending within minutes of the second round, showcasing his proficiency in striking and submission offense (with a primarily wrestling base).
At WEC 35 he finished fellow Bantamweight contender Damacio Page with an impressive first-round guillotine choke he locked in while his opponent was still standing. It was near the end of 2008 where Bowles would have his most notable victory in the organization yet, defeating Will Ribeiro (who was 10-1 at that time) in the third round via another guillotine choke, on the WEC 37 main card. He was then scheduled to headline WEC 40 in a bout with Miguel Torres, but was forced to withdraw due to a back injury weeks before the event, and was replaced by top ten bantamweight Takeya Mizugaki. Torres successfully defended his belt against Mizugaki.
Torres and Bowles headlined WEC 42 on August 9, 2009 at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Bowles defeated Torres via first-round KO to become the new WEC Bantamweight Champion.
Bowles made his first title defense against Dominick Cruz on March 6, 2010 at WEC 47.{{cite news |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/17180/brian-bowles-defends-bantamweight-title-against-dominick-cruz-at-wec-47-on-march-6.mma |title=Brian Bowles defends bantamweight title against Dominick Cruz at WEC 47 on March 6 |website=Mmajunkie.com |date=2009-12-11 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20091215031609/http://mmajunkie.com/news/17180/brian-bowles-defends-bantamweight-title-against-dominick-cruz-at-wec-47-on-march-6.mma |archivedate=2009-12-15 }} Bowles lost via TKO (doctor stoppage) at the end of the second round with a broken hand.
Bowles was expected to face Wagnney Fabiano on November 11, 2010 at WEC 52. However, Bowles was forced off the card with a foot injury.
=Ultimate Fighting Championship=
On October 28, 2010, World Extreme Cagefighting merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/21189/ufc-and-wec-set-to-merge-in-2011-events-to-air-on-versus-and-spike-tv.mma |title=UFC and WEC set to merge in 2011; events to air on Versus and Spike TV |website=Mmajunkie.com |date=October 28, 2010 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101031080229/http://mmajunkie.com/news/21189/ufc-and-wec-set-to-merge-in-2011-events-to-air-on-versus-and-spike-tv.mma |archivedate=2010-10-31 }}
Bowles faced former opponent Damacio Page on March 3, 2011 at UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/21818/brian-bowles-vs-damacio-page-ii-in-the-works-for-ufc-on-versus-3.mma|title=Brian Bowles vs. Damacio Page II in the works for UFC on Versus 3|website=Mmajunkie.com|date=December 17, 2010|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20101223113556/http://mmajunkie.com/news/21818/brian-bowles-vs-damacio-page-ii-in-the-works-for-ufc-on-versus-3.mma|archivedate=December 23, 2010}} In what Joe Rogan described as " a comet that comes around every 1,000 years," Bowles defeated Page by guillotine choke at 3:30 of the first round, the same method and exact time that he defeated Page in their first meeting.{{cite web |last1=Thomas |first1=Luke |title=UFC On Versus 3 Results: Brian Bowles Chokes Out Damacio Page Again |url=https://www.sbnation.com/mma/2011/3/3/2028726/ufc-on-versus-3-results-brian-bowles-chokes-out-damacio-page-again |website=sbnation.com |access-date=18 May 2022 |date=3 March 2011}}
Bowles faced Takeya Mizugaki on July 2, 2011 at UFC 132.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/23291/brian-bowles-and-takeya-mizugaki-agree-to-meet-at-ufc-132-in-las-vegas.mma|title=Brian Bowles and Takeya Mizugaki agree to meet at UFC 132 in Las Vegas|website=Mmajunkie.com|date=April 19, 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110421010948/http://mmajunkie.com/news/23291/brian-bowles-and-takeya-mizugaki-agree-to-meet-at-ufc-132-in-las-vegas.mma|archivedate=April 21, 2011}} He won the fight via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, and 29–28), making this the first time he has gone to a decision in his career.{{cite web |last1=Roling |first1=Leland |title=UFC 132 Results: Brian Bowles Defeats Takeya Mizugaki by Unanimous DecisionUFC 132 Results: Brian Bowles Defeats Takeya Mizugaki by Unanimous Decision |url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2011/7/2/2254552/ufc-132-results-brian-bowles-vs-takeya-mizugaki |website=bloodyelbow.com |access-date=18 May 2022 |date=2 July 2011}}
Bowles faced off against Urijah Faber on November 19, 2011 at UFC 139.{{cite web| url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/24518/brian-bowles-draws-urijah-faber-at-novembers-ufc-139-event.mma| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724071017/http://mmajunkie.com/news/24518/brian-bowles-draws-urijah-faber-at-novembers-ufc-139-event.mma| url-status=dead| archive-date=2011-07-24| title=Brian Bowles draws Urijah Faber at November's UFC 139 event| website=Mmajunkie.com| date=2011-07-22}} He lost the fight by submission (guillotine choke) in the second round.{{cite web |last1=Martin |first1=Josh |title=UFC 139 Results: Urijah Faber Flattens Brian Bowles to Earn Rematch with Cruz |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/948400-ufc-139-results-urijah-faber-flattens-brian-bowles-to-earn-rematch-with-cruz |website=bleacherreport.com |access-date=18 May 2022 |date=20 November 2011}}
Bowles returned from an extended 18-month layoff and faced George Roop on May 25, 2013 at UFC 160.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/03/george-roop-meets-former-bantamweight-champ-brian-bowles-at-ufc-160 |title=George Roop meets former bantamweight champ Brian Bowles at UFC 160 |website=Mmajunkie.com |author=Matt Erickson |date=March 28, 2013 |accessdate=March 28, 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130331012642/http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/03/george-roop-meets-former-bantamweight-champ-brian-bowles-at-ufc-160 |archivedate=March 31, 2013 }}{{cite web| url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2013/5/6/4305896/after-lengthy-absence-due-to-injury-apathy-brian-bowles-rediscovers| title=After lengthy absence due to injury, apathy, Brian Bowles rediscovers love for MMA| website=Mmafighting.com| author=Mike Chiapetta |date=2013-05-07}} He lost the fight via TKO in the second round.{{cite web |last1=Ribeiro |first1=Vicente |title=George Roop escapa de finalização e nocauteia Brian Bowles no UFC 160 |url=https://www.mg.superesportes.com.br/app/noticias/mma/mma-noticias/2013/05/25/noticia_mma,251561/george-roop-escapa-de-finalizacao-e-nocauteia-brian-bowles-no-ufc-160.shtml |website=mg.superesportes.com.br |access-date=18 May 2022 |date=26 May 2013}}
Bowles failed his UFC 160 drug test with an elevated testosterone-to-epitestosterone (T/E) ratio. The NSAC allows a T/E Ratio of 6:1 and Bowles was over 20:1.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/06/brian-bowles-fails-ufc-160-drug-test-due-to-elevated-te-levels|title=Brian Bowles fails UFC 160 drug test due to elevated T/E levels|website=Mmajunkie.com|author=Steven Marrocco|date=June 7, 2013|accessdate=June 7, 2013}} Bowles did not appeal the result and was subsequently suspended for nine months and fined $5,700.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/08/nsac-suspends-brian-bowles-nine-months-issues-5700-fine-for-ufc-160-failure|title=NSAC suspends Brian Bowles nine months, issues $5,700 fine for UFC 160 failure|website=Mmajunkie.com|author=|date=August 15, 2013|accessdate=October 28, 2013}}
Bowles was released from the UFC on March 2, 2015.{{cite web| url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2015/3/3/8144185/report-ufc-cuts-brian-bowles-wec-champion-3-more-fighters--removed-roster-mma-news| title=Report: Former WEC champ among four fighters cut from UFC| website=Bloodyelbow.com| author=Zane Simon |date=2015-05-03}}
Arrest
On January 14, 2015, Bowles along with Rhomney Marie Moon, were arrested and face multiple felony charges in Arcade, Georgia.{{cite news |url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/former-wec-champ-brian-bowles-arrested-on-drug-and-weapons-charges|title=Former WEC Champ Brian Bowles Arrested on Drug and Weapons Charges|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos|author=Ken Pishna |date=January 28, 2015|accessdate=January 28, 2015}}
Championships and awards
- World Extreme Cagefighting
- WEC Bantamweight Championship (One time)
- Knockout of the Night (One time)
- Submission of the Night (Two times)
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Submission of the Night (One time)
Mixed martial arts record
{{MMArecordbox
| draws=
| nc=
| ko-wins= 3
| ko-losses= 2
| sub-wins= 6
| sub-losses= 1
| dec-wins= 1
| dec-losses=
| dq-wins=
| dq-losses=
| other-wins=
| other-losses=
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 10–3
| TKO (punches)
| UFC 160
| {{dts|2013|May|25}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:43
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
| {{small| Bowles tested positive for elevated testosterone levels.}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 10–2
| Submission (guillotine choke)
| UFC 139
| {{dts|2011|November|19}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:27
| San Jose, California, United States
| {{small| UFC Bantamweight title eliminator.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 10–1
| Decision (unanimous)
| UFC 132
| {{dts|2011|July|2}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 9–1
| Technical Submission (guillotine choke)
| UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann
| {{dts|2011|March|3}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:30
| Louisville, Kentucky, United States
| {{small|Submission of the Night.}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 8–1
| TKO (doctor stoppage)
| WEC 47
| {{dts|2010|March|6}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 5:00
| Columbus, Ohio, United States
| {{small|Lost the WEC Bantamweight Championship. Doctor stoppage due to broken hand.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 8–0
| KO (punches)
| WEC 42
| {{dts|2009|August|9}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:57
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
| {{small|Won the WEC Bantamweight Championship. Knockout of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 7–0
| Submission (guillotine choke)
| {{dts|2008|December|3}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 1:11
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
| {{small|Submission of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 6–0
| Submission (guillotine choke)
| {{dts|2008|August|3}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:30
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
| {{small|Submission of the Night.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 5–0
| KO (punch)
| WEC 31
| {{dts|2007|December|12}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2:09
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 4–0
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| WEC 28
| {{dts|2007|June|3}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2:33
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 3–0
| Shane Weinischke
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| ISCF: Invasion
| {{dts|2007|February|9}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:38
| Atlanta, Georgia, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 2–0
| Charles Nutt
| TKO (punches)
| Wild Bill's Fight Night 4
| {{dts|2006|September|8}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 4:28
| Duluth, Georgia, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 1–0
| Tim Honeycutt
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| Wild Bill's Fight Night 2
| {{dts|2006|May|12}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 4:55
| Duluth, Georgia, United States
|
{{end}}
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Sherdog}}
- [https://www.ufc.com/athlete/brian-bowles Official UFC Profile]
- [https://athensfitnessandmma.com/classes/Mixed-Martial-Arts SBG Athens]
{{s-start}}
{{s-ach}}
{{s-bef|before=Miguel Torres}}
{{s-ttl|title= 4th WEC Bantamweight Champion|years=August 9, 2009 - March 6, 2010}}
{{s-aft|after=Dominick Cruz}}
{{end}}
{{WEC Bantamweight Championship}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bowles, Brian}}
Category:American male mixed martial artists
Category:Bantamweight mixed martial artists
Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Category:World Extreme Cagefighting champions
Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters
Category:Sportspeople from Charleston, West Virginia
Category:People from Chesapeake, West Virginia
Category:Mixed martial artists from West Virginia
Category:American sportspeople in doping cases
Category:Doping cases in mixed martial arts
Category:American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu