Javier Vazquez

Luis Javier Vazquez (born April 27, 1977) is a retired Cuban-American mixed martial artist. A professional from 1998 until 2011, he competed for the UFC, WEC, Shooto, ShoXC, EliteXC, and King of the Cage. He is the former King of the Cage Lightweight Champion.

Early life Born in Santiago, Cuba, on April 27, 1977, Javier Vazquez came to the United States at the age of four. He grew up in El Monte, California, and started wrestling as a sophomore at Arroyo High School at the age of 15. In 1994, he placed 3rd at the CIF wrestling tournament and continued his stellar high school career by placing 4th in the Southern Section Masters tournament. He was just one match away from placing in the high school state wrestling championships, ending up in the top 12 in the state at 130 lbs. He was voted team captain in both his junior and senior years.

Vazquez continued his wrestling career at Mt. San Antonio College where he again proved himself to be one of "the best of the best" by finishing 7th in the state and being voted team captain for his leadership on and off the mat.

In 1997, Vazquez started learning jiu-jitsu with the renowned Carlson Gracie Team. He competed in every jiu-jitsu and submission tournament he could and eventually found himself participating in mixed martial arts (MMA). His first no-holds-barred matches were at Neutral Grounds 5 in 1998. Several more fights in smaller venues followed, and he then took time off from fighting to train and compete in jiu-jitsu. After only five years of training, he earned his black belt from the Carlson Gracie Team. He defeated decorated grappler Mackens Semerzier via second round submission on August 18, 2010, at WEC 50. Vazquez was defeated by Chad Mendes via unanimous decision on November 11, 2010, at WEC 52.

Ultimate Fighting Championship In October 2010, WEC merged with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As part of the merger, all WEC fighters were transferred to the UFC. Vazquez defeated The Ultimate Fighter 2 winner and former lightweight title contender Joe Stevenson via unanimous decision on June 26, 2011, at UFC on Versus 4.

On January 13, 2013, Vazquez announced on Sherdog Radio Network's Rewind show that he has officially retired from MMA competition.

Personal life Vazquez was concurrently diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. After undergoing Gerson therapy and defeating cancer, Vazquez opened Javier Vazquez Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Rancho Cucamonga, California. He has recently taken up cycling.

Instructor lineage Mitsuyo "Count Koma" Maeda → Carlos Gracie Sr. → Carlson Gracie Sr. → Rodrigo Medeiros → Javier Vazquez

Championships and accomplishments King of the Cage KOTC Lightweight Championship (One time)

Mixed martial arts record Win

Joe Stevenson Decision (unanimous) UFC Live: Kongo vs. Barry

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Loss

Chad Mendes Decision (unanimous) WEC 52

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Mackens Semerzier Submission (rear-naked choke) WEC 50

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Jens Pulver Submission (armbar) WEC 47

Columbus, Ohio, United States Loss

Deividas Taurosevicius Decision (split) WEC 43

San Antonio, Texas, United States Loss

LC Davis Decision (split) WEC 42

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Mark Kergosien Submission (guillotine choke) Ultimate Chaos

Biloxi, Mississippi, United States Win

JC Pennington Submission (rear-naked choke) ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series

Santa Ynez, California, United States Win

Adriano Pereira Decision (split) EliteXC: Destiny

Southaven, Mississippi, United States Win

Rob Emerson Decision (split) Shooto: Warrior Spirit:Evolution

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Alberto Crane Decision (split) KOTC 21: Invasion

Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States Win

David Gardner Submission (kneebar) KOTC 16: Double Cross

San Jacinto, California, United States Win

Rumina Sato Decision (unanimous) Shooto: Treasure Hunt 7

Osaka, Japan Win

Sean Wilmot Submission (armbar) KOTC 13: Revolution

Reno, Nevada, United States Win

Philip Perez Submission (triangle choke) KOTC 10: Critical Mass

San Jacinto, California, United States Win

Farrell Frisby Submission (heel hook) KOTC 9: Showtime

San Jacinto, California, United States Win

Antonio Emae Submission (injury) KOTC 3: Knockout Nightmare

San Jacinto, California, United States Win

Louie Cercedez Submission (armbar) Empire 1 Official

Corona, California, United States Loss

Victor Hunsaker Decision (split)

Win

Kim Kellenberger Decision (unanimous)

Win

Sean Kim Submission (armbar)