Raphael Butler

Raphael Butler (born January 4, 1984) is an American former professional boxer and mixed martial artist who competed from 2004 to 2016.

Amateur boxing career Butler had a stellar amateur career, winning the 2004 National Golden Gloves Super Heavyweight Championship. Butler represented the 4th Street Gym in his hometown of Rochester, Minnesota.

Professional boxing career Butler turned professional in 2004. He was seen as a future star in the sport early on, but suffered two TKO losses against journeyman fighters in 2005. In 2006 he took on ESPN house fighter Jason Gavern, and lost a decision. After the loss, Butler ran off a string of victories against marginal opposition before taking on Art Binkowski in a nationally televised showcase bout on ShoBox. Despite dropping Binkowski three times in the first round, Butler tired as the fight went on, and the referee stopped the fight with just 30 seconds left before the final bell, awarding Binkowski a TKO. After six more wins against lesser competition, Butler was knocked out in 6 rounds by contender "Fast" Eddie Chambers on June 20 in the Cayman Islands.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career Butler made his professional MMA debut in 2010 and compiled an undefeated record of 5–0 before being signed by Bellator MMA.

Bellator MMA Butler made his promotional debut on June 19, 2013, at Bellator 96 against Jeremiah O'Neal and won via first-round knockout.

Butler then won his next two fights under the Bellator banner before fighting Nick Rossborough to a draw at Bellator 119 on May 9, 2014.

Butler then faced Javy Ayala at Bellator 125 on September 19, 2014. Butler was handed his first professional loss via rear-naked choke submission in the first round.

Butler next fought Josh Diekmann at Bellator 134 on February 27, 2015. Butler won via a first-round standing guillotine choke submission.

Professional boxing record

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Tony Johnson TKO (punches) Bellator 148

Fresno, California, United States Win

Josh Diekmann Submission (standing guillotine) Bellator 134

Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Loss

Javy Ayala Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator 125

Fresno, California, United States Draw

Nick Rossborough Draw (majority) Bellator 119

Rama, Ontario, Canada Win

Josh Burns TKO (retirement) Bellator 107

Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States Win

Joseph Bryant TKO (strikes) Bellator 105

Rio Rancho, New Mexico, United States Win

Jeremiah O'Neal KO (punches) Bellator 96

Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States Win

Brett Murphy KO (punch) Driller Promotions/ SEG: Throwdown at the Crowne 1

St. Paul, Minnesota, United States Won the Minnesota Heavyweight Championship. Win

Steven Shaw Submission (armbar) Brutaal Fight Night: Violent Night

Maplewood, Minnesota, United States Win

Richard White Submission (punches) Brutaal Fight Night: Rochester

Rochester, Minnesota, United States Win

Jeremy Beck KO (punches) Brutaal: Fight Night

Red Wing, Minnesota, United States Win

Gabe Hobbs KO (punch) Brutaal: Fight Night

Welch, Minnesota, United States