Maiquel Falcão

Maiquel Falcão
Born Maiquel José Falcão Gonçalves
(1981-03-08) March 8, 1981
Pelotas, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
Other names Big Rig
Nationality Brazilian
Height 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Weight 185 lb (84 kg; 13.2 st)
Division Middleweight
Reach 71.0 in (180 cm)
Fighting out of Curitiba, Brazil
Team Renovação Fight Team (formerly)
Chute Boxe Academy
Rank      Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Years active 2004–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total 44
Wins 35
By knockout 24
By submission 6
By decision 5
Losses 8
By knockout 5
By submission 3
No contests 1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
last updated on: November 22, 2010

Maiquel José Falcão Gonçalves (born March 8, 1981) is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist who is perhaps best known for his stint in Bellator MMA, with whom he won the Bellator Season Six Middleweight Tournament. A professional competitor since 2004, Falcão has also had a one-fight stint with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Falcão compiled a record of 25-3 (1) with 21 of his wins coming by way of knockout, fighting exclusively in his native Brazil with two of the losses being at the hands of current UFC Light Heavyweight Fábio Maldonado.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On November 20, 2010, Falcão won his UFC debut at UFC 123 against Gerald Harris by unanimous decision. The bout was controversial for multiple reasons. The first case of controversy occurred at the end of the opening round. After dominating the opening round, Falcão sunk in a rear-naked choke. However, the buzzer to signal the end of the round clearly went off at least five or six seconds before the round had actually ended.[1] The incident was arguably costly for Falcão, as Dana White believed that had the round expired at the correct time, that Harris would have succumbed to the submission.[2] The rest of the bout was very different, with the third round even seeing a virtual stop to Falcão's attacks.[3] After a strong crowd reaction, the bout ended and Falcão was declared the winner via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 29-28).[4]

Following the fight and criticism from Dana White, Falcão stated that the reason for the lack of action in the third round was that he was waiting for Harris to attack, so he could counter, but that was not the case.[3] The bout was heavily criticised and Harris lost his job soon after.[5] Falcão also said afterwards: "He tapped out in three different occasions, hiding it. It was a new thing for me, it was the first time I got three wins on the same bout. On the first round, he tapped out the first time when he was on the four points position, then he tapped out again in the end of the first round, when I got him on the rear-naked choke with his body turned up, and on the third round he tapped out again on a rear-naked choke."[6]

Just days later, Falcão was arrested in Brazil for assaulting a woman outside a nightclub back in 2002. In 2002 Falcão had been sentenced to 24 months in prison, but following 8 months of the sentence he moved to house arrest on the assurance from his lawyer.[7]

Falcão was expected to return at UFC Live: Sanchez vs. Kampmann against Alessio Sakara.[8] However, in January 2011, he pulled out of the fight due to injury.[9]

Falcão was expected to face Tom Lawlor on August 27, 2011 at UFC 134.[10] However, the UFC abruptly released him on May 11. According to one of Falcão's agents, the move came after fans and media bombarded the UFC with demands that he be removed from the UFC 134 card.[11] In 2013, UFC president Dana White confirmed that he'd cut Falcão two years earlier because the UFC has zero tolerance for assault on women. He said, "Sexual assault, hitting a woman or anything like that, you're gone from the roster. It doesn't matter if you're a winner or a champion or anything like that. You're gone. Keep your hands off women."[12]

Post-UFC

Falcão's first fight after his release was against fellow Brazilian Julio Cesar Bilik at Centurion MMA 2 on July 9, 2011. Falcão dropped Bilik early on with a clean punch then pouncing on him with a barrage of punches before the referee eventually stepped in to stop the fight giving Falcão the TKO win after just 27 seconds.[13] Falcão faced Dibir Zagirov at Oplot Challenge 100 on February 15, 2014. He won via guillotine choke.[14]

Bellator

In early 2012, Falcão joined the Bellator Season Six Middleweight Tournament. He faced Norman Paraisy in the opening round at Bellator 61 and dominated the fight by using his superior striking and scoring multiple takedowns, Falcão won via unanimous decision. In the semifinals round, Maiquel faced Vyacheslav Vasilevsky on April 20 at Bellator 66[15] He won the fight via unanimous decision. Falcão then faced Andreas Spang in the finals at Bellator 69. After his win over Vasilevsky, Falcão was involved in a post-fight scuffle with Spang, who was brought into the cage to do a face-off with Falcão for the first time after Spang's fight. When they moved in close to each other, Spang immediately shoved Falcão. Startled by this, the much publicized temperament of Falcão rushed back at him with a knee to the ribcage and then lifted up his hand as if looking to throw a punch. Officials, Bellator commentator/former fighter Jimmy Smith and fight matchmaker Sam Caplan separated the two from one another.[16] After getting rocked in the first round, Falcão opted for a more conservative approach by using his wrestling to grind out Spang and he won via unanimous decision.

On April 25, 2012, Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney announced that Falcão, the winner of the Season Six Middleweight Tournament, would face Alexander Shlemenko to crown the company's new Middleweight Champion.[17] The two men met at Bellator 88 on February 7, 2013 for the vacant title. After a back and forth fight, Shlemenko won via knockout in the second round.

On July 25, 2013 Bellator released Falcão due to ongoing legal battles in his home country of Brazil. The last straw was a violent brawl outside a gas station (see below).[18]

Post-Bellator

After a year away from the sport, Falcão returned and faced Dibir Zagirov at Oplot Challenge 100 on February 15, 2014. Falcão won via submission in the second round.[19]

Falcão then faced top Polish prospect Mamed Khalidov at KSW 27 on May 17, 2014. Falcão lost the bout via armbar submission in the later stages of round 1.[20]

In a rematch from their Bellator 66 bout, Falcão faced Vyacheslav Vasilevsky at Plotforma S-70 5 on August 9, 2014. Falcão would lose via TKO at 0:37 in the first round.

After 2 consecutive losses, Falcão rebounded in a 3 win streak, with wins over Brett Cooper (Bellator veteran), Jesse Taylor (WSOF veteran) and Artur Guseinov (M-1 Global veteran).

Falcão faced M-1 Global Middleweight Champion Ramazan Emeev on April 4, 2016 at M-1 Grand Prix 2016.[21] He lost the fight via submission.

Falcão is expected to face Vladimir Mineev on December 9, 2016 at Fight Nights Global 56 in Vladivostok, Russia.

Gas station altercation

In July 2013, Falcão and a fellow mixed martial artist Kauê Mena, at the time an undefeated Featherweight prospect, became involved in a struggle inside a gas station's convenience store in Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina after Falcão sexually assaulted a young woman by rubbing his groin against her and then slapping her when she turns around and tells him to stop. Moments after striking his sexual assault victim a relative of the young victim comes into the store and attempts to punch Falcão, missing, and Falcão charges forward, knocking him to the ground.

As Falcão attempts to flee the scene of the crime he and Mena are confronted outside the gas station, surrounded and outnumbered by three or four male relatives and friends of the sexual assault victim. As one of the men punches Mena another hits Falcão with a piece of wood from the front, knocking him out. Falcão is then kicked backwards and staggers while receiving more strikes with the makeshift weapon. During this time Mena is punched and kicked while he is on the ground unconscious.

Mena was in serious condition at an intensive care unit and Falcão had only minor injuries.[22]

A few days after the struggle, Renovação Fight Team coach Marcelo Brigadeiro expelled Falcão and Mena from the team.[23][24] The fight also led to his release from Bellator.[18]

In an interview after the incident, Falcão claimed that the two fighters had come to the gas station from a bar to purchase more alcohol. While inside, Falcão admits to making sexual advances towards the young girl. He then admits to striking the petite young girl because, he claims, she made racial slurs directed at him.

Falcão later apologized to Mena's family as well as the MMA community for the brutal attack.[25]

After aiding and abetting the admitted sexual assault Kauê Mena has all but retired from mixed martial arts as he is unable to even go outside without help.[26]

Personal life

Falcão is married.[27]

Mixed martial arts record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 35–9 (1) Ramazan Emeev Submission (brabo choke) M-1 Challenge 65: Emeev vs. Falcão April 9, 2016 1 2:10 St. Petersburg, Leningrad, Russia M-1 Middleweight Grand-Prix.
Loss 35–8 (1) Aziz Karaoglu TKO (punches) KSW 33 November 28, 2015 1 0:30 Krakow, Poland
Win 35–7 (1) Brett Cooper KO (punch) KSW 32 October 31, 2015 1 0:59 London, England
Win 34–7 (1) Jesse Taylor Submission (guillotine choke) Arena Tour 5: Falcao vs. Taylor April 18, 2015 1 3:13 Buenos Aires, Argentina
Win 33–7 (1) Artur Guseinov Submission (rear-naked choke) Battle of Stars 3 December 6, 2014 2 1:49 Kaspiysk, Dagestan Republic, Russia
Loss 32–7 (1) Vyacheslav Vasilevsky TKO (punches) Plotforma S-70: 5 August 9, 2014 1 0:37 Sochi, Krasnodar krai, Russia
Loss 32–6 (1) Mamed Khalidov Submission (armbar) KSW 27 May 17, 2014 1 4:52 Gdańsk, Poland
Win 32–5 (1) Dibir Zagirov Submission (guillotine choke) Oplot Challenge 100 February 15, 2014 2 3:27 Kharkov, Ukraine
Loss 31–5 (1) Alexander Shlemenko KO (punches) Bellator 88 February 7, 2013 2 2:18 Duluth, Georgia, United States For Bellator Middleweight Championship.
Win 31–4 (1) Andreas Spang Decision (unanimous) Bellator 69 May 18, 2012 3 5:00 Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States Bellator Season Six Middleweight Tournament Final.
Win 30–4 (1) Vyacheslav Vasilevsky Decision (unanimous) Bellator 66 April 20, 2012 3 5:00 Cleveland, Ohio, United States Bellator Season Six Middleweight Tournament Semifinal.
Win 29–4 (1) Norman Paraisy Decision (unanimous) Bellator 61 March 16, 2012 3 5:00 Bossier City, Louisiana, United States Bellator Season Six Middleweight Tournament Quarterfinal.
Win 28–4 (1) Douglas del Rio TKO (punches) Apocalypse FC 1 October 8, 2011 1 1:15 Passo Fundo, Brazil
Loss 27–4 (1) Antônio Braga Neto Submission (kimura) Amazon Forest Combat 1 September 14, 2011 2 4:26 Manaus, Brazil
Win 27–3 (1) Julio Cesar Bilik TKO (punches) Centurion MMA 2 July 9, 2011 1 0:28 Itajaí, Brazil
Win 26–3 (1) Gerald Harris Decision (unanimous) UFC 123 November 20, 2010 3 5:00 Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States
Win 25–3 (1) Wendres Carlos da Silva TKO (punches) Arena Gold Fights 2 July 17, 2010 1 N/A Curitiba, Brazil
Win 24–3 (1) Daniel Ludtke TKO (knee & punches) Match Point Sports Aquafit Fight Championship 2 October 9, 2009 1 0:52 Pelotas, Brazil
Win 23–3 (1) Ricardo Silva TKO (doctor stoppage) Blackout FC 3 September 5, 2009 1 0:12 Balneario Camboriu, Brazil
Win 22–3 (1) Arimarcel Santos TKO (punches) WFC: Pozil Challenge August 1, 2009 1 2:26 Gramado, Brazil
Win 21–3 (1) Eli Reger Submission (rear-naked choke) Nitrix Show Fight 2 May 16, 2009 1 2:29 Joinville, Brazil
Win 20–3 (1) Allan Froes TKO (punches) Golden Fighters 1 April 18, 2009 1 2:15 Novo Hamburgo, Brazil
Win 19–3 (1) Nelson Martins KO (punches) Floripa Fight 5 March 7, 2009 1 N/A Florianópolis, Brazil
Loss 18–3 (1) Daniel Ludtke TKO (punches) Clube da Luta 1 December 21, 2008 1 1:12 Novo Hamburgo, Brazil
Win 18–2 (1) Romulo Nascimento KO (punches) Paranagua Fight 2 September 5, 2008 1 2:10 Paranaguá, Brazil
Win 17–2 (1) Rodrigo Freitas TKO (punches) Predador FC 11 July 6, 2008 2 2:24 Brazil
Win 16–2 (1) Edson Franca Submission (punches) Predador FC 10: Kamae April 26, 2008 2 N/A São Paulo, Brazil
Win 15–2 (1) Josue Verde TKO (punches) Floripa Fight 4 March 29, 2008 1 1:40 Florianópolis, Brazil
Loss 14–2 (1) Fábio Maldonado TKO (punches) Predador FC 9: Welterweight Grand Prix March 15, 2008 2 2:00 São Paulo, Brazil
NC 14–1 (1) Fabiano Scherner No contest Desafio: Fight Show December 8, 2007 1 N/A Brazil
Win 14–1 Reinaldo Samurai KO (punch) Bage Open Fight November 10, 2007 1 3:00 Bage, Brazil
Win 13–1 Daniel Barbosa KO (knee & punches) Desafio: Fight Show September 8, 2007 1 1:40 Pelotas, Brazil
Win 12–1 Alex Moura TKO (punches) Full Fight: Open Vale Tudo August 11, 2007 1 2:00 Brazil
Win 11–1 Lucio Aguiar KO (punches) Storm Samurai July 28, 2007 1 N/A Pelotas, Brazil
Win 10–1 Leandro Gordo KO (punches) Desafio: Fight Show June 23, 2007 1 0:15 Florianópolis, Brazil
Win 9–1 Laerte Costa Silva de Oliveira Submission (punches) G1: Open Fight 3 May 19, 2007 1 4:30 Curitiba, Brazil
Loss 8–1 Fábio Maldonado TKO (punches) Mariliense MMA Circuit 1 May 18, 2007 3 0:46 São Paulo, Brazil
Win 8–0 Felipe Miranda KO (punches & elbows) Super Fight April 11, 2007 1 2:00 Pelotas, Brazil
Win 7–0 Silverio Bueno KO (punches) Paranaguá Fight 1 March 24, 2007 1 0:42 Paranaguá, Brazil
Win 6–0 Claudio Mattos KO (punches) Tsunamy 4 October 7, 2006 1 2:00 Pelotas, Brazil
Win 5–0 Rogerio Farias KO (knees & punches) Coliseu Fight July 8, 2006 1 4:00 Pelotas, Brazil
Win 4–0 Anderson Brito KO (punch) Tsunamy 3 April 9, 2005 1 4:00 Pelotas, Brazil
Win 3–0 Josimar Lira Rodrigues Decision (unanimous) Tsunamy 2 December 11, 2004 1 15:00 Pelotas, Brazil
Win 2–0 Andre Rocha TKO (punches) Camaqua Open Vale Tudo November 21, 2004 1 4:00 Camaqua, Brazil
Win 1–0 Guilherme Freitas KO (knees) Piratini Fight April 24, 2004 1 3:30 Piratini, Brazil

References

  1. "UFC 123s Gerald Harris discusses timekeeping issue; controversial choke". mmajunkie.com. November 23, 2010.
  2. "UFC in talks with Michigan regarding timekeeping issue, officials dismiss conspiracy". mmajunkie.com. November 24, 2010.
  3. 1 2 "UFCs Falcao says White's criticism fair; fans pay to watch scraps, not strategy". mmajunkie.com. November 25, 2010.
  4. "UFC 123 main card recap: Shocked "Rampage" awarded split decision win". mmajunkie.com. November 21, 2010.
  5. "Former UFC middleweight contender Gerald Harris: "I messed up"". mmajunkie.com. November 29, 2010.
  6. "Maiquel happy with three wins at UFC 123". tatame.com. November 23, 2010.
  7. "UFCs Maiquel Falcao arrested in Brazil on years old charge; expects quick release". mmajunkie.com. December 3, 2010.
  8. "Alessio Sakara vs. Maiquel Falcao on tap for UFC on Versus 3 in March". mmajunkie.com. December 9, 2010.
  9. "Rafael "Sapo" Natal Replaces Injured Maiquel Falcao at UFC on Versus 3". mmaweekly.com. January 14, 2011.
  10. "Maiquel Falcao vs. Tom Lawlor in the works for Brazil's UFC 134 event". MMAjunkie.com. April 25, 2011.
  11. "UFC releases Maiquel Falcao, pulls him from UFC 134 card". MMAjunkie.com. May 11, 2011.
  12. "Dana White confirms Maiquel Falcao's 2011 UFC release due to assaulting woman". MMAjunkie.com. May 11, 2011.
  13. "Falcao to Make Post-UFC Debut July 9 at Centurion MMA 2". Sherdog.com. 2011-06-22.
  14. "OC - Oplot Challenge 100 Results". Sherdog. February 15, 2014.
  15. "Bellator 66 adds Falcao-Vasilevsky middleweight-tourney semifinals". mmajunkie.com. 2012-03-17.
  16. http://mmajunkie.com/news/28353/post-fight-scuffle-mars-andreas-spangs-bellator-66-comeback-disciplinary-action-likely.mma
  17. MMAjunkie.com Staff (April 25, 2012). "Rebney: Falcao vs. Spang winner meets Shlemenko for Bellator's vacant middleweight title". mmajunkie.com.
  18. 1 2 Mike Chiappetta (July 25, 2013). "Bellator unconditionally releases Paul Daley and Maiquel Falcão due to ongoing legal troubles". MMAfighting.com.
  19. "Oplot Challenge 100 Official Results". mixedmartialarts.com. February 15, 2014.
  20. "MAMED KHALIDOV WINS 9TH STRAIGHT, ARMBARS BELLATOR VET MAIQUEL FALCAO AT KSW 27". sherdog.com. May 17, 2014.
  21. http://www.mixfight.ru/news/2016/1/19/Ramazan_Emeev_i_Maiquel_Falcao_vstretyatsya_na_M_1_Grand_Pri/
  22. Zane Simon (July 8, 2013). "Featherweight prospect Kauê Mena in critical condition following brawl involving Bellator fighter Maiquel Falcão". bloodyelbow.com.
  23. Jesse Holland (July 10, 2013). "Maiquel Falcão and Kauê Mena removed from Renovação Fight Team following gas station melee". mmamania.com.
  24. "Maiquel Falcão e Kauê Mena são expulsos da RFT após briga em posto". sportv.globo.com (Portuguese language). July 10, 2013.
  25. http://middleeasy.com/fighting/item/11416-bellator-s-maiquel-falcao-explains-his-story-of-the-infamous-gas-station-beatdown
  26. http://ndonline.com.br/vale/noticias/181095-um-ano-apos-agressao-kaue-mena-leva-vida-normal-e-quer-voltar-a-treinar-mma.html
  27. http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/07/friend-of-bellators-maiquel-falcao-remains-in-hospital-following-brutal-beating
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