Martin Stapleton


Martin Stapleton, is an English mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division. A professional competitor since 2007, Stapleton has competed for Bellator, Cage Warriors, BAMMA and was a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter representing Team UK. He is the former BAMMA World Lightweight Champion.

Background

Prior to his professional MMA career, Stapleton served 12 years as a Royal Marines Commando.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Stapleton who has a background in boxing and Muay Thai, made his professional mixed martial arts career in 2007, and compiled a record of 5-1 before being selected to compete on. After he defeated fellow English fighter Dan James to get into the house, he lost against Team USA's Cameron Dollar in the quarterfinals.
After leaving The Ultimate Fighter, Stapleton won two consecutive fights but did not fight again for almost three years due to his work commitment as a Royal Marine Commando.
Stapleton returned to mixed martial arts on 23 June 2012 where he faced BAMMA veteran Shahid Hussain on Full Contact Contender 3 at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton where he defeated Hussain via submission 23 seconds into the second round to take his record to 8-1-0. Martin said after the fight that he felt "ring rust" after his three-year absence from the sport.
Less than one month later martin faced Jason Cooledge at OMMAC 14: Bring The Pain. Martin won via unanimous decision. During the fight Stapleton showed much improved stand up, Martin landed head kicks and punches throughout the fight as well as being able to stay out of range from the aggressive Cooledge.
On 1 December 2012, Stapleton took part in an eight-man Lightweight tournament at Cage Contender Fight Stars, where all the tournament fights would take place on the same night. Stapleton defeated Jamie Rogers, Arnold Quero and Tommy Maguire to win the tournament.

Bellator MMA

Stapleton signed with Bellator MMA and made his promotional debut at Bellator 101 on 27 September 2013 in the Bellator Season Nine Lightweight Tournament Quarterfinal, facing Saad Awad. Stapleton lost via rear-naked choke submission in the first round.
Stapleton again competed for at Bellator 107 on 8 November 2013, facing Derek Campos. Stapleton lost via unanimous decision.
Stapleton faced Goiti Yamauchi at Bellator 125 in Fresno, California. He lost the fight via submission in the first round.

Championships and accomplishments