Cristiano Souza

Cristiano Souza (born August 2, 1982) is a Brazilian mixed martial artist who currently competes for the Bellator Fighting Championships in the Welterweight Division. He was a fighter on the first season of Fight Master: Bellator MMA

Mixed martial arts career

Bellator Fighting Championships On September 17, 2011, Souza made his Bellator debut defeating John Kelly at Bellator 50 via unanimous decision.

On November 9, 2012, Souza defeated Robert Otani at Bellator 80 via knockout due to punches in round one.

Fight Master: Bellator MMA On May 6, 2013, it was announced that Souza would be featured as a participant on Bellator Fighting Championships reality TV show Fight Master: Bellator MMA, competing as a Welterweight.

In his elimination fight to get on the show, Souza defeated Steve Montgomery via knockout in the first round. During the team selection, Souza chose Randy Couture to be his coach. In his preliminary fight, Souza faced Evan Cutts. Despite controlling a majority of the fight, Souza lost to Cutts via triangle choke submission in the second round.

Bellator Return Souza came back at Bellator 106 and was scheduled to fight Karo Parisyan but Parisyan withdrew due to injury and was replaced with Alejandro Gracia. Souza controlled the first two rounds before taking down and submitting Gracia via rear naked choke in the third round.

In March 2014, Souza entered the Bellator Season 10 Welterweight tournament as a replacement. He faced Sam Oropeza in the opening round at Bellator 112 and lost via TKO in the first round.

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Jose Caceres Submission (rear-naked choke) Fight Time 35

Miami, Florida, United States Loss

Sam Oropeza TKO (punches) Bellator 112

Hammond, Indiana, United States Bellator Season 10 Welterweight Tournament Quarterfinals Win

Alejandro Gracia Submission (rear naked choke) Bellator 106

Long Beach, California, United States Win

Robert Otani TKO (punches) Bellator 80

Hollywood, Florida, United States Win

John Kelly Decision (unanimous) Bellator 50

Hollywood, Florida, United States Win

Alex Rojas Submission (guillotine choke) CFA 1: The Title

Miami, Florida, United States Win

Rory Shallcross KO (punches) AFO 11: Fusion

Tampa, Florida, United States Win

Andrew Flickenger Submission (rear naked choke) AOF 8: Fury

Estero, Florida, United States Win

Pedro Rubio KO (punches) AOF 5: Rumble at Robarts 5

Sarasota, Florida, United States