Brandon Girtz


Brandon Girtz is an American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division of Bellator MMA. A professional competitor since 2008, Girtz has also formerly competed for King of the Cage.

Background

Girtz was born and raised in Forest Lake, Minnesota. Girtz competed hockey until his sophomore year of high school, when he began competing in wrestling, having been persuaded by the school's head coach. However, Girtz did not find a wealth of success during his high school career, qualifying for the state tournament only once during his senior year and losing his first match. Girtz then attended Minnesota State University, where he continued wrestling as a walk-on. At Minnesota State, however, Girtz excelled, receiving NCAA Division II All-American honors.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Girtz started his professional career in 2008. He fought mainly for local promotions such as Brutaal Fight Night and Cage Fighting Xtreme.
With a record of eight victories and only two losses against UFC veterans Alvin Robinson and Eric Wisely respectively, Girtz signed with Bellator.

Bellator MMA

Girtz made his promotional debut against Michel Quinones on November 9, 2012 at Bellator 80. He won via unanimous decision.
Girtz was expected to face Treston Thomison on June 19, 2013 at Bellator 96. However, Thomison was replaced by Derek Campos due to undisclosed reasons. He lost via unanimous decision.
Girtz faced Poppies Martinez on October 4, 2013 at Bellator 102. He won via submission due to an armbar early in the first round.
Just two weeks after his last fight, Girtz replaced Cole Williams against Mike Estus on October 18, 2013 at Bellator 104. Once again he won via submission due to an armbar in the first round.
Girtz was expected to rematch Derek Campos in the quarterfinal match of on March 21, 2014 at Bellator 113. However, his opponent was changed and he faced Derek Anderson. He lost the fight via knockout due to a knee in the second round.
Girtz faced Benny Madrid at Bellator 126 on September 26, 2014. He won the fight via TKO in the first round.
Girtz faced Melvin Guillard at Bellator 141 on August 28, 2015. Girtz won the fight via split decision.
Girtz finally rematched Derek Campos at Bellator 146 on November 20, 2015. He won the fight via knockout in the first round.
Girtz faced Adam Piccolotti at Bellator 165 on November 19, 2016. He lost the bout by unanimous decision.
Girtz moved up in weight to face Fernando Gonzalez at Bellator 174 on March 3, 2017. He lost via unanimous decision.
Girtz faced Derek Campos in a third fight at Bellator 181 on July 14, 2017. He lost the rubber match by TKO via doctor stoppage at the end of the second round due to cut on Girtz's forehead caused by a Campos knee.
Girtz was supposed to face UFC veteran Jon Tuck at Bellator 227 but Girtz was forced to pull out due to injury.
Girtz next faced Myles Jury at Bellator 239. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Championships and accomplishments

Amateur wrestling