Dave Jansen


David Hendrik Jansen is an American mixed martial artist who formerly competed in Bellator's Lightweight division. A professional competitor since 2007, Jansen has also formerly competed for the WEC and M-1 Global.

Background

Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Jansen competed in high school wrestling. Jansen won a state championship in 1997, and also finished third twice. Jansen received a full scholarship to continue wrestling at the University of Oregon but only spent two years in college, having become "burned out" with wrestling. Jansen later joined Team Quest and transitioned into mixed martial arts.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Jansen held an undefeated amateur record of 6-0 before making his professional debut in September 2007, compiling a professional record of 12-0 with three appearances for the M-1 Global promotion before being signed by the WEC.

World Extreme Cagefighting

Jansen defeated Richard Crunkilton via unanimous decision in his WEC debut at WEC 43 on October 10, 2009.
Jansen suffered his first professional loss against Kamal Shalorus on January 10, 2010 at WEC 46.
Jansen next fought Ricardo Lamas on August 18, 2010 at WEC 50. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
After his consecutive losses in the WEC, Jansen was released from the promotion.

Bellator Fighting Championships

Jansen made his Bellator debut at Bellator 39, defeating Scott McAfee by first-round submission.
Jansen next defeated Ashkan Morvari via rear-naked choke submission in the second round at Bellator 57.
Jansen won his third straight Bellator fight when he defeated Jacob Kirwan via unanimous decision at Bellator 62.
Jansen faced Magomed Saadulaev in the quarterfinal round of the Bellator Lightweight Tournament on October 19, 2012 at. He won the fight via guillotine choke in the third round. He faced Ricardo Tirloni in the semifinals on November 16, 2012 at. Jansen won via split decision to advance to the finals of the Bellator Lightweight Tournament.
Jansen was expected to face Marcin Held for the Season Seven Tournament Final at but Held was not allowed in the Horseshoe casino, in Hammond, Indiana where the event was being held since he was only 20 years old, and therefore the fight has been pushed to sometime during.
The bout with Held was rescheduled for March 7, 2013 at. Jansen won the fight via unanimous decision to earn a Lightweight title shot.
Jansen was scheduled to face champion Michael Chandler for the title at on June 19, 2013. However, on June 2, it was announced that Jansen had to pull out of the bout due to an injury.
After a long layoff from the Bellator cage, Jansen returned against Rick Hawn on October 24, 2014 at Bellator 130. He won via unanimous decision.
Jansen challenged Will Brooks for the Bellator Lightweight Championship on April 10, 2015 at Bellator 136. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.
A rematch with Marcin Held took place on May 20, 2016 at Bellator 155. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
After two straight losses, Jansen was released from the promotion.

Personal life

In 2007, Jansen's father died due to a car accident.

Championships and accomplishments