Alan Belcher
Alan Belcher | “The Talent”
Ht: 6’2 – Wt: 185 – Age: 28
Born: Arkansas, USA
Fights out of: Biloxi, MS, USA
Team: Roufusport
Overall Record: 18-6
UFC Record: 9-4
Background:
Alan Belcher’s career was in jeopardy following a detached retina, but he made a successful return in 2011 to resume his rising career in the UFC middleweight division. Belcher began his mixed martial arts career in 2004, where he struggled to a 2-2 record. Belcher’s career began to pick up steam in 2006 as he won his next 7 fights, 6 of those coming via finish. Belcher signed with the UFC later that year, but lost his debut via unanimous decision to Yushin Okami. Belcher bounced back by scoring an impressive knockout victory over veteran Jorge Santiago. Belcher continued to struggle with consistency though as he lost his next bout to TUF 3 winner Kendall Grove. Belcher briefly moved up to the light heavyweight division, defeating Sean Salmon, before dropping back down and finishing Kalib Starnes at UFC 77. Belcher suffered an upset loss to Jason Day that once again seemed to have his career stuck in neutral. Belcher moved on to face Ed Herman and picked up a much-needed decision win in a very close fight that could have gone either way. Belcher next faced off against veteran Denis Kang, pulling off a 2nd round submission of the formerly world ranked contender. Belcher was once again rising up the ranks as was given the honor of welcoming Yoshihiro Akiyama to the UFC at UFC 100. Belcher and Akiyama put on a back-and-forth striking war that won Fight of the Night honors. In a decision that could have gone either way, though most felt Belcher had done enough to win, the judges awarded Akiyama with a split decision victory. Belcher came back with a vengeance winning his next two fights via finish against veterans Wilson Gouveia and Patrick Cote. Just as Belcher was nearing contender status, he suffered an eye injury during training and was sidelined for nearly a year. Belcher finally was given the thumbs up by doctors to return at UFC Fight Night 25, where he scored a 1st round finish over Jason MacDonald.
2011 Breakdown:
Belcher fought once in 2011, winning via submission, as he returned from a possible career-ending eye injury.
Belcher made his return against veteran Jason MacDonald at UFC Fight Night 25. Belcher wasted little time backing MacDonald up with punches before following the Canadian down to the floor and taking top position. From there, Belcher imposed his will on MacDonald as he scored with unanswered punches forcing the referee to step in and stop the fight.
2012 Forecast:
Belcher’s career was truly on the rise prior to his eye surgery in 2010. Belcher will likely have to win a couple more fights to gain back that momentum and also prove that his eye can hold up against punches and combat. Belcher struggled with consistency early in his career, but he seems to have matured over the last few years, refining his skills and overall style to be a legitimate threat in the division. Belcher’s striking is excellent and his submission skills have also improved. His one question mark is his wrestling, especially considering that he will likely have to face off against a few high-level wrestlers to get to the title. Belcher is still just entering the prime years of his career and he is fully capable of becoming a title contender in the very near future.
Alan Belcher Fight Record
Overall Record: 17-6
2008-2011 Record: 5-2
2011 Record: 1-0
Win | Jason MacDonald | Sub | Rd 1 | UFC | 09/17/2011
2010 Record: 1-0
Win | Patrick Cote | Sub | Rd 2 | UFC | 05/08/2010
2009 Record: 2-1
Win | Wilson Gouveia | Tko | Rd 1 | UFC | 12/12/2009
Loss | Yoshihiro Akiyama | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 07/11/2009
Win | Denis Kang | Sub | Rd 2 | UFC | 01/17/2009
2008 Record: 1-1
Win | Ed Herman | Dec | Rd 3 | UFC | 09/17/2008
Loss | Jason Day | Tko | Rd 1 | UFC | 04/19/2008
