Carmelo Marrero

Carmelo Marrero (born January 26, 1981) is an American former professional mixed martial artist who competed in the Heavyweight and Light Heavyweight divisions. He has competed for the UFC, WEC, Bellator Fighting Championships, the IFL, and the XFC.

Background Marrero was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in Douglassville, Pennsylvania. He was diagnosed with cancer at a young age and eventually was able to overcome the illness. Marrero began wrestling for Daniel Boone High School in Berks County, Pennsylvania and placed sixth in the state tournament as a Heavyweight. Marrero had originally wanted to attend Rider University after graduating from high school, but instead decided to attend Gloucester County College for two and a half years where he set multiple records. Marrero was sidelined by a near-fatal car accident which took him six months to recover, but later came back to win over 40 matches and qualify for the Junior College National Tournament. Marrero later transferred to Rider University where he became the team captain and was a two-time national qualifier. After college, Marrero began venturing into mixed martial arts.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career Marrero's first five professional bouts were against local opponents in small fight promotions along the New Jersey shore. Marrero would go on to win and dominate all five bouts before being signed by the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Marrero made his UFC debut against a much larger and more experienced opponent in Cheick Kongo who already had two wins for the organization. Marrero used his superior grappling skills to control the bout and won via a split decision.

In his next fight he faced Gabriel Gonzaga, with the winner to get a shot to fight Mirko "Cro Cop" Filipović for the #1 contender spot; Marrero lost this fight in the first round via submission due to an armbar submission. He dropped down to the Light Heavyweight division to face Wilson Gouveia at UFC 71, but was again defeated via first-round submission and was then released from the UFC.

International Fight League Marrero competed for American Top Team's camp in the International Fight League and made his debut for the organization on April 4, 2008 at IFL: New Jersey where he faced Mike Ciesnolevicz. The fight was ruled a no-contest after an accidental headbutt in the first round.

World Extreme Cagefighting Marrero made his WEC debut on November 5, 2008 at WEC 36 against Steve Steinbeiss and won via split decision.

Return to the UFC Following his win against Steinbeiss, Marrero returned to the UFC on April 1, 2009 facing Ryan Bader at UFC Fight Night 18. He lost the fight via unanimous decision, and was released from the promotion once again.

Bellator Carmelo was set to make his promotional debut with Bellator at Bellator 69 against Seth Petruzelli, however the bout was canceled the day of the event due to Petruzelli not being medically cleared to fight.

Marrero made his Bellator debut on October 19, 2012 at Bellator 77 against Lew Polley and lost via unanimous decision.

Championships and accomplishments Mixed martial arts Cage Fury Fighting Championships CFFC Heavyweight Championship (One time)

Amateur wrestling National Collegiate Athletic Association NCAA Division I 285 lb National Qualifier (2003, 2004) Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Pennsylvania AA 275 lb 6th place (1999)

Mixed martial arts record Win

Shelton Graves Submission (leglock) XFE 28: Atiyeh vs. Gratalo 2

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States Win

J.A. Dudley TKO (punches) XFE: Cage Wars 24

Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States Loss

Lew Polley Decision (unanimous) Bellator 77

Reading, Pennsylvania, United States Win

Scott Barrett Decision (unanimous) XFC 14: Resurrection

Orlando, Florida, United States Loss

Mark Holata Decision (unanimous) C3 Fights: SlamFest

Newkirk, Oklahoma, United States Win

Steven Banks Submission (guillotine choke) WCC 3: Brawl at the Hall

Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States Win

Brian Heden Decision (unanimous) C3 Fights: Knockout-Rockout Weekend 4

Clinton, Oklahoma, United States Win

Wayne Cole Submission (guillotine choke) C3 Fights: Slammin Jammin Weekend 4

Nashville, Tennessee, United States Loss

Antwain Britt Decision (unanimous) Vendetta Fighting Championship: A Night of Vengeance

Oranjestad, Aruba Loss

Ryan Bader Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Condit vs. Kampmann

Nashville, Tennessee, United States Win

Steve Steinbeiss Decision (split) WEC 36

Hollywood, Florida, United States Win

Chuck Huus Submission (ankle lock) C3 Fights: Clash in Concho

Concho, Oklahoma, United States Win

Rader McHugh Submission (rear-naked choke) C3 Fights: Showdown 2

Cherokee, North Carolina, United States NC

Mike Ciesnolevicz No Contest (accidental headbutt) IFL: New Jersey

East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States Win

Rafael del Real TKO (doctor stoppage) WCO: Kerr vs. Gavin

Hollywood, California, United States Loss

Wilson Gouveia Submission (guillotine choke) UFC 71

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Gabriel Gonzaga Submission (armbar) UFC 66

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Cheick Kongo Decision (split) UFC 64

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Petrus Walker TKO (doctor stoppage) Cage Fury Fighting Championships 1

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

Dale Carson Submission (rear-naked choke) MFC: Boardwalk Blitz

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

Sherman Pendergarst Decision (unanimous) RF 9: Battle at the Beach 2009

Wildwood, New Jersey, United States Win

Chris Volo Decision (unanimous) Reality Fighting 8

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

Chris Dippolito Submission (rear-naked choke) Reality Fighting 7

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States