Joe Pacheco

Joe Pacheco (born February 19, 1985) is an American mixed martial artist of Puerto Rican and Belizean descent who competes in Bellator's middleweight division.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career Pacheco started his professional career in 2012. He fought only for American southeastern and Pennsylvania-based promotions.

In 2013, Pacheco signed with Bellator.

Bellator MMA Pacheco made his debut against Kyle Bolt on February 14, 2013, at Bellator 89. He won via knockout in the second round.

Pacheco was expected to face Luc Bondole on March 21, 2013, at Bellator 93. However, Bondole was replaced by Pierry Pierre due to undisclosed reasons. Pacheco won via submission due to a keylock early in the first round.

Pacheco was expected to face Tyson Jeffries on September 27, 2013, at Bellator 101. However, Pacheco was called to replace an injured Perry Filkins against Brennan Ward in Bellator season nine middleweight tournament on October 4, 2013, at Bellator 102. Pacheco had his first professional career's defeat via submission due to a guillotine choke in the second round.

In March 2014, Pacheco entered into the Bellator Season 10 Middleweight tournament when Dan Cramer versus Jeremy Kimball was cancelled. He faced Brandon Halsey at Bellator 116 on April 11, 2014. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Pacheco faced Keith Berry on October 3, 2014, at Bellator 127. He initially lost the fight via split decision. However, Berry failed his post-fight drug test and the California commission changed the result to a No Contest.

Championships and accomplishments

Amateur wrestling North Carolina High School Athletic Association Win

Lindsay Rowse Submission (armbar) Wild Bill's Fight Night 48

Duluth, Georgia, United States Mixed martial arts amateur record Loss

Ferdinando Acerra Submission (guillotine choke) Fight Lab 22

Sumter, South Carolina, United States Win

Tony Scarlett Submission (punches) Fight Lab 16: MMA Cage Fights

Charlotte, North Carolina, United States