Paul Buentello Youtube Videos
Paul Buentello Bio
Paul Anthony Buentello (born January 16, 1974) is an American mixed martial artist who fights in the Heavyweight division.
Early life
Paul grew up in Amarillo, Texas, and went to school with the late former UFC middleweight champion Evan Tanner. Paul received the nickname "The Headhunter" due to his propensity, in his early years of martial arts training, to axe kick his opponent's faces.
Mixed martial arts career
In his debut in the UFC, he had an impressive win over the late Justin Eilers with a KO in 3:34 of the first round for his debut fight in UFC 51: Super Saturday on February 2, 2005. His next fight was against Kevin Jordan on UFC 53: Heavy Hitters on June 4, 2005 where Buentello won with a neck crank submission at 4:00 of the first round. He lost a title shot against the heavily-touted #2 ranked heavyweight fighter in the world Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei Arlovski at UFC 55 on October 7, 2005, Arlovski knocked Buentello out in 15 seconds setting a UFC record for the quickest title fight in UFC history. Following his devastating loss to Arlovski, he faced off against Gilbert Aldana at UFC 57 where he won via TKO due to strikes.
After leaving the UFC, Buentello fought for Strikeforce, winning 3 straight against K-1 Kickboxer Carter Williams, UFC veteran Tank Abbott, and experienced journeyman Ruben Villareal, before losing to Alistair Overeem in a bout for the Strikeforce heavyweight championship.
Buentello moved to a new major organization, Affliction, where he won his first two bouts. His third fight was set to be against Gilbert Yvel at Affliction: Trilogy on August 1, 2009, but the entire event was ultimately cancelled due to complications arising from heavyweight Josh Barnett's inability to receive a California State Athletic Commission licence. Affliction Entertainment became defunct as a Mixed Martial Arts promoter shortly after.
At a press conference held July 31, 2009, it was announced that Buentello was one of several former Affliction fighters to sign with UFC. Buentello was expected to face Todd Duffee at UFC 107, but Duffee was forced off the card with an undisclosed injury. Buentello instead faced 6'11 Stefan Struve and lost a majority decision. Subsequently, Buentello lost to Cheick Kongo on UFC LIVE: Vera vs. Jones where he surprisingly tapped due to elbows to the right thigh in the third round. After losing both bouts in his return to the UFC, Buentello was released from the promotion. Paul Buentello continued his Mixed Martial Arts career at the Texas-based Shark Fights promotion, defeating the previously unbeaten (6-0) Bryan Humes via Unanimous Decision.
Buentello fought former #1 pound for pound fighter and former Undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion Tim Sylvia at Powerhouse World Promotions: War on the Mainland on August 14. In a very one sided fight Sylvia defeated Buentello via KO due to an uppercut in the second round.
Buentello was scheduled to face Kerry Schall at Nemesis Fighting: MMA Global Invasion on November 13, 2010 but the event was postponed to December 10, 2010 to avoid a tropical storm. He won the fight by unanimous decision. Buentello, like the other MMA fighters on the card, did not receive his contracted pay.
His next bout was a non-title fight against decorated amateur wrestler and current Bellator Heavyweight Champion Cole Konrad at Bellator 48 on August 20, 2011. He lost the bout via unanimous decision.
On March 31, 2012 Buentello faced former Shark Fights Heavyweight Champion, and The Ultimate Fighter 10 alumni Darrill Schoonover WMMA 1: McCorkle vs. Heden. Buentello ultimately lost a very mediocre fight by unanimous decision. Buentello is now 2-5 in his last 7 fights.
Mixed martial arts record
External links
- Paul "The Headhunter" Buntello – Official Headhunter Site
- Paul's MySpace – Official Headhunter MySpace Profile
- Professional MMA record for Paul Buentello from Sherdog
MMA Shirts
