Jay Hieron

Last updated
Jay Hieron
Jay Hieron.jpg
Jay Hieron in 2009, at the weigh-in before the Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg event.
Born (1976-07-29) July 29, 1976 (age 47)
Freeport, New York, U.S.
Other namesThe Thoroughbred
Nationality American
Height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight170 lb (77 kg; 12 st)
Division Welterweight
Reach75 in (191 cm)
Fighting out of Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Team Xtreme Couture
RankNJCAA Division I Wrestling
Years active2003–2014
Mixed martial arts record
Total30
Wins23
By knockout7
By submission6
By decision10
Losses7
By knockout4
By decision3
University Hofstra University
Notable school(s) Nassau Community College
Freeport High School (New York)
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

James Thomas Hieronymus (born July 29, 1976) is an American actor, stuntman and former mixed martial artist. Hieron was the final IFL Welterweight Champion, competing for the Los Angeles Anacondas, and has also competed in the UFC, WEC, Affliction, Strikeforce, and Bellator.

Contents

Early life

Hieron went to live with John and Theo Hieronymous when he was a newborn due to the fact that his mother had trouble raising him. He was officially adopted by the couple when he was eight years old. [1]

Hieron, a two-time state wrestling championship runner-up at Freeport (N.Y.) High School and national Junior College Champion at Nassau (N.Y.) Community College, where he earned an associate degree, Hieron later attended Hofstra University. Before his senior year at Hofstra University, he tested positive for marijuana, and was unable to wrestle his senior year.

Mixed martial arts

After being kicked off the wrestling team at Hofstra University, Hieron began dealing drugs before being charged with a felony. [2] He turned to boxing to let his aggressions out on the bags. Finding this to be a good stress-reliever, and with the encouragement of some friends who trained in MMA, Hieron combined his wrestling skills and burgeoning boxing prowess into a professional MMA career.

Early career

In March 2006, Hieron won the Lockdown in Paradise in Lahaina, Hawaii, and in June 2006 won his IFL debut at the IFL Team Championships in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Following the demise of the International Fight League due to financial concerns, Hieron signed with Affliction in August 2008. [3] However, that promotion soon folded as well, so Hieron signed with Strikeforce.

Strikeforce

Hieron's first Strikeforce fight was set to be against fellow former Zuffa competitor Nick Diaz at Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg for the inaugural Strikeforce welterweight title. However, Diaz missed a pre-fight drug test mandated by the California State Athletic Commission and was denied a license to compete. Jesse Taylor was named to replace Diaz and the fight was changed to a non-title bout. [4] Hieron won by unanimous decision. He had his heart set on a title shot against Nick Diaz, but has stated that he would be comfortable fighting any top level opponent, as long as the fight, and name is helping him move forward in his career.

Hieron faced Joe Riggs on January 30, 2010 at Strikeforce: Miami. [5] Hieron won the fight via unanimous decision. After the fight had finished, Hieron's contract with Strikeforce was completed, prompting Hieron to immediately call for demands should he sign a new one. The demands included a shot at champion Nick Diaz and guaranteed television spots.

Bellator Fighting Championships

Hieron and Explosion Entertainment were unable to come to terms, so Hieron instead ended up signing to fight on Bellator Fighting Championships in the promotion's Season 4 welterweight tournament. In the opening quarterfinal round Hieron won via controversial stoppage when referee Josh Rosenthal stopped the bout when Lapsley did not respond to a hand check. Lapsley contested he wasn't out and this appeared to be the case, but given the position, it is unlikely that he would have survived the round. Hieron stated in a post-fight interview that Lapsley was gurgling and he felt him going out. [6] Hieron won a controversial unanimous decision victory over Brent Weedman at Bellator 40 to move on to the tournament finals. At Bellator 43 Hieron defeated Rick Hawn via split decision to win the Season 4 Welterweight Tournament. With this victory Hieron earned a title shot against Bellator Welterweight Champion Ben Askren. Askren defeated Hieron via controversial split decision.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Hieron was expected to face Jake Ellenberger in a rematch on September 1, 2012 at UFC 151, replacing an injured Josh Koscheck. [7] However, after the UFC 151 event was cancelled, Ellenberger/Hieron took place on October 5, 2012 at UFC on FX 5. [8] Hieron lost via unanimous decision.

Hieron was expected to face Erick Silva on February 2, 2013 at UFC 156. [9] However, Silva pulled out of the bout citing an injury and was replaced by promotional newcomer Tyron Woodley. [10] He lost the fight KO (punches) in round 1 and was subsequently released from the promotion. [11]

On March 7, 2014, Hieron announced his retirement from MMA competition. [12]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Amateur wrestling

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
30 matches23 wins7 losses
By knockout74
By submission60
By decision103
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Loss23–7 Tyron Woodley KO (punches) UFC 156 February 28, 201310:36 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss23–6 Jake Ellenberger Decision (unanimous) UFC on FX: Browne vs. Bigfoot October 5, 201235:00 Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Win23–5Romario da SilvaTechnical Submission (d'arce choke) Legacy Fighting Championship 12 July 13, 201222:04Houston, Texas, United States
Loss22–5 Ben Askren Decision (split) Bellator 56 October 29, 201155:00Kansas City, Missouri, United StatesFor Bellator Welterweight Championship
Win22–4 Rick Hawn Decision (split) Bellator 43 May 7, 201135:00 Newkirk, Oklahoma, United StatesBellator Season 4 Welterweight Tournament Final
Win21–4 Brent Weedman Decision (unanimous) Bellator 40 April 9, 201135:00Newkirk, Oklahoma, United StatesBellator Season 4 Welterweight Tournament Semifinal
Win20–4 Anthony Lapsley Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator 35 March 5, 201113:39 Lemoore, California, United StatesBellator Season 4 Welterweight Tournament Quarterfinal
Win19–4 Joe Riggs Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Miami January 30, 201035:00 Sunrise, Florida, United States
Win18–4 Jesse Taylor Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg August 15, 200935:00San Jose, California, United States
Win17–4 Jason High KO (punch) Affliction: Day of Reckoning January 24, 200911:04 Anaheim, California, United States
Win16–4Chris KennedyDecision (unanimous)SuperFights MMA: Night of Combat 2October 11, 200835:00Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win15–4 Mark Miller TKO (punches)IFL: New JerseyApril 4, 200812:10 East Rutherford, New Jersey, United StatesDefended IFL Welterweight Championship
Win14–4Delson HelenoTKO (leg injury)IFL World Grand Prix FinalsDecember 29, 200714:00 Uncasville, Connecticut, United StatesIFL 2007 Welterweight Grand Prix Final; Won inaugural IFL Welterweight Championship
Win13–4Donnie LilesDecision (unanimous)IFL: World Grand Prix SemifinalsNovember 3, 200734:00Chicago, Illinois, United StatesIFL 2007 Welterweight Grand Prix Semifinal
Loss12–4 Brad Blackburn KO (punches)IFL: EverettJune 1, 200710:40 Everett, Washington, United States
Win12–3Donnie LilesSubmission (guillotine choke)IFL: Los AngelesMarch 17, 200712:49Los Angeles, California, United States
Win11–3Victor MorenoSubmission (rear-naked choke)IFL: HoustonFebruary 2, 200711:55Houston, Texas, United States
Loss10–3 Chris Wilson Decision (unanimous)IFL: World Championship SemifinalsNovember 2, 200634:00Portland, Oregon, United States
Win10–2Amos SoteloSubmission (guillotine choke)IFL: PortlandSeptember 9, 200610:26Portland, Oregon, United States
Win9–2 Jake Ellenberger Decision (unanimous)IFL: Championship 2006June 3, 200634:00Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
Win8–2Steve SchneiderTKO (punches) Titan FC 1 March 11, 200610:55 Kansas City, Kansas, United States
Loss7–2 Jonathan Goulet TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC Fight Night 2 October 3, 200531:05Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win7–1 Pat Healy Decision (unanimous)IFC: Rock N' RumbleJuly 30, 200535:00 Reno, Nevada, United States
Win6–1Richard BrassDecision (unanimous) WEC 15: Judgment Day May 19, 200535:00 Lemoore, California, United States
Win5–1 Ronald Jhun TKO (doctor stoppage)Lockdown in Paradise 1March 19, 200514:34Hawaii, United States
Loss4–1 Georges St-Pierre TKO (punches) UFC 48 June 19, 200411:42Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win4–0Fabio HolandaDecision (unanimous)MMA: EruptionApril 30, 200435:00 Lowell, Massachusetts, United States
Win3–0Fernando MunozTKO (submission to punches)Ring of Combat 6April 24, 200410:33 Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States
Win2–0Jermaine JohnsonSubmission (rear-naked choke)Ring of Combat 5December 14, 200311:02Elizabeth, New Jersey, United States
Win1–0Keith PlateTKO (punches)Reality Fighting 4July 19, 200311:28 Bayonne, New Jersey, United States

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robbie Lawler</span> American mixed martial artist

Robert Glenn Lawler is an American retired professional mixed martial artist who competed between 2001 and 2023. He is a former UFC Welterweight Champion, former EliteXC Middleweight Champion, and has formerly competed in Strikeforce, PRIDE, and the IFL. Nicknamed "Ruthless", he is known for his aggressive fighting style, and was considered a fan favorite. Three of Lawler's title bouts, against Johny Hendricks, Rory MacDonald, and Carlos Condit earned numerous awards for the Fight of the Year in their respective years.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nick Diaz</span> American mixed martial artist

Nickolas Robert Diaz is a retired American professional mixed martial artist who competed in the middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Diaz is a former Strikeforce, WEC and IFC welterweight champion and a UFC title challenger. He also notably competed in PRIDE, EliteXC, DREAM, and Shooto. Nick is the older brother of former UFC fighter Nate Diaz, with the pair of brothers being one of the biggest influences in the sport of MMA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Riggs</span> American mixed martial arts fighter

Joseph Jonathan Riggs is an American professional bare-knuckle boxer and former mixed martial artist who is currently signed to Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2001, Riggs formerly competed for the UFC, WEC, Strikeforce, Bellator, ProElite, M-1 Global, and King of the Cage. Riggs is the former WEC Middleweight Champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jon Fitch</span> American mixed martial arts fighter

Jon Fitch is an American retired mixed martial artist. He has competed in the Welterweight divisions of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the Professional Fighters League (PFL), and most recently for Bellator MMA. In the UFC, Fitch compiled a record of 14–3–1 and once challenged for the UFC Welterweight Championship. In the PFL, Fitch achieved championship success when he won the PFL Welterweight Championship, and he also once challenged for the Bellator MMA Welterweight World Championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ben Askren</span> American Olympic wrestler and mixed martial artist (born 1984)

Ben Askren is an American former professional mixed martial artist and former Olympic wrestler.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Josh Koscheck</span> American mixed martial arts fighter

Josh D. Koscheck is an American retired mixed martial artist who fought at Welterweight for the UFC and Bellator MMA. Koscheck made his debut with the UFC on the first season of the reality television show, The Ultimate Fighter and fought for the company 25 times from 2005–2015, compiling a UFC record of 15–10.

Jorge Masvidal is an American former professional mixed martial artist who competed in the Welterweight and Lightweight divisions. Masvidal competed professionally for 20 years from 2003 till 2023, having fought in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Bellator, Strikeforce, Shark Fights, and World Victory Road. He holds the record for the fastest knockout in UFC history at five seconds, and won the symbolic UFC "BMF" Championship belt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Xtreme Couture Mixed Martial Arts</span> Mixed martial arts training organization in Las Vegas

Xtreme Couture Mixed Martial Arts is an American mixed martial arts training organization headed by former UFC Champion and former co-founder of Team Quest, Randy Couture. Xtreme Couture was founded with the flagship gym in Las Vegas. Since then, the franchise has spread to other cities in the United States and Canada. Xtreme Couture Las Vegas is one of the largest gyms, most recognized brands and MMA gyms in the world where many past and current top MMA fighters train.

Benjamin Saunders, is an American mixed martial artist who currently fights in the Welterweight division. He was a featured fighter on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Hughes vs. Team Serra, fighting on Team Serra. A professional competitor since 2004, Saunders has formerly competed in the UFC and Bellator.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jake Ellenberger</span> American mixed martial arts fighter

JakeEllenberger is an American retired mixed martial artist and former United States Marine who was known for competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional competitor from 2005–2018, Ellenberger has also formerly competed for the Quad Cities Silverbacks of the IFL, Bodog Fight, and King of the Cage.

Paul Anthony Daley is a British former mixed martial artist and kickboxer. A professional competitor from 2003 to 2022, Daley competed for the UFC, Bellator MMA, Cage Rage, Final Fight Championship, Strikeforce, EliteXC, ShoXC, BAMMA, Cage Warriors, Cage Contender, Shark Fights, Pancrase, and Impact FC. Daley is a former Cage Rage World Welterweight Champion and Cage Rage British Welterweight Champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tyron Woodley</span> American mixed martial artist (born 1982)

Tyron Woodley is an American former mixed martial artist and professional boxer. He is a former UFC Welterweight Champion who defended his title four times. A professional since 2009, Woodley also competed at Strikeforce and was an NCAA Division I collegiate wrestler for the Missouri Tigers, becoming a two-time All-American and Big 12 Conference champion.

Jason High is an American mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the Lightweight division of the Professional Fighters League. A professional competitor since 2005, High has also competed for Strikeforce, Affliction, Titan FC, the World Series of Fighting, DREAM and the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Patrick "Pat" Healy is an American professional retired mixed martial artist who last competed in the Lightweight division of ACB. A professional competitor since 2001, Healy has also formerly competed for the UFC, Strikeforce, the WEC, the IFL, the MFC, King of the Cage, Titan FC and Shark Fights. His twin brother, Ryan, is also a professional mixed martial artist. Healy holds notable wins over Dan Hardy, Paul Daley, and Carlos Condit.

Nathan David Coy is an American mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the Welterweight division of the UFC. A professional competitor since 2008, he has also competed for Bellator, the MFC, and Strikeforce.

Yancy Medeiros Jr. is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division of Bellator MMA. A professional competitor since 2007, he has competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Strikeforce.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Erick Silva</span> Brazilian mixed martial artist

Erick Vinicius Silva is a Brazilian former mixed martial artist who competed in the Welterweight division. A professional from 2005 till 2019, he competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Bellator MMA, and Jungle Fight, where he was the inaugural Welterweight Champion. He is also former UFC Bantamweight fighter Gabriel Silva's big brother.

Anthony Lapsley is an American professional mixed martial artist, who most recently competed in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2006, Lapsley has also formerly competed for King of the Cage, Bellator, ShoXC, HDNet Fights, and is the former King of the Cage Welterweight Champion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lorenz Larkin</span> American mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter

Lorenz Larkin is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Welterweight division of Bellator MMA. A professional competitor since 2009, Larkin formerly competed for Strikeforce and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of September 26, 2023, he is #8 in the Bellator Welterweight Rankings.

Brett Cooper is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Welterweight division. A professional competitor since 2005, he has also competed for Bellator, PFL, Affliction, Absolute Championship Berkut, IFL, KSW, and Jungle Fight.

References

  1. ↑ "Jay Hieron: Resurrection". FIGHTMAGAZINE.com. 2010-01-26. Archived from the original on 2011-01-27. Retrieved 2010-11-13.
  2. ↑ Life & Times of Jay Hieron Vol. 2 « Xtreme Couture MMA
  3. ↑ "- IFL CHAMP JAY HIERON TO SIGN WITH AFFLICTION - MMA WEEKLY - Mixed Martial Arts & UFC News, Photos, Rankings & more". Archived from the original on 2008-08-18. Retrieved 2008-08-14.
  4. ↑ Morgan, John (2009-08-10). "Former "TUF 7" contestant Jesse Taylor steps in for Nick Diaz at "Strikeforce: Carano vs. Cyborg"". MMAjunkie.com. Archived from the original on 2010-01-02. Retrieved 2009-11-07.
  5. ↑ "Joe Riggs vs Jay Hieron at Strikeforce: 'Miami' on Jan. 30". mmamania.com. Retrieved 2009-01-02.
  6. ↑ "- YouTube". YouTube .
  7. ↑ "Jay Hieron rejoins the UFC, meets Jake Ellenberger at UFC 151". mmajunkie.com. August 8, 2012.
  8. ↑ "With UFC 151 scrapped, Ellenberger-Hieron moved to UFC on FX 5 in Minneapolis". mmajunkie.com. August 23, 2012. Archived from the original on August 25, 2012.
  9. ↑ "Jay Hieron vs. Erick Silva added to February's UFC 156 event". MMAjunkie.com. November 21, 2012. Archived from the original on January 11, 2013.
  10. ↑ "Tyron Woodley replaces injured Erick Silva, faces Jay Hieron at UFC 156". MMAjunkie.com. January 2, 2013.
  11. ↑ MMAjunkie.com Staff (February 20, 2013). "UFC releases Jon Fitch, Vladimir Matyushenko, 14 others". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on February 22, 2013.
  12. ↑ Dann Stupp (March 7, 2014). "Big-show vet Jay Hieron announces MMA retirement". mmajunkie.com.
New championship 1st IFL Welterweight Champion
December 29, 2007 – July 31, 2008		Succeeded by
IFL ceased operations
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.