Joey Davis

Born in Compton, California, Davis attended Santa Fe High School, where he was a two-sport athlete, playing football and competing in wrestling.{{Cite web|url=https://www.maxpreps.com/athlete/joey-davis/YzW_0fTrEeKZ5AAmVebBJg/default.htm|title=Joey Davis' High School Timeline|website=MaxPreps.com|language=en|access-date=2020-04-17}} He started wrestling at age five, and he was a CIF state finalist his sophomore year and state champion in his junior and senior seasons as a high schooler.{{Cite web|last=News|first=CA School|date=2016-03-16|title=Former Santa Fe High School Standout Joey Davis Wins 4th Consecutive Wrestling Title|url=https://caschoolnews.net/articles/former-santa-fe-high-school-standout-joey-davis-wins-4th-consecutive-wrestling-title/|access-date=2020-10-29|website=California School News Report|language=en-US}} Nationally, he was a two-time FloNationals champion and a Reno champion.

Davis was an NCAA Division I recruit as a football player, however, he chose to wrestle.{{Cite web|title=Bio|url=https://www.joeyblackicedavis.com/bio|access-date=2020-10-29|website=Joey Black Ice Davis|language=en}}

After graduating from high school, Davis committed to wrestle at Notre Dame College.{{Cite web|last=CalGrappler|date=2012-04-10|title=Joey Davis Commits to Notre Dame|url=http://www.calgrappler.com/joey-davis-commits-to-notre-dame/|access-date=2020-10-29|website=CalGrappler – The Home for California High School Wrestling|language=en-US}}

Davis finished his true freshman season with 33 victories and no defeats and an NCAA title at 165 pounds. After moving up to 174 pounds, Davis compiled 35 more wins and closed the season undefeated, claiming titles from the Clarion Knight Point Open, Michigan State Open, Cleveland State Open, University of Indianapolis Greyhound Open, NCAA Division II Super Region I and the NCAA National Championship.{{Cite web|title=Joey Davis – Wrestling|url=https://notredamefalcons.com/sports/wrestling/roster/joey-davis/5415|access-date=2020-10-29|website=Notre Dame College Athletics|language=en}} As a junior, he compiled a record of 38–0 and won his third NCAA Division II National title.{{Cite web|last=Podolski|first=Mark|title=College wrestling: Notre Dame College junior Joey Davis after winning third NCAA title: 'I want to be a legend in this sport'|url=https://www.news-herald.com/sports/college-wrestling-notre-dame-college-junior-joey-davis-after-winning-third-ncaa-title-i-want/article_68f00d98-5a46-5d7f-accb-5dd8d877626a.html|access-date=2020-10-29|website=The News-Herald|language=en}} In his fourth and last season, Davis was able to close the show with a National title at 184 pounds and the Outstanding Wrestler Award, finishing his overall career with 133 wins and no losses.{{cite web|date=2014-03-13|title=NCAA Division II Wrestling: Unbeaten Joey Davis dodged gangs, found Notre Dame College|url=http://www.cleveland.com/sports/college/index.ssf/2014/03/ncaa_division_ii_wrestling_unb.html|accessdate=2016-06-16|publisher=cleveland.com}}{{cite web|date=January 12, 2012|title=College wrestling: Notre Dame College's Joey Davis is first D-II undefeated four-time NCAA champ|url=http://www.news-herald.com/article/HR/20160312/SPORTS/160319820|accessdate=2016-06-16|publisher=News-herald.com}}

Davis is one of the three undefeated four-time NCAA champions, sharing the podium with Cael Sanderson (159–0) from Division I and Marcus LeVesseur (155–0) from Division III.{{Cite web|title=Still undefeated: Joey Davis has made smooth transition to MMA|url=http://intermatwrestle.com/articles/19366|access-date=2020-10-29|website=InterMat}}

In May 2016, Davis competed at the annual Beat The Streets event, named Salsa in the Square. He faced three-time NCAA Division I Champion and Dan Hodge Trophy winner Alex Dieringer. He lost the match by points, being outscored 9 points to none.{{cite web|url=http://www.news-herald.com/article/HR/20150521/NEWS/150529870 |title=Notre Dame College's Joey Davis loses to Oklahoma State's Alex Derringer in 'challenge' match |publisher=News-herald.com |date=2015-05-21 |accessdate=2016-06-16}}

Davis started competing in mixed martial arts while he was still competing in college, amassing an undefeated record of 5 wins and no losses.{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/5/14/5717588/undefeated-college-wrestler-joey-davis-mma-snoop-dogg-notre-dame-amateur-champion |title=Undefeated college wrestler and Snoop Dogg coaching product Joey Davis mulls MMA career |publisher=Bloody Elbow |date=2014-05-14 |accessdate=2016-06-16}}

Davis signed with Bellator MMA in June 2016, months after his last wrestling season in college.{{Cite web|last=Newswire|first=MMA Fighting|date=2016-06-15|title=Bellator signs 4-time NCAA Division II champ Joey Davis|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2016/6/15/11950572/bellator-signs-four-time-ncaa-division-ii-champion-joey-davis|access-date=2020-10-29|website=MMA Fighting|language=en}}

Davis made his professional debut at an 175-pound catchweight bout against Keith Cutrone on August 26, 2016, at Bellator 160. He won the fight by unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://mmasucka.com/2018/06/25/the-style-of-joey-davis-intelligent-destruction/|title=The Style of Joey Davis: Intelligent Destruction|last=Gallo|first=Ed|date=2018-06-25|website=MMASucka.com|language=en-US|access-date=2020-04-17}}

Davis faced Justin Roswell on August 25, 2017, at Bellator 182 (a year later his previous bout). He won the fight by technical-knockout in the first round.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/2017/08/bellator-182-live-video-stream-results-koreshkov-njokuani|title=Bellator 182 results: Ex-champ Andrey Koreshkov pounds out Chidi Njokuani in first round|publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Matt Erickson|date=August 25, 2017}}

Davis faced Ian Butler on January 20, 2018, at Bellator 192. He won the fight by knockout 39 seconds into the first round.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/fight-card/918/bellator-mma-lima-vs-macdonald|title=Bellator 192: Rampage vs. Sonnen Results, Fight Card and News – MMA Fighting|website=www.mmafighting.com|access-date=2020-04-17}}

Davis faced Craig Plaskett on June 29, 2018, at Bellator 201. He won the fight by unanimous decision.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/fight-card/951/bellator-201|title=Bellator 201: Macfarlane vs. Lara Results, Fight Card and News – MMA Fighting|website=www.mmafighting.com|access-date=2020-04-17}}

Davis was scheduled to face Jesse Merritton on March 29, 2019, at Bellator 219. However, Merritton withdrew from the event and was replaced by Marcus Anthony. Davis won the fight by knockout in the first round.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/3/29/18287421/bellator-219-results-awad-vs-girtz|title=Bellator 219 Results: Awad vs. Girtz|last=Tucker|first=Bryan|date=2019-03-29|website=MMA Fighting|language=en|access-date=2020-04-17}}

Davis faced Jeff Peterson on October 9, 2019, at Bellator 229. He won the fight by knockout in a minute into the first round.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/10/4/20898995/bellator-229-results-koreshkov-vs-larkin|title=Bellator 229 Results: Koreshkov vs. Larkin|last=Tucker|first=Bryan|date=2019-10-04|website=MMA Fighting|language=en|access-date=2020-04-17}}

Davis faced Chris Cisneros on December 20, 2019, at Bellator 235. He won the fight by technical-knockout in the first round.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmafighting.com/2019/12/20/21031763/bellator-235-results-barnett-vs-markes|title=Bellator 235 Results: Barnett vs. Markes|last=Tucker|first=Bryan|date=2019-12-20|website=MMA Fighting|language=en|access-date=2020-04-17}}

Davis faced promotional newcomer Bobby Lee on November 19, at Bellator 253.{{Cite web|author=Staff Reports|title=Two-minute drill: Becker MMA fighter signs with Bellator|url=https://www.sctimes.com/story/sports/2020/10/28/two-minute-drill-becker-mma-fighter-signs-bellator/6057697002/|access-date=2020-10-29|website=St. Cloud Times|language=en-US}} He won the fight by unanimous decision.{{Cite web|last=Anderson|first=Jay|date=2020-11-19|title=Bellator 253 Results: Joey Davis Too Much for Debuting Bobby Lee|url=https://cagesidepress.com/2020/11/19/bellator-253-results-joey-davis-vs-bobby-lee/|access-date=2020-11-20|website=Cageside Press|language=en-US}}

After a 2.5 year layoff, Davis made his return against Jeff Creighton on March 31, 2023, at Bellator 293.{{Cite web |last=Critchfield |first=Tristen |title=Undefeated Welterweight Joey Davis to Return at Bellator 293 on March 31 |url=https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Undefeated-Welterweight-Joey-Davis-to-Return-at-Bellator-293-on-March-31-189177 |access-date=2023-02-15 |website=Sherdog |language=en}} Despite being a 14-to-1 favorite, Davis lost the bout via split decision.{{Cite web |date=2023-04-01 |title=Joey Davis suffers first loss in Bellator 293 comeback |url=https://www.ocregister.com/2023/03/31/joey-davis-suffers-first-loss-in-bellator-293-comeback |access-date=2023-04-01 |website=Orange County Register |language=en-US}}

• National Collegiate Athletic Association
• NCAA Division II 165 lb National Champion out of Notre Dame College (2013)
• NCAA Division II 174 lb National Champion out of Notre Dame College (2014)
• NCAA Division II 174 lb National Champion out of Notre Dame College (2015)
• NCAA Division II 184 lb National Champion out of Notre Dame College (2016)

{{MMArecordbox

|draws=

|nc=

|ko-wins=5

|ko-losses=

|sub-wins=

|sub-losses=

|dec-wins=3

|dec-losses=1

|dq-wins=

|dq-losses=

|other-wins=

|other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

|{{no2}}Loss

|align=center|8–1

|Jeff Creighton

|Decision (split)

|Bellator 293

|{{dts|2023|March|31}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Temecula, California, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|8–0

|Bobby Lee

|Decision (unanimous)

|Bellator 253

|{{dts|2020|November|19}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Uncasville, Connecticut, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|7–0

|Chris Cisneros

|TKO (punches)

|Bellator 235

|{{dts|2019|12|20|format=mdy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|3:55

|Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|6–0

|Jeffrey Peterson

|KO (flying knee)

|Bellator 229

|{{dts|2019|10|9|format=mdy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|1:00

|Temecula, California, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|5–0

|Marcus Anthony

|KO (punch)

|Bellator 219

|{{dts|2019|3|29|format=mdy}}

|align=center|1

|align=center|4:21

|Temecula, California, United States

|

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center|4–0

|Craig Plaskett

|Decision (unanimous)

|Bellator 201

|{{dts|2018|6|29|format=mdy}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Temecula, California, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 3–0

| Ian Butler

| KO (spinning back kick)

| Bellator 192

| {{dts|2018|1|20}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 0:39

| Inglewood, California, United States

|{{small|Welterweight debut.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 2–0

|Justin Roswell

|TKO (elbows)

|Bellator 182

|{{dts|2017|8|25}}

|align=center| 1

|align=center| 1:35

|Verona, New York, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (175 lb) bout.}}

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|align=center| 1–0

|Keith Cutrone

|Decision (unanimous)

|Bellator 160

|{{dts|2016|8|26}}

|align=center|3

|align=center|5:00

|Anaheim, California, United States

|{{small|Catchweight (175 lb) bout.}}

{{end}}

{{s-start}}

! colspan="8"| NCAA Division II Championships Matches

|-

! Res.

! Record

! Opponent

! Score

! Date

! Event

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 |2016 NCAA (DII) Championships {{gold1}} at 184 lbs

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|16–0

|align=left|Travis Mckillop

|style="font-size:88%"|3–1

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|March 11–12, 2016

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2016 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|15–0

|align=left|Jacob Waste

|style="font-size:88%"|3–2

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|14–0

|align=left|Nick Burghardt

|style="font-size:88%"|8–2

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|13–0

|align=left|Brandon Supernaw

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 13–5

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 |2015 NCAA (DII) Championships {{gold1}} at 174 lbs

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|12–0

|align=left|Zeb Wahle

|style="font-size:88%"|4–2

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|March 13–14, 2015

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2015 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|11–0

|align=left|John Blankenship

|style="font-size:88%"|7–4

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|10–0

|align=left|Terrence Zaleski

|style="font-size:88%"|4–2

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|9–0

|align=left|Caleb Copeland

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 14–5

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 |2014 NCAA (DII) Championships {{gold1}} at 174 lbs

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|8–0

|align=left|Adam Walters

|style="font-size:88%"|4–1

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|March 14–15, 2014

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2014 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|7–0

|align=left|Patrick Martinez

|style="font-size:88%"|5–2

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|6–0

|align=left|Trevor Grant

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|5–0

|align=left|Conner Monk

|style="font-size:88%"|Fall

|-

! style=background:white colspan=6 |2013 NCAA (DII) Championships {{gold1}} at 165 lbs

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|4–0

|align=left|Chase Nelson

|style="font-size:88%"|7–5

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|March 8–9, 2013

|style="font-size:88%" rowspan=4|2013 NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|3–0

|align=left|Isaiah Jimenez

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 11–2

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|2–0

|align=left|Justin Samora

|style="font-size:88%"|MD 18–4

|-

|{{yes2}}Win

|1–0

|align=left|Wade Gobin

|style="font-size:88%"|11–7

|-

{{end}}

{{reflist}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Davis, Joey}}

Category:Living people

Category:American male sport wrestlers

Category:American male mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing collegiate wrestling

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing freestyle wrestling

Category:1993 births

Category:Santa Fe High School (California) alumni

Category:21st-century American sportsmen