Maximo Blanco

Maximo Blanco (born October 16, 1983) 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.

Maximo Blanco
BornMaximo Ernis Blanco Visazno[1]
(1983-10-16) October 16, 1983
Falcón, Venezuela
Other namesMaxi
NationalityVenezuelan
Height5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)[2]
Weight146 lb (66 kg; 10.4 st)
DivisionLightweight
Featherweight (current)
Reach71 in (180 cm)[2]
Fighting out ofAlbuquerque, New Mexico, United States
TeamGreg Jackson's Submission Fighting
Yoshida Dojo
Sengoku Training Players (formerly)
RankGreen belt in Tae Kwon Do[3]
Years active2008–2016
Mixed martial arts record
Total22
Wins12
By knockout8
By decision4
Losses8
By submission4
By decision2
By disqualification2
Draws1
No contests1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background

Blanco, originally from Venezuela, trained in Tae Kwon Do for three years, reaching the rank of green belt, before being introduced to wrestling at the age of 14 by his cousin. Blanco competed in the sport for a year at German Villalobos High School, before being recruited to compete for the inaugural team at Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School in Japan along with three other Venezuelans. Blanco faced problems with bullying and fitting into a new society, but continued to excel at wrestling, winning All-Japan honors before being recruited again to compete at Nihon University. Upon graduating, Blanco continued competing and won International Championships in Venezuela, China, and Azerbaijan.[4] Blanco was also a competitor at the 2007 Pan American Games and came close to winning a Bronze Medal in the 144 lb weight division, he later lost the third place match via points to Peruvian grappler Aldo Parimango.[5]

Mixed martial arts career

Pancrase

Blanco made his mixed martial arts debut on August 27, 2008 against Yuki Yashima at Pancrase: Shining 6. The bout ended in a no contest after an accidental headbutt.[6]

He returned to the promotion at Pancrase: Shining 8 on October 1, 2008 and knocked out Hiroki Aoki with a slam and punches in just 22 seconds.[7]

Blanco faced Daisuke Hanazawa at Pancrase: Shining 10 on December 7, 2008 and was defeated by submission due to an arm-triangle choke in the second round.[8]

He faced Koji Oishi at Pancrase: Changing Tour 2 on April 5, 2009. The fight was ruled a draw after two rounds.

Sengoku Raiden Championship

Blanco made his debut for Sengoku Raiden Championship at World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku no Ran 2009 on January 4, 2009 and knocked out standout wrestler Seigo Inoue with stomps in 38 seconds, it was later revealed in a SRC press conference that Blanco had broken Seigo's orbital bone with the stomps and Inoue was later forced into a 3-year retirement to rehabilitate his injury.[9]

Blanco returned to SRC at Sengoku 8 on May 2, 2009 against Akihiko Mori. He was disqualified after striking Mori with an illegal soccer kick after knocking him down with a punch.[10]

In his next fight, Blanco became the Lightweight King of Pancrase by defeating veteran Katsuya Inoue, older brother of Seigo Inoue, with punches in the second round at Pancrase: Changing Tour 4 on August 8, 2009.[11]

Blanco faced Tetsuya Yamada at Sengoku 10 on September 23, 2009. He won the fight by TKO in the second round.[12]

On March 7, 2010, Blanco knocked out Chang Hyun Kim with a head kick at Sengoku Raiden Championships 12.[13]

Blanco was matched up against Rodrigo Damm at Sengoku Raiden Championships 13 on June 20, 2010. He defeated Damm by TKO early in the second round.[14]

Blanco faced Kiuma Kunioku at Sengoku Raiden Championship 15 on October 30, 2010.[15] He won the fight via KO late in the first round.[16]

On April 11, 2011, Pancrase announced Blanco had vacated his title, due to an inability to defend his belt because of numerous injuries.[17]

Strikeforce

Blanco next signed a three-fight deal with Strikeforce.

Blanco was expected to face Josh Thomson at Strikeforce 36 but a foot injury caused Thompson to drop out.[18] Pat Healy stepped in for the injured Thomson.[19] Blanco lost the bout via submission in the second round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On September 14, 2011, Blanco's management stated that he would be moving down to the Featherweight division and that his next fight would be in the UFC.[20]

In his debut, Blanco faced Marcus Brimage on April 21, 2012 at UFC 145.[21] He lost the fight via split decision.

For his second fight with the promotion, Blanco took on Sam Sicilia on April 13, 2013 at The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale.[22] He won the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision.[23]

Blanco faced Akira Corassani on November 30, 2013 at The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale.[24] Early in the opening round Blanco landed an illegal knee to the head of Corassani when he had a knee and hand on the ground. Corassani indicated that he was unable to continue, so Blanco lost the bout via disqualification.[25]

Blanco faced Felipe Arantes on February 15, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 36.[26] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[27]

Blanco then faced Andy Ogle on May 31, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 41.[28] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[29]

Blanco next faced Dan Hooker on September 20, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 52.[30] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[31]

Blanco next faced Mike De La Torre on July 12, 2015 at The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale.[32] He won the fight via TKO in the first round.[33]

Blanco was expected to face Dennis Bermudez on January 17, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 81.[34] However, Bermudez pulled out of the fight in early December citing injury and was replaced by promotional newcomer Luke Sanders.[35][36] He lost the fight via submission in the first round.[37]

Blanco returned to face Chas Skelly on September 17, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 94.[38] He lost the fight via submission in the fight's opening minute.[39]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts

Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
22 matches 12 wins 8 losses
By knockout 8 0
By submission 0 4
By decision 4 2
By disqualification 0 2
Draws 1
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 12–8–1 (1) Chas Skelly Technical Submission (anaconda choke) UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Johnson September 17, 2016 1 0:19 Hidalgo, Texas, United States
Loss 12–7–1 (1) Luke Sanders Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Dillashaw vs. Cruz January 17, 2016 1 3:38 Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Win 12–6–1 (1) Mike De La Torre TKO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians Finale July 12, 2015 1 0:16 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Catchweight (148.5 lbs) bout; Blanco missed weight.
Win 11–6–1 (1) Dan Hooker Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Hunt vs. Nelson September 20, 2014 3 5:00 Saitama, Japan
Win 10–6–1 (1) Andy Ogle Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Munoz vs. Mousasi May 31, 2014 3 5:00 Berlin, Germany
Loss 9–6–1 (1) Felipe Arantes Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Machida vs. Mousasi February 15, 2014 3 5:00 Jaraguá do Sul, Brazil
Loss 9–5–1 (1) Akira Corassani DQ (illegal knee) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rousey vs. Team Tate Finale November 30, 2013 1 0:25 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 9–4–1 (1) Sam Sicilia Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Jones vs. Team Sonnen Finale April 13, 2013 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 8–4–1 (1) Marcus Brimage Decision (split) UFC 145 April 21, 2012 3 5:00 Atlanta, Georgia, United States Featherweight debut.
Loss 8–3–1 (1) Pat Healy Submission (rear-naked choke) Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Kharitonov September 10, 2011 2 4:27 Cincinnati, Ohio, United States
Win 8–2–1 (1) Won Sik Park Decision (unanimous) World Victory Road Presents: Soul of Fight December 30, 2010 3 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 7–2–1 (1) Kiuma Kunioku KO (punches) World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku Raiden Championships 15 October 30, 2010 1 4:26 Tokyo, Japan
Win 6–2–1 (1) Rodrigo Damm TKO (punches) World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku Raiden Championships 13 June 20, 2010 2 0:45 Saitama, Japan
Win 5–2–1 (1) Chang Hyun Kim KO (head kick and punches) World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku Raiden Championships 12 March 7, 2010 1 1:10 Tokyo, Japan
Win 4–2–1 (1) Tetsuya Yamada TKO (punches) World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 10 September 23, 2009 2 1:12 Saitama, Japan
Win 3–2–1 (1) Katsuya Inoue TKO (punches) Pancrase: Changing Tour 4 August 8, 2009 2 4:38 Tokyo, Japan Won the Lightweight King of Pancrase Championship.
Loss 2–2–1 (1) Akihiko Mori DQ (illegal soccer kick) World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku 8 May 2, 2009 1 4:20 Tokyo, Japan
Draw 2–1–1 (1) Koji Oishi Draw Pancrase: Changing Tour 2 April 5, 2009 2 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 2–1 (1) Seigo Inoue KO (stomps) World Victory Road Presents: Sengoku no Ran 2009 January 4, 2009 1 0:38 Saitama, Japan
Loss 1–1 (1) Daisuke Hanazawa Submission (arm-triangle choke) Pancrase: Shining 10 December 7, 2008 2 2:19 Tokyo, Japan
Win 1–0 (1) Hiroki Aoki TKO (slam and punches) Pancrase: Shining 8 October 1, 2008 1 0:22 Tokyo, Japan
NC 0–0 (1) Yuki Yashima NC (accidental headbutt) Pancrase: Shining 6 August 27, 2008 1 0:56 Tokyo, Japan

See also

References
  1. "State Of Nevada" (PDF). Boxing.nv.gov. Retrieved 2016-08-01.
  2. "Fight Card - The Ultimate Fighter Finale American Top Team vs. Blackzilians". UFC.com. Retrieved July 17, 2015.
  3. Tony Loiseleur (July 10, 2011). "Maximo Blanco: Made in Japan - Made in Japan". sherdog.com.
  4. "Maximo Blanco: Made in Japan - Eyes on MMA". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2014-06-01.
  5. "Maximo Blanco, loose cannon, good prospect | Pro MMA Now". prommanow.com. Retrieved 2014-06-01.
  6. "Kondo Wins, Not Impressive". Sherdog.com. 2008-08-27. Retrieved 2010-10-22.
  7. "Kawamura Wins KOP After Battle with Yamamiya". Sherdog.com. 2008-10-01. Retrieved 2010-10-22.
  8. "Inoue Outpoints Oishi At 'Shining 10'". Sherdog.com. 2008-12-07. Retrieved 2010-02-22.
  9. "Kitaoka, Santiago Crowned By Sengoku". Sherdog.com. 2009-01-04. Retrieved 2010-10-22.
  10. "Hioki Taps Mann To Advance in Sengoku GP". Sherdog.com. 2009-05-02. Retrieved 2010-10-22.
  11. "Kondo Stops Kim in Pancrase". Sherdog.com. 2009-08-08. Retrieved 2010-10-22.
  12. "Izumi's Debut Spoiled; Hornbuckle Finishes Thompson at Sengoku 10". Sherdog.com. 2009-09-23. Retrieved 2010-10-22.
  13. "Santiago Outpoints Khalidov at SRC 12". Sherdog.com. 2010-03-07. Retrieved 2010-10-22.
  14. "Sandro Dethrones Kanehara in 38 Seconds at SRC 13". Sherdog.com. 2010-06-20. Retrieved 2010-10-22.
  15. "Kiuma Kunioku To Face Maximo Blanco At SRC 15". MMARising.com. Retrieved 2010-10-22.
  16. "Izumi Bests Zikic, Cobb Decisions Yokota at SRC 15". Sherdog.com. 2010-10-30.
  17. Nelson, Chris (2011-04-11). "Blanco Abdicates Pancrase Throne; Lightweight GP Begins May 3". Sherdog.com. Retrieved 2011-04-11.
  18. "Josh Thomson scratched from "Strikeforce Grand Prix: Barnett vs. Kharitonov"". MMAjunkie.com. 2011-08-23. Archived from the original on 2012-01-12.
  19. "Healy replaces Thomson, meets Blanco at "Strikeforce Grand Prix: Barnett vs. Kharitonov"". MMAjunkie.com. 2011-08-30. Archived from the original on 2012-01-12.
  20. Helwani, Ariel (2011-09-14). "Maximo Blanco Headed to UFC Featherweight Division". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2011-09-14.
  21. "Maximo Blanco vs. Marcus Brimage Verbally Agreed for UFC 145 in Atlanta". mmaweekly.com. January 19, 2012.
  22. Staff (February 16, 2013). "TUF 17 Finale Adds Maximo Blanco vs. Sam Sicilia". mmaweekly.com.
  23. Ben Fowlkes (2013-04-13). "TUF 17 Finale results: Maximo Blanco edges Sam Sicilia in slugfest". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-04-13.
  24. "Maximo Blanco meets Akira Corassani at TUF 18 Finale in Las Vegas". mmajunkie.com. 2013-09-28.
  25. Ben Fowlkes (2013-11-30). "TUF 18 Finale results: Illegal knee gives Akira Corassani DQ win over Maximo Blanco". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-11-30.
  26. Matt Erickson (2014-01-02). "Felipe Arantes vs. Maximo Blanco added to February's UFC Fight Night 36 in Brazil". MMAJunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-01-02.
  27. Ben Fowlkes (2014-02-15). "UFC Fight Night 36 results, photos: Point deduction unneeded, Arantes tops Blanco". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-02-15.
  28. @YourMMA (2014-04-03). "Ogle To Face Blanco At UFC Berlin". YourMMA.tv. Archived from the original on 2014-04-03. Retrieved 2014-04-03.
  29. Matt Erickson (2014-05-31). "UFC Fight Night 41 results: Flashy Maximo Blanco tops gritty Andy Ogle". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-05-31.
  30. C.J. Tuttle (2014-07-15). "Maximo Blanco set to face Dan Hooker at UFC Fight Night in Japan". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2014-07-15.
  31. Matt Erickson (2014-09-20). "UFC Fight Night 52 results: Maximo Blanco outslugs gritty Daniel Hooker". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-09-20.
  32. Staff (2015-06-01). "Maximo Blanco meets Mike De La Torre at TUF 21 Finale in July". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-06-01.
  33. Matt Erickson (2015-07-12). "TUF 21 Finale results: Maximo Blanco gets controversial 16-second TKO of De La Torre". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-07-12.
  34. Tristen Critchfield (2015-11-19). "Dennis Bermudez, Maximo Blanco to lock horns at UFC Fight Night in Boston on Jan. 17". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2015-11-19.
  35. Hunter A. Homistek (2015-12-06). "Dennis Bermudez suffers staph infection, out of January UFC Fight Night 81 bout". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2015-12-05.
  36. Staff (2016-01-04). "Luke Sanders steps in to fight Maximo Blanco; UFC Fight Night 81 lineup shuffled". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-01-04.
  37. Ben Fowlkes (2016-01-17). "UFC Fight Night 81 results: Luke Sanders chokes Maximo Blanco in octagon debut". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-01-17.
  38. Stacey Davis (2016-07-19). "Chas Skelly set to battle Maximo Blanco at UFC Fight Night 94". themmacorner.com. Retrieved 2016-07-19.
  39. Damon Martin (2016-09-17). "Chas Skelly pulls off ridiculously fast submission to finish Maximo Blanco". foxsports.com. Retrieved 2016-09-17.
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