Joey Davis

Joel Malcolm Davis (born December 29, 1993) is an American professional mixed martial artist and graduated folkstyle wrestler who currently competes in the welterweight division. As a wrestler at Notre Dame College, he was the only four-time undefeated NCAA Division II National Champion in history and one of the three to do so across all NCAA divisions.

Wrestling career

High school Born in Compton, California, Davis attended Santa Fe High School, where he was a two-sport athlete, playing football and competing in wrestling. He started wrestling at age five, and he was a CIF state finalist his sophomore year and state champion in his junior and senior seasons as a high schooler. Nationally, he was a two-time FloNationals champion and a Reno champion.

College After graduating from high school, Davis committed to wrestle at Notre Dame College.

Davis finished his true freshman season with 33 victories and no defeats and an NCAA title at 165 pounds. After moving up to 174 pounds, Davis compiled 35 more wins and closed the season undefeated, claiming titles from the Clarion Knight Point Open, Michigan State Open, Cleveland State Open, University of Indianapolis Greyhound Open, NCAA Division II Super Region I and the NCAA National Championship. As a junior, he compiled a record of 38–0 and won his third NCAA Division II National title. In his fourth and last season, Davis was able to close the show with a National title at 184 pounds and the Outstanding Wrestler Award, finishing his overall career with 133 wins and no losses.

Davis is one of the three undefeated four-time NCAA champions, sharing the podium with Cael Sanderson (159–0) from Division I and Marcus LeVesseur (155–0) from Division III.

Freestyle In May 2016, Davis competed at the annual Beat The Streets event, named Salsa in the Square. He faced three-time NCAA Division I Champion and Dan Hodge Trophy winner Alex Dieringer. He lost the match by points, being outscored 9 points to none.

Mixed martial arts career Davis started competing in mixed martial arts while he was still competing in college, amassing an undefeated record of 5 wins and no losses.

Bellator MMA Davis signed with Bellator MMA in June 2016, months after his last wrestling season in college.

Davis made his professional debut at an 175-pound catchweight bout against Keith Cutrone on August 26, 2016, at Bellator 160. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Davis faced Justin Roswell on August 25, 2017, at Bellator 182 (a year later his previous bout). He won the fight by technical-knockout in the first round.

Davis faced Ian Butler on January 20, 2018, at Bellator 192. He won the fight by knockout 39 seconds into the first round.

Davis faced Craig Plaskett on June 29, 2018, at Bellator 201. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Davis was scheduled to face Jesse Merritton on March 29, 2019, at Bellator 219. However, Merritton withdrew from the event and was replaced by Marcus Anthony. Davis won the fight by knockout in the first round.

Davis faced Jeff Peterson on October 9, 2019, at Bellator 229. He won the fight by knockout in a minute into the first round.

Davis faced Chris Cisneros on December 20, 2019, at Bellator 235. He won the fight by technical-knockout in the first round.

Davis faced promotional newcomer Bobby Lee on November 19, at Bellator 253. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

After a 2.5 year layoff, Davis made his return against Jeff Creighton on March 31, 2023, at Bellator 293. Despite being a 14-to-1 favorite, Davis lost the bout via split decision.

Awards and accomplishments May 17, 2025 Joey Davis was inducted into the California Wrestling Hall of Fame.

Folkstyle wrestling National Collegiate Athletic Association NCAA Division II 165 lb National Champion out of Notre Dame College (2013) NCAA Division II 174 lb National Champion out of Notre Dame College (2014) NCAA Division II 174 lb National Champion out of Notre Dame College (2015) NCAA Division II 184 lb National Champion out of Notre Dame College (2016)

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Jeff Creighton Decision (split) Bellator 293

Temecula, California, United States Win

Bobby Lee Decision (unanimous) Bellator 253

Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Win

Chris Cisneros TKO (punches) Bellator 235

Honolulu, Hawaii, United States Win

Jeffrey Peterson KO (flying knee) Bellator 229

Temecula, California, United States Win

Marcus Anthony KO (punch) Bellator 219

Temecula, California, United States Win

Craig Plaskett Decision (unanimous) Bellator 201

Temecula, California, United States Win

Ian Butler KO (spinning back kick) Bellator 192

Inglewood, California, United States Win

Justin Roswell TKO (elbows) Bellator 182

Verona, New York, United States Win

Keith Cutrone Decision (unanimous) Bellator 160

Anaheim, California, United States NCAA record

Res. Record Opponent Score Date Event

Win 16–0

Win 15–0

Win 14–0

Win 13–0

Win 12–0

Win 11–0

Win 10–0

Win 9–0

Win 8–0

Win 7–0

Win 6–0

Win 5–0

Win 4–0

Win 3–0

Win 2–0

Win 1–0