Carmelo Marrero
{{short description|American mixed martial arts fighter}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Carmelo Marrero
| other_names = The Fury
| image =
| image_size = 200px
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|mf=yes|1981|01|26}}
| birth_place = Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| residence =
| height = {{height|ft=6|in=2}}
| weight = {{convert|255|lb|kg st|abbr=on}}
| weight_class = Heavyweight
Light Heavyweight
| reach = {{convert|73+1/2|in|cm|abbr=on}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/carmelo-marrero-the-fury|title=Carmelo "The Fury" Marrero's profile|publisher=tapology.com|accessdate=June 29, 2014}}
| stance =
| fighting_out_of = Coconut Creek, Florida, U.S.
| team = American Top Team
| rank =
| years_active = 2004–2013
| mma_kowin = 3
| mma_subwin = 7
| mma_decwin = 6
| mma_koloss =
| mma_subloss = 2
| mma_decloss = 4
| mma_draw =
| mma_nc = 1
| url =
| sherdog = 12855
| footnotes =
| updated =
}}
Carmelo Marrero (born January 26, 1981) is an American former professional mixed martial artist who competed in the Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight divisions. He has competed for the UFC, WEC, Bellator Fighting Championships, the IFL, and the XFC.
Background
Marrero was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in Douglassville, Pennsylvania. He was diagnosed with cancer at a young age and eventually was able to overcome the illness. Marrero began wrestling for Daniel Boone High School in Berks County, Pennsylvania and placed sixth in the state tournament as a Heavyweight. Marrero had originally wanted to attend Rider University after graduating from high school, decided to attend Gloucester County College for two and a half years where he set multiple records. Marrero was sidelined by a near-fatal car accident which took him six months to recover, but later came back to win over 40 matches and qualify for the Junior College National Tournament. Marrero later transferred to Rider University where he became the team captain and was a two-time national qualifier. After college, Marrero began venturing into mixed martial arts.{{cite web |url=http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/f/D9ADC6FB3ABF6EE3/Carmelo-Marrero/ |title=Carmelo Marrero "The Fury" (12-3-0) Official Mixed Martial Arts Record |website=www.mixedmartialarts.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100809033105/http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/f/D9ADC6FB3ABF6EE3/Carmelo-Marrero/ |archive-date=2010-08-09}}
Mixed martial arts career
=Early career=
Marrero's first five professional bouts were against local opponents in small fight promotions along the New Jersey shore. Marrero would go on to win and dominate all five bouts before being signed by the UFC.
=Ultimate Fighting Championship=
Marrero made his UFC debut against a much larger and more experienced opponent in Cheick Kongo who already had two wins for the organization. Marrero used his superior grappling skills to control the bout and won via a split decision.
In his next fight he faced Gabriel Gonzaga, with the winner to get a shot to fight Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipović for the #1 contender spot; Marrero lost this fight in the first round via submission due to an armbar submission.{{cite web|url=http://www.tapology.comwww.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/ufc-66-gabriel-napao-gonzaga-vs-carmelo-the-fury-marrero|title=Gabriel Gonzaga vs. Carmelo Marrero|publisher=tapology.com|date=December 30, 2006}} He dropped down to the Light Heavyweight division to face Wilson Gouveia at UFC 71,{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2007/04/report-wilson-gouveia-vs-carmelo-marrero-added-to-ufc-71-fight-card|title=Report: Wilson Gouveia vs. Carmelo Marrero Added to UFC 71 Fight Card|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=April 19, 2007}} but was again defeated via first-round submission and was then released from the UFC.
=International Fight League=
Marrero competed for American Top Team's camp in the International Fight League and made his debut for the organization on April 4, 2008 at IFL: New Jersey where he faced Mike Ciesnolevicz. The fight was ruled a no-contest after an accidental headbutt in the first round.
=World Extreme Cagefighting=
Marrero made his WEC debut on November 5, 2008 at WEC 36 against Steve Steinbeiss and won via split decision.
=Return to the UFC=
Following his win against Steinbeiss, Marrero returned to the UFC on April 1, 2009 facing Ryan Bader at UFC Fight Night 18.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2009/01/tuf8-winner-ryan-bader-meets-carmelo-marrero-at-ufc-fight-night-18|title="TUF8" winner Ryan Bader meets Carmelo Marrero at UFC Fight Night 18|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=January 12, 2009}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision, and was released from the promotion once again.
=Bellator=
Carmelo was set to make his promotional debut with Bellator at Bellator 69 against Seth Petruzelli,{{cite web|url=http://www.wewantfights.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=227%3Acarmelo-marrero-fights-fellow-ufc-vet-seth-petruzelli-at-bellator-68-live-on-mtv2&catid=63%3Acarmelo-marrero-articles&Itemid=84 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140702024322/http://www.wewantfights.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=227:carmelo-marrero-fights-fellow-ufc-vet-seth-petruzelli-at-bellator-68-live-on-mtv2&catid=63:carmelo-marrero-articles&Itemid=84 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 2, 2014 |title=Carmelo Marrero fights fellow UFC vet Seth Petruzelli at Bellator 68 live on MTV2 |publisher=wewantfights.com |accessdate=June 29, 2014 }} however the bout was canceled the day of the event due to Petruzelli not being medically cleared to fight.{{cite web|url=http://www.wewantfights.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=230%3Ahighly-anticipated-marrero-vs-petruzelli-bout-canceled-hours-before-live-fight&catid=63%3Acarmelo-marrero-articles&Itemid=84 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140702024349/http://www.wewantfights.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=230:highly-anticipated-marrero-vs-petruzelli-bout-canceled-hours-before-live-fight&catid=63:carmelo-marrero-articles&Itemid=84 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 2, 2014 |title=Highly anticipated Marrero vs. Petruzelli bout canceled hours before live fight |publisher=wewantfights.com |accessdate=June 29, 2014 }}
Marrero made his Bellator debut on October 19, 2012 at Bellator 77 against Lew Polley and lost via unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2012/10/19/3526376/bellator-77-live-video-stream-discussion-play-by-play-clementi-jansen-held-tirloni|title=Bellator 77: live video stream, discussion and play by play|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|date=October 19, 2012}}
Championships and accomplishments
- Cage Fury Fighting Championships
- CFFC Heavyweight Championship (One time){{Cite web|url=http://fcfighter.com/post/cage-rage-17-ultimate-challenge|title=Cage Rage 17: Ultimate Challenge}}
Mixed martial arts record
{{MMArecordbox
| draws=
| nc= 1
| ko-wins= 3
| ko-losses=
| sub-wins= 7
| sub-losses= 2
| dec-wins= 6
| dec-losses= 4
| dq-wins=
| dq-losses=
| other-wins=
| other-losses=
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| {{nowrap|16–6 (1)}}
| Shelton Graves
| Submission (leglock)
| XFE 28: Atiyeh vs. Gratalo 2
| {{dts|2013|October|25}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:33
| Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 15–6 (1)
| J.A. Dudley
| TKO (punches)
| XFE: Cage Wars 24
| {{dts|2013|June|8}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 1:54
| Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 14–6 (1)
| Lew Polley
| Decision (unanimous)
| {{dts|2012|October|19}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Reading, Pennsylvania, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 14–5 (1)
| Scott Barrett
| Decision (unanimous)
| XFC 14: Resurrection
| {{dts|2011|October|21}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Orlando, Florida, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 13–5 (1)
| Decision (unanimous)
| C3 Fights: SlamFest
| {{dts|2011|January|29}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Newkirk, Oklahoma, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 13–4 (1)
| Steven Banks
| Submission (guillotine choke)
| WCC 3: Brawl at the Hall
| {{dts|2010|October|9}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2:33
| Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 12–4 (1)
| Brian Heden
| Decision (unanimous)
| C3 Fights: Knockout-Rockout Weekend 4
| {{dts|2010|July|17}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 3:00
| Clinton, Oklahoma, United States
| {{small|Return to Heavyweight.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 11–4 (1)
| Wayne Cole
| Submission (guillotine choke)
| C3 Fights: Slammin Jammin Weekend 4
| {{dts|2010|February|13}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2:37
| Nashville, Tennessee, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 10–4 (1)
| Decision (unanimous)
| Vendetta Fighting Championship: A Night of Vengeance
| {{dts|2009|September|05}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Oranjestad, Aruba
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 10–3 (1)
| Decision (unanimous)
| UFC Fight Night: Condit vs. Kampmann
| {{dts|2009|April|01}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Nashville, Tennessee, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 10–2 (1)
| Decision (split)
| WEC 36
| {{dts|2008|November|05}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Hollywood, Florida, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 9–2 (1)
| Chuck Huus
| Submission (ankle lock)
| C3 Fights: Clash in Concho
| {{dts|2008|September|19}}
| align=center| N/A
| align=center| N/A
| Concho, Oklahoma, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 8–2 (1)
| Rader McHugh
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| C3 Fights: Showdown 2
| {{dts|2008|August|16}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 2:48
| Cherokee, North Carolina, United States
|
|-
| {{nocontest}}NC
| align=center| 7–2 (1)
| Mike Ciesnolevicz
| No Contest (accidental headbutt)
| {{dts|2008|April|04}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:37
| East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 7–2
| Rafael del Real
| TKO (doctor stoppage)
| WCO: Kerr vs. Gavin
| {{dts|2007|November|07}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 5:00
| Hollywood, California, United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 6–2
| Submission (guillotine choke)
| UFC 71
| {{dts|2007|May|26}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:06
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
| {{small|Light Heavyweight debut.}}
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
| align=center| 6–1
| Submission (armbar)
| UFC 66
| {{dts|2006|December|30}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:22
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 6–0
| Decision (split)
| UFC 64
| {{dts|2006|October|14}}
| align=center| 3
| align=center| 5:00
| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 5–0
| Petrus Walker
| TKO (doctor stoppage)
| Cage Fury Fighting Championships 1
| {{dts|2006|June|30}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 2:43
| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
| {{small|Won the inaugural CFFC Heavyweight Championship.}}
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 4–0
| Dale Carson
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| MFC: Boardwalk Blitz
| {{dts|2006|March|04}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 0:48
| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 3–0
| Sherman Pendergarst
| Decision (unanimous)
| RF 9: Battle at the Beach 2009
| {{dts|2005|August|06}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 5:00
| Wildwood, New Jersey, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 2–0
| Chris Volo
| Decision (unanimous)
| Reality Fighting 8
| {{dts|2005|April|02}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 5:00
| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
| align=center| 1–0
| Chris Dippolito
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| Reality Fighting 7
| {{dts|2004|October|16}}
| align=center| 1
| align=center| 1:02
| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
|
{{end}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20070509042721/http://carmelomarrero.com/ Carmelo's Official Website]
- {{Sherdog}}
- {{UFC|carmelo-marrero}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Marrero, Carmelo}}
Category:American male mixed martial artists
Category:Mixed martial artists from Pennsylvania
Category:Light heavyweight mixed martial artists
Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing collegiate wrestling
Category:Rider Broncs athletes
Category:Sportspeople from Coconut Creek, Florida
Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters
Category:American male sport wrestlers
Category:Sportspeople from Berks County, Pennsylvania
Category:Martial artists from Philadelphia