Nam Phan

Last updated
Nam Phan
Born (1983-03-13) March 13, 1983 (age 40)
Oakland, California, United States
Nationality American
Height5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
Weight145 lb (66 kg; 10 st 5 lb)
Division Bantamweight
Featherweight
Lightweight
Reach70 in (180 cm) [1]
Fighting out of East Oakland Cuh , California, United States
TeamNam Phan MMA Academy
Team Alpha Male
Rank2nd Degree Black Belt in Việt Quyền Đạo
Black Belt in Karate
Black Belt in Judo
Black Belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Professional boxing record
Total12
Wins3
By knockout2
Losses8
By knockout1
Draws1
Mixed martial arts record
Total38
Wins21
By knockout8
By submission6
By decision7
Losses17
By knockout4
By submission3
By decision10
Other information
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Nhat Nam Si Phan [2] (born March 13, 1983), better known as Nam Phan, is an American retired mixed martial artist and professional boxer. A professional in mixed martial arts since 2001, Phan has also competed for the UFC, WEC, Strikeforce, World Victory Road, and was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck. He has competed in Japanese MMA organization Pancrase and won the title of King of Pancrase in the featherweight division in 2015.

Contents

Background

Born and raised in California, Phan began training in Tae Kwon Do at the age of four. A few years later, Phan began karate and did that for eight years earning his black belt. By the age of 16, he had earned a second degree black belt in Việt Quyền Đạo, a Vietnamese combat martial art. Phan then began studying Brazilian jiu-jitsu in the year 2000 earning his black belt [3] He is also a professional boxer with a record of 3-8-1. [4]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Phan made his professional mixed martial arts debut against Jason Maxwell in October 2001, and won due to a second-round TKO. He then won his following three fights also, before tasting defeat at the hands of Rob McCullough in April 2003. In December 2006, and now with a 12–2 record, he made his promotional debut with Strikeforce against Josh Thomson at Strikeforce: Triple Threat . He lost via unanimous decision, however, and was also defeated in his next, and last, Strikeforce fight against Billy Evangelista at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson .

He then won the Extreme Fighters World Championships by defeating Shad Smith via TKO at 1:11 of the first round on October 6, 2007.

In 2009, he took part in the Sengoku Raiden Championship's Featherweight Grand Prix where he defeated Hideki Kadowaki in the opening round. In the second round, at Sengoku 8 , Phan was defeated by Michihiro Omigawa.

The Ultimate Fighter

Phan signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship to appear on The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck . On the debut episode, Phan defeated Mike Budnik via TKO after a liver shot and follow-up punches. Phan therefore earned entrance into the house, [5] where he would be picked for Team Koscheck as Koscheck's fifth pick (ninth overall). [6]

In the preliminary fight, Phan fought Spencer Paige, winning via unanimous decision to give Koscheck's team their first win. The first round was closely contested until the final seconds where Phan got a takedown, ground and pounded, and then applied a kimura. In between rounds, Paige told his corner that his left foot was broken. [7] Phan would go on to continue pressuring Paige in the second round to win the fight. [8]

For his quarter-final fight, Phan was selected to fight Cody McKenzie. Phan defeated McKenzie via TKO (punches) in round 2, securing his spot in the semi-finals. [9] In the semi-final round, Phan faced Michael Johnson. In a back-and-forth fight, Johnson scored takedowns. The consensus at the fight was that Johnson won the opening round, whilst Phan won the second. The third round, however, was argued over, with the coach of each respective fighter believing that their fighter took it. Johnson was declared the winner via split decision. [10]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Phan was expected to face Alex Caceres on December 4, 2010, at The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck Finale. However, Caceres was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Leonard Garcia. [11] Phan lost the fight against Garcia via a controversial split decision. Due to the controversy surrounding the decision, both fighters were awarded a win bonus by the UFC and the fight earned Fight of the Night honors. [12] [13] The loss was named as 2010 Robbery of the Year by many MMA websites, most notably by Sherdog.com. [14]

A rematch with Garcia was expected on March 26, 2011, at UFC Fight Night 24. [15] However, Phan was forced out of the bout with an injury and was replaced by Chan Sung Jung. [16]

Phan faced Mike Brown on August 6, 2011, at UFC 133. [17] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Phan was expected to face Matt Grice on October 8, 2011, at UFC 136, replacing an injured Josh Grispi. [18] However, Grice was forced out of the bout with an injury with Leonard Garcia stepping in to replace him. [19] [20] Phan won via unanimous decision, also earning both fighters Fight of the Night bonuses.

Phan next faced Jimy Hettes on December 30, 2011, at UFC 141. [21] Phan was dominated by Hettes throughout the fight, unable to stop the many takedowns of his opponent and losing via unanimous decision.

Phan was briefly linked to a bout with Zhang Tie Quan on February 26, 2012, at UFC 144. [22] However, for unknown reasons, the bout never materialized.

Phan faced Cole Miller on August 4, 2012, at UFC on FOX 4 and won a split decision. [23]

Phan faced Dennis Siver on December 8, 2012, at UFC on Fox 5, replacing an injured Eddie Yagin. [24] Nam went into the fight with a passive posture, and proceeded to be dominated through the entire three rounds in both stand up and ground games, ultimately losing by unanimous decision. One of the judges scored 10-8 in favor of Siver on all three rounds.

Phan fought Takeya Mizugaki in a Bantamweight bout on December 7, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 33. [25] He lost the fight via unanimous decision. [26]

Phan faced Vaughan Lee on March 1, 2014, at The Ultimate Fighter: China Finale. [27] He lost the fight via unanimous decision and was subsequently released from the promotion.

Post-UFC career

In his first fight post-UFC, Phan faced Kenichi Ito at Grandslam MMA: Way of the Cage on July 13, 2014. [28] He won the fight via first-round TKO. [29]

Phan then faced Yuki Baba at Pancrase 261 on October 5, 2014. Phan won the fight via rear-naked choke submission in the first round. [30]

Bellator MMA

On October 17, 2014, it was announced that Phan has signed with Bellator. He made his debut for the promotion against Mike Richman on November 15, 2014, at Bellator 131. [31] Phan lost the fight via knockout in the first round.

Retirement

On March 12, 2017, after his loss to Whiteford, Phan announced his retirement from MMA competition.

Personal life

Phan takes pride in his Vietnamese heritage and is part of the Vietnamese-American community. He proudly displays both the American and South Vietnamese flags on his gi as a symbol of his pride in the freedom of his current home and of his lost homeland. Phan owns and runs the Madu Academy, where he teaches Brazilian jiu-jitsu as well as boxing and Muay Thai. In 2005, Phan co-founded Ma Du Entertainment, a business to promote mixed martial arts fighters.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
38 matches21 wins17 losses
By knockout84
By submission63
By decision710
Res.RecordOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTimeLocationNotes
Loss21–17 Robert Whiteford Technical Submission (front choke) ACB 54: Supersonic March 11, 201710:29 Manchester, England
Loss21–16 Masakazu Imanari Submission (heel hook)DEEP Cage Impact 2016April 23, 201610:35 Tokyo, Japan
Loss21–15Andy MainSubmission (triangle choke)Pancrase 270October 4, 201543:41 Tokyo, JapanLost the Featherweight King of Pancrase Championship
Win21–14 Takumi Nakayama Decision (split)Pancrase 264January 31, 201535:00 Tokyo, JapanWon the Featherweight King of Pancrase Championship
Loss20–14 Mike Richman KO (punches) Bellator 131 November 15, 201410:46 San Diego, California, United States
Win20–13Yuki BabaSubmission (rear-naked choke)Pancrase 261October 5, 201414:05 Tokyo, Japan
Win19–13Kenichi ItoTKO (punches)Grandslam MMA: Way of the CageJuly 13, 201414:27 Tokyo, Japan
Loss18–13 Vaughan Lee Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter China Finale: Kim vs. Hathaway March 1, 201435:00 Macau, SAR, China
Loss18–12 Takeya Mizugaki Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Bigfoot December 7, 201335:00 Brisbane, Queensland, Australia Bantamweight debut
Loss18–11 Dennis Siver Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Diaz December 8, 201235:00 Seattle, Washington, United States
Win18–10 Cole Miller Decision (split) UFC on Fox: Shogun vs. Vera August 4, 201235:00 Los Angeles, California, United States
Loss17–10 Jimy Hettes Decision (unanimous) UFC 141 December 30, 201135:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win17–9 Leonard Garcia Decision (unanimous) UFC 136 October 8, 201135:00 Houston, Texas, United StatesFight of the Night
Loss16–9 Mike Brown Decision (unanimous) UFC 133 August 6, 201135:00 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Loss16–8 Leonard Garcia Decision (split) The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck Finale December 4, 201035:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United StatesFight of the Night
Win16–7Rodney RhodenSubmission (armbar)Civic Disobedience 2April 3, 201013:20 Los Angeles, California, United States
Loss15–7Isaac DeJesusTKO (punches) TPF 3: Champions Collide February 4, 201012:55 Lemoore, California, United StatesFor Tachi Palace Fights Featherweight Championship
Loss15–6 Michihiro Omigawa TKO (punches) World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 8 May 2, 200914:52 Tokyo, JapanFeatherweight Grand Prix Second Round
Win15–5 Hideki Kadowaki TKO (punches) World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 7 March 20, 200913:09 Tokyo, JapanFeatherweight Grand Prix Opening Round
Loss14–5 Billy Evangelista Decision (split) Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson June 27, 200835:00 San Jose, California, United States
Win14–4 Saad Awad TKO (punches)GC 74: EvolutionFebruary 16, 200820:52 Los Angeles, California, United States
Win13–4Shad SmithTKO (punches)EFWC: The UntamedOctober 6, 200711:11 Anaheim, California, United States
Loss12–4 Gesias Cavalcante TKO (punches) Dynamite!! USA June 2, 200710:26 Los Angeles, California, United States
Loss12–3 Josh Thomson Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce: Triple Threat December 8, 200635:00 San Jose, California, United StatesFor Strikeforce Lightweight Championship
Win12–2Aric NelsonTKO (punches)FCP: Malice at Cow PalaceSeptember 9, 200624:11 San Jacinto, California, United States
Win11–2Ryan DiazDecision (split) KOTC: Rapid Fire August 4, 200625:00 San Jacinto, California, United States
Win10–2Albert HillSubmission (armbar) KOTC 63: Final Conflict December 2, 200510:12 San Jacinto, California, United States
Win9–2Joe FraineeSubmission (armbar) KOTC 58: Prime Time August 5, 200513:28 San Jacinto, California, United States
Win8–2Sost InfanteTKO (cut) KOTC 54: Mucho Machismo June 12, 200510:51 San Jacinto, California, United States
Win7–2Joey AlvaradoKO (punches) KOTC 49: Soboba March 20, 200511:08 San Jacinto, California, United States
Win6–2Mike ValdezSubmission (triangle choke) KOTC 47: Uprising February 5, 200510:41 Lemoore, California, United States
Loss5–2Nick ErtlDecision (split) WEC 11 August 20, 200435:00 Upland, California, United States
Win5–1Eben KaneshiroDecision (unanimous)Pit Fighting ChampionshipFebruary 7, 200435:00 Upland, California, United States
Loss4–1 Rob McCullough Decision (unanimous)PFC: KnucklefestApril 5, 200325:00 California, United States
Win4–0Patrick HoangDecision (unanimous)PFC: KnucklefestApril 5, 200315:00 California, United States
Win3–0Brad LevyDecision (split)PFC: KnucklefestApril 5, 200315:00 California, United States
Win2–0Brad McCallSubmission (guillotine choke)California Pancration ChampionshipsJune 11, 200220:42 Los Angeles, California, United States
Win1–0Jason MaxwellTKO (punches)Cobra Classic 2001October 6, 20012N/A Anza, California, United States

See also

Related Research Articles

<i>The Ultimate Fighter</i> American reality series and mixed martial arts competition

The Ultimate Fighter is an American reality television series and mixed martial arts (MMA) competition produced by the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Pilgrim Media Group currently airing on ESPN+. It previously aired for fourteen seasons on Spike TV. The show features professional MMA fighters living together in Las Vegas, Nevada, and follows them as they train and compete against each other for a prized six-figure contract with the UFC. The series debuted on January 17, 2005, with its first episode, "The Quest Begins". To date, there have been thirty seasons of the show, two per calendar year. Each season features either one or two weight classes in the tournament.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Georges St-Pierre</span> Canadian mixed martial arts fighter

Georges St-Pierre, also known by his initials GSP, is a Canadian actor and former professional mixed martial artist. He is widely regarded as the greatest fighter in mixed martial arts (MMA) history. St-Pierre was a two-division champion in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), having won titles in the welterweight and middleweight divisions.

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

Robert Glenn Lawler is an American professional mixed martial artist who has been competing since 2001. 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. Lawler is the only fighter to have won three consecutive "Fight of the Year" awards from Sherdog and MMA Fighting, for his bouts against Johny Hendricks, Rory MacDonald, and Carlos Condit.

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

Nathan Joel Marquardt is an American mixed martial artist who competed in the middleweight and welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 1999, he is a former Strikeforce Welterweight Champion and a three-time Pancrase Middleweight Champion.

Donald Matthew Grice is an American police officer and retired mixed martial artist. He was in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, fighting in the featherweight division before suffering a traumatic brain injury in a traffic accident in Shawnee, Oklahoma on September 8, 2013. Grice returned to his old job with the Oklahoma City Police Department in October 2014.

Leonard Garcia is an American former mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the Featherweight division of the Legacy Fighting Championship, and is the former Legacy FC Featherweight Champion. After making his professional debut in 1999, Garcia competed in WEC and in the UFC.

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">The Korean Zombie</span> South Korean mixed martial artist (born 1987)

Jung Chan-sung, anglicized as Chan Sung Jung and better known by his ring name The Korean Zombie, is a South Korean professional mixed martial artist.

Maximo Blanco is a Venezuelan professional mixed martial artist who last competed in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2008, Blanco is the former Lightweight King of Pancrase and has also competed in Strikeforce and World Victory Road.

Tyler Toner is an American former professional mixed martial arts fighter. A professional from 2005 until 2014, he fought in the UFC, WEC, Strikeforce, and the RFA.

<i>The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck</i> UFC mixed martial arts television series and event in 2010

The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck is the twelfth installment of the Ultimate Fighting Championship produced reality television series The Ultimate Fighter.

Cody Steven McKenzie is an American mixed martial artist. A professional competitor since 2007, McKenzie mostly competed in his regional circuit, before signing with the Ultimate Fighting Championship to appear on The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck, and has also competed for M-1 Global.

Alex Caceres is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the featherweight division of the UFC. A professional MMA competitor since 2008, Caceres mostly competed in his regional circuit, before signing with the Ultimate Fighting Championships to appear on The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck. As of December 19, 2022, he is #15 in the UFC featherweight rankings.

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

Michael Richman is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division of the Legacy Fighting Alliance. A professional competitor in mixed martial arts since 2008, Richman has competed for Bellator MMA, and is also 2-0 as a professional boxer. Richman currently competes as a bare-knuckle boxer with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Michael Johnson (fighter)</span> American mixed martial arts fighter

Michael Julian Johnson is an American professional mixed martial artist. Johnson currently fights in the Lightweight division for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional MMA competitor since 2008, Johnson mostly competed in his regional circuit, before signing onto the Ultimate Fighting Championship to appear on The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck, in which he was the runner-up.

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

Jonathan Quinn Brookins is an American mixed martial artist who competed as a featherweight for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional MMA competitor since 2006, Brookins has mostly fought in Florida, as well as competing in The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck. On December 4, 2010, Brookins defeated Michael Johnson to become the Ultimate Fighter and earn a contract with the UFC. During his time at Lindenwood University he was also the college roommate of former fellow UFC fighter Mike Rio.

Sako Chivitchian is an Armenian-born American mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter who competes in the lightweight division. He emigrated to the United States and is based in Los Angeles. A full-time professional MMA competitor since 2009, Chivitchian mostly competed in his regional circuit of California before signing with the Ultimate Fighting Championship to appear on The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck.

Pablo Garza is a former American mixed martial artist who fought in the Featherweight division. He has competed for the UFC, WEC, and was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jimy Hettes</span> American martial artist

James Michael Hettes is a retired American mixed martial artist who competed as a featherweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Mike Ricci is a Canadian mixed martial artist who competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship and has also fought in Bellator MMA.

References

  1. Staff (2014-03-01). "UFN Macao Print Card". ufc.com. Retrieved 2014-07-13.
  2. http://boxing.nv.gov/2010%20Results%20Web/TUF%2012%2006-05-10.pdf%5B%5D
  3. "Nam Phan | UFC". 14 September 2018.
  4. "Nam Phan - Boxer". Archived from the original on 2012-10-05. Retrieved 2008-05-27.
  5. "Episode no.1 recap: "The Ultimate Fighter 12: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck"". mmajunkie.com. September 16, 2010. Archived from the original on September 18, 2010.
  6. "Episode No. 2 recap: "The Ultimate Fighter 12: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck"". mmajunkie.com. September 22, 2010. Archived from the original on September 25, 2010.
  7. "Episode No. 5 recap: "The Ultimate Fighter 12: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck"". mmajunkie.com. October 14, 2010.
  8. "TUF 12, Episode 5 episode recap". mixedmartialarts.com. October 14, 2010.
  9. "Episode No. 9 recap: "The Ultimate Fighter 12: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck"". mmajunkie.com. November 10, 2010. Archived from the original on November 14, 2010.
  10. "Episode No. 11 recap: "The Ultimate Fighter 12: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck"". mmajunkie.com. December 1, 2010. Archived from the original on December 5, 2010.
  11. "Leonard Garcia vs. Nam Phan slotted for The Ultimate Fighter 12 Finale". mmajunkie.com. Dec 1, 2010. Archived from the original on 2010-12-04.
  12. Michael David Smith (4 December 2010). "Ultimate Fighter Finale Results: Leonard Garcia Beats Nam Phan". MMA Fighting.
  13. [ dead link ]
  14. Critchfield, Tristen. "Sherdog 2010 Awards: The Complete List Robbery of the Year". Sherdog . Retrieved February 15, 2011.
  15. "Leonard Garcia vs. Nam Phan 2 Headed to UFC Fight Night 24". MMAWeekly.com. January 10, 2011.
  16. "UFC Fight Night 24: Leonard Garcia vs Chan Sung Jung booked with Nam Phan injured". mmamania.com. March 16, 2011.
  17. "Featherweights Mike Brown vs. Nam Phan slotted for UFC 133 in Philly". mmajunkie.com. May 11, 2011. Archived from the original on May 13, 2011.
  18. "UFC 136 Fight Card Update: Nam Phan Steps in for Josh Grispi". MMAWeekly.com. August 11, 2011.
  19. "Injured Matt Grice out, Nam Phan awaits new UFC 136 opponent". MMAjunkie.com. September 7, 2011. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved September 7, 2011.
  20. "UFC 136 Fight Card: The Rematch That Never Was, Nam Phan vs. Leonard Garcia". MMAWeekly.com. September 7, 2011.
  21. "Nam Phan vs. Jim Hettes slated for year-end UFC 141 event". MMAjunkie.com . November 16, 2011. Archived from the original on November 17, 2011. Retrieved November 16, 2011.
  22. "Nam Phan declares 'Asian on Asian crime' at UFC 144". espn.co.uk. January 31, 2012. Retrieved January 31, 2012.
  23. "UFC on FOX 4 adds Swick-Johnson, Grispi-Garza, Phan-Miller, Gamburyan-Omigawa | MMAjunkie.com". Archived from the original on 2012-05-24. Retrieved 2012-05-22.
  24. Ian Bain (2012-11-14). "Nam Phan replaces Eddie Yagin – fights Dennis Siver at UFC on FOX 5". mmaopinion.co.uk. Archived from the original on 2014-02-01. Retrieved 2012-11-14.
  25. MMAjunkie Staff (2013-09-27). "Takeya Mizugaki vs. Nam Phan booked for UFC Fight Night 33". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-09-27.
  26. John Morgan (2013-12-07). "UFC Fight Night 33 results: Takeya Mizugaki outboxes, outlasts gutsy Nam Phan". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-12-07.
  27. Staff (2014-01-30). "TUF China Finale adds Nam Phan vs. Vaughan Lee, tournament finals". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-01-30.
  28. Mookie Alexander (2014-06-20). "Nam Phan booked for Grandslam MMA show in Japan, indicating end to UFC tenure". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2014-07-13.
  29. Chris Nelson (2014-07-13). "Victor Henry Takes Out Tokoro, Nam Phan Rebounds at Grandslam MMA 'Way of the Cage'". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2014-07-13.
  30. "Pancrase - 261". Sherdog.com.
  31. "Nam Phan signs with Bellator, meets Mike Richman in Bellator 131 main-card opener". MMAJunkie.com. October 17, 2014.