Fernando Gonzalez

Fernando Gonzalez (born September 15, 1983) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in Bellator's welterweight division. A professional competitor since 2003, Gonzalez has also competed for the WEC, King of the Cage and Strikeforce. Also a successful competitor in Muay Thai, Gonzalez is the former WBC National Muay Thai cruiserweight champion.

Born in Escondido, California, Gonzalez began boxing at the age of five. During high school, Gonzalez competed in football and began training in mixed martial arts after graduating at the age of 19.

Early career: WEC

Gonzalez made his MMA and WEC debut against Mike Castillo on October 17, 2003 at WEC 8. He was victorious via first-round TKO.

After going 7–3 in his next ten bouts, Gonzalez returned to the promotion when he faced Jimmy Dexter at WEC 20, defeating him via rear-naked choke submission.

He next faced Alex Stiebling at WEC 23 on August 17, 2006. He won the fight via TKO due to a doctor stoppage in the first round.

Gonzalez faced Brendan Seguin at WEC 25 on January 20, 2007. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

In what would be his last fight for the promotion, Gonzalez faced Hiromitsu Miura at WEC 29 on August 5, 2007. He lost the fight via submission due to punches in the second round.

Strikeforce

Gonzalez made his Strikeforce debut at Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Masvidal on December 17, 2011. He faced Eddie Mendez and lost via split decision.

Bellator MMA

Gonzalez made his Bellator debut on July 25, 2014 when he faced Bellator season 6 welterweight tournament winner Karl Amoussou at Bellator 122. Despite coming in as an underdog, Gonzalez pulled off the upset, winning via unanimous decision.

In his second appearance for Bellator, Gonzalez was expected to face Justin Baesman at Bellator 127 on October 3, 2014. However, Karo Parisyan's opponent, Marius Žaromskis, was removed from their scheduled bout on the same card, so Gonzalez stepped in as a replacement. He won the fight via TKO in the first round. In his post-fight drug test, Gonzalez tested positive for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). As a result, Gonzalez was suspended for 30 days in the state of California by the CSAC and fined $315.

Gonzalez faced Marius Žaromskis at Bellator 132 on January 16, 2015. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Gonzalez next faced Curtis Millender at Bellator 137 on May 15, 2015. He won the fight via submission in the third round, bringing his Bellator record to 4-0. After the fight it was revealed by the CSAC that Gonzalez tested positive for marijuana; his second violation while with the promotion.

On March 4, 2016, Gonzalez fought Gilbert Smith at Bellator 151. He won the fight by split decision.

Gonzalez fought Michael Page on November 19, 2016 at Bellator 165. He lost the fight via split decision; resulting in his first loss within the promotion.

Gonzalez and his wife have children.