Cortez Coleman

Cortez Coleman (born January 28, 1982) is an American mixed martial artist who most recently competed in 2017. A professional competitor since 2008, he has competed for Bellator, Strikeforce, King of the Cage, Legacy Fighting Alliance, and Legacy FC.

Background

Born and raised in the small town of Hugo, Oklahoma, Coleman was raised along with four brothers and a sister by a single mother. Coleman began competing in football from an early age and continued with the sport through high school. Coleman, who had often gotten into street fights growing up, later began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu before later transitioning into mixed martial arts.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Coleman began his MMA career in November 2008. Prior to appearing on The Ultimate Fighter, Coleman held an 8–3 record, which included fights with future Bellator welterweight champion Douglas Lima and former UFC competitor Cody Donovan. He also had a one-fight stint in Strikeforce and a two-fight stint in the King of the Cage.

The Ultimate Fighter

Coleman appeared as one of the contestants on The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson season as a welterweight. Coleman lost the fight to get into the house.

Bellator MMA

Coleman made his Bellator debut on January 24, 2013 against Matt Jones at Bellator 86. He won via unanimous decision.

Coleman then faced Keith Berry at Bellator 96 on June 19, 2013. Coleman lost a split decision.

Coleman faced Jonas Billstein on November 8, 2013 at Bellator 107. Coleman lost via unanimous decision.

On March 7, 2014, Coleman defeated Daniel Miller via submission due to strikes at Bellator 111.

Coleman faced Joe Vedepo on June 6, 2014 at Bellator 121. Coleman lost via majority decision.

Coleman moved down to the welterweight division and faced Will Florentino at Bellator 128 on October 10, 2014. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Personal life

Cortez's oldest brother went to prison at the age of 15 and has served 21 years there and is still incarcerated today. Cortez has never had a father figure of any kind growing up. As he got in junior high school and high school he turned to football for an outlet but would still find himself getting into trouble out in the streets. Following high school, Cortez went on to try football at the collegiate level. While in college he was still getting into trouble and ended up finding himself with the chance of serving 20 years in prison, and that's when it all changed.

Cortez made up his mind to stop the "street life" and make a change. MMA has changed his life. He has trained with the likes of Matt Hughes, Robbie Lawler, Johny Hendricks and Joe Warren which are or have been champions. He has also been on teams such as Hit Squad and Team Takedown, and is now signed with Factory X. Factory X has fighters in Bellator and the UFC. To name some: Joe Warren, Chris Camozzi, Brian Foster, Brian Rogers, Nate Marquardt, Neil Magny, Marcus Edwards and others. Cortez is a father of 3 children; 2 boys and 1 girl.

Mixed martial arts record