Manny Tapia

Manuel Alcaraz Tapia (born March 14, 1981) is an American professional mixed martial arts fighter currently competing in the Bantamweight division. He has formerly competed for the WEC, King of the Cage, and Tachi Palace Fights. He is the former King of the Cage Flyweight Champion.

Background Tapia is from Riverside, California. After the death of his parents, Tapia used football, judo, and wrestling as outlets for his anger. He attended Don Lugo High School in Chino, California and Chaffey College. Tapia was originally introduced to mixed martial arts a year out of high school.

Mixed martial arts career Early career Tapia made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 2003 for King of the Cage and compiled a record of 4-0-1 before winning the King of the Cage Flyweight Championship. He later signed with the WEC and was stripped of his title.

World Extreme Cagefighting Tapia made his WEC debut at WEC 27 on May 12, 2007, in a Featherweight bout against Brandon Foxworth and won via TKO in the second round.

Tapia then fought at WEC 32 on February 13, 2008, against Antonio Banuelos and won via split decision. This brought Tapia's career record to 10-0-1.

At WEC 37, Tapia suffered a second-round TKO loss in a title fight with the WEC Bantamweight Champion Miguel Torres and lost via unanimous decision to Akitoshi Tamura at WEC 40. Tapia then fought Eddie Wineland on October 10, 2009, on the undercard at WEC 43, losing via unanimous decision.

Tapia was then released from the WEC after this loss and it was announced on November 17, 2009, that he has signed with Tachi Palace Fights. He debuted on their February 4 event in Lemoore, California, facing current UFC fighter Michael McDonald and lost via TKO in the first round.

Personal life Aside from fighting, Tapia currently co-owner of Millennia MMA alongside his Partner Romie Aram.

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

Mixed martial arts record Win

Pete Sabala Decision (unanimous) SCMMA 1 - Inland Empire Strikes

Ontario, California, United States Win

Bobby Sanchez Decision (unanimous) Respect in the Cage 10

Pomona, California, United States Loss

Michael McDonald TKO (punches) TPF 3: Champions Collide

Lemoore, California, United States Loss

Eddie Wineland Decision (unanimous) WEC 43

San Antonio, Texas, United States Loss

Akitoshi Tamura Decision (unanimous) WEC 40

Chicago, Illinois, United States Loss

Miguel Torres TKO (punches and elbows) WEC 37: Torres vs. Tapia

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Antonio Banuelos Decision (split) WEC 32: Condit vs. Prater

Rio Rancho, New Mexico, United States Win

Brandon Foxworth TKO (punches) WEC 27

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Featherweight bout. Win

Richard Montano TKO (knee & punches) KOTC: Destroyer

San Jacinto, California, United States Win

Shad Smith Decision (unanimous) KOTC: Rapid Fire

San Jacinto, California, United States Win

Ed Newalu Decision (unanimous) KOTC 63: Final Conflict

San Jacinto, California, United States Win

Gregory Vivian Submission (arm-triangle choke) KOTC 58: Prime Time

San Jacinto, California, United States Win

Richard Goodman TKO (punches) KOTC: Mortal Sins

Primm, Nevada, United States Win

Ed Newalu Decision (unanimous) KOTC 41: Relentless

San Jacinto, California, United States Win

Michael Welty KO (punch) KOTC 37: Unfinished Business

San Jacinto, California, United States Draw

Chad Washburn Draw (split) KOTC 33: After Shock

San Jacinto, California, United States Win

Manuel Sawyze Submission (rear-naked choke) KOTC 31: King of the Cage 31

San Jacinto, California, United States