Drakkar Klose

Drakkar Klose
Born (1988-03-09) March 9, 1988 (age 36)
Kalamazoo, Michigan, U.S.
Height5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)
Weight156 lb (71 kg; 11.1 st)
DivisionLightweight
Reach70 in (178 cm)
StanceOrthodox
Fighting out ofGlendale, Arizona, U.S.
TeamX1 Sports & Fitness (2011–2012)[1]
The MMA Lab (2013–2019, 2021–present)[2][3]
Fight Ready (2019–2020)[4][5]
RankPurple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[6] under Sadiq Daniels[7]
Years active2014–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total19
Wins15
By knockout6
By decision9
Losses3
By knockout2
By decision1
Draws1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Drakkar Klose (born March 9, 1988) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background

Born and raised alongside six other siblings in South Haven, Michigan, Klose had a standout wrestling career at South Haven High School, winning a state championship in 2005. He continued his career at North Idaho College before transferring to Lindenwood University for his junior year.[8] After being kicked out of college, he relocated to Arizona in hopes of enhancing his mixed martial arts career.[9][10]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Klose begun his career as an amateur racking a 7–0 record.[1] Prior to joining the UFC, Klose amassed a record of 7–0–1 in organizations such as Resurrection Fighting Alliance and World Fighting Federation.[11]

Klose signed with the UFC in late 2016.[9]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Klose made his promotional debut on January 15, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 103 against fellow newcomer Devin Powell.[12] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[13]

Klose faced Marc Diakiese on July 7, 2017, at The Ultimate Fighter 25 Finale.[14] He won the fight by split decision, after dropping his opponent with leg kicks in both the first and second round.[15]

Klose faced David Teymur on December 2, 2017, at UFC 218.[16] He lost the bout via unanimous decision.[17]

Klose faced Lando Vannata on July 7, 2018, at UFC 226.[18] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[19]

Klose faced Bobby Green on December 15, 2018, at UFC on Fox 31[20] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[21]

Klose was expected to face Beneil Dariush on July 13, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 155.[22] However, on July 7, Dariush pulled out of the fight with an injury.[23] As a result, UFC officials opted to remove Klose from the card and he is expected to be scheduled for a future event instead.[24]

Klose faced Christos Giagos on August 17, 2019, at UFC 241.[25] He won the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision.[26]

Klose next faced Beneil Dariush on March 7, 2020, at UFC 248, a rescheduling of the bout that was canceled in July 2019.[27] He lost the fight via knockout in the second round.[28]

Klose was scheduled to face Jai Herbert on February 20, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 185.[29] However, Herbert pulled out in the weeks leading up to the event and was replaced by Luis Peña.[30] However, the bout was cancelled after Klose's corner tested positive for COVID-19.[31]

Klose was expected to face Jeremy Stephens at UFC on ESPN 22 on April 17, 2021.[32] However, day of the event, it was announced that the bout was scrapped due to Klose sustaining a spinal injury as a result of being shoved by Stephens at the weigh-ins.[33] Despite the fight not happening, it was reported that Klose would receive his show money and compliance pay.[34]

After two-year absence from the octagon, Klose was scheduled to face Nikolas Motta on April 16, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 34.[35] However, Motta was removed from the event for undisclosed reason and he was replaced by Brandon Jenkins.[36] Klose won the fight via technical knockout in round two after knocking Jenkins down multiple times.[37] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[38]

Klose was scheduled to face Carlos Diego Ferreira on July 30, 2022, at UFC 277.[39] However, Ferreira was forced out the event due an injury[40] and he was replaced by Rafa García.[41] Klose won the fight by unanimous decision.[42]

Klose was scheduled to face Mark Madsen on October 29, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 213.[43] However, Klose pulled out in mid-October due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.[44]

Klose faced Joe Solecki on December 2, 2023 at UFC on ESPN 52.[45] Klose won the fight via knockout in round one after slamming Solecki on his head during an armbar attempt.[46] This fight earned him the Performance of the Night award.[47]

Klose faced Joaquim Silva on May 3, 2024, at UFC 301.[48] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[49]

Klose faced Joel Álvarez on December 14, 2024 at UFC on ESPN 63.[50] He lost the fight by knockout via a flying knee and punches in the first round.[51]

Personal life

Klose has a son, Kingston (born 2018).[52] He is married to fellow UFC athlete Cortney Casey.[53][5]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
19 matches 15 wins 3 losses
By knockout 6 2
By decision 9 1
Draws 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 15–3–1 Joel Álvarez KO (flying knee and punches) UFC on ESPN: Covington vs. Buckley December 14, 2024 1 2:48 Tampa, Florida, United States
Win 15–2–1 Joaquim Silva Decision (unanimous) UFC 301 May 4, 2024 3 5:00 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 14–2–1 Joe Solecki KO (slam) UFC on ESPN: Dariush vs. Tsarukyan December 2, 2023 1 1:41 Austin, Texas, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 13–2–1 Rafa García Decision (unanimous) UFC 277 July 30, 2022 3 5:00 Dallas, Texas, United States
Win 12–2–1 Brandon Jenkins TKO (punches) UFC on ESPN: Luque vs. Muhammad 2 April 16, 2022 2 0:33 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Performance of the Night.
Loss 11–2–1 Beneil Dariush KO (punch) UFC 248 March 7, 2020 2 1:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 11–1–1 Christos Giagos Decision (unanimous) UFC 241 August 17, 2019 3 5:00 Anaheim, California, United States
Win 10–1–1 Bobby Green Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Lee vs. Iaquinta 2 December 15, 2018 3 5:00 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Win 9–1–1 Lando Vannata Decision (unanimous) UFC 226 July 7, 2018 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 8–1–1 David Teymur Decision (unanimous) UFC 218 December 2, 2017 3 5:00 Detroit, Michigan, United States
Win 8–0–1 Marc Diakiese Decision (split) The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption Finale July 7, 2017 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 7–0–1 Devin Powell Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Rodríguez vs. Penn January 15, 2017 3 5:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 6–0–1 Hugh Pulley Decision (unanimous) RFA 44 September 30, 2016 3 5:00 St. Charles, Missouri, United States
Draw 5–0–1 Joshua Avales Draw (split) Tachi Palace Fights 26 February 18, 2016 3 5:00 Lemoore, California, United States
Win 5–0 Alejandro Garcia TKO (punches) World Fighting Federation 23 August 22, 2015 2 4:08 Chandler, Arizona, United States
Win 4–0 Gabe Rodriguez TKO (punches) Rage in the Cage 178 June 6, 2015 1 0:31 Prescott Valley, Arizona, United States Catchweight (160 lb) bout; Rodriguez missed weight.
Win 3–0 Preston Harris Decision (unanimous) Rage in the Cage 176 March 7, 2015 3 5:00 Phoenix, Arizona, United States Won the Rage in the Cage Lightweight Championship.
Win 2–0 Jeff Fletcher TKO (punches) World Fighting Federation 17 November 22, 2014 2 3:43 Chandler, Arizona, United States
Win 1–0 Nolan McLaughlin TKO (punches) Duel for Domination 7 April 5, 2014 1 3:10 Mesa, Arizona, United States

[54]

References

  1. ^ a b James Lynch (September 22, 2016). "RFA 44's Drakkar Klose "This fight ends by 2nd round TKO"" – via YouTube.
  2. ^ Penny Buffington (October 3, 2013). "MMA Fight Radio Guests Fri Sept 27" (Podcast).
  3. ^ LowKick MMA (October 1, 2021). Drakkar Klose out until early 2022, talks rejoining The MMA Lab – via YouTube.
  4. ^ Cole Shelton (July 8, 2019). "Drakkar Klose Explains Transition in Camps from MMA Lab to Fight Ready". sherdog.com.
  5. ^ a b John Hyon Ko (February 17, 2021). Drakkar Klose on the realities of chasing the UFC title: "This system's rigged" – via YouTube.
  6. ^ "Drakkar Klose | UFC". UFC.com. September 14, 2018. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  7. ^ Drakkar Klose [@drakkar_klose] (October 23, 2020). "Today I received my purple belt in bjj from @professore_sadiq. I want to thank you for being such a great friend/coach/mentor to me" – via Instagram.
  8. ^ "Drakkar Klose – Wrestling – Lindenwood University Athletics". Lindenwood Lions. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
  9. ^ a b Aaron Crider (January 1, 2017). "Former SH wrestler signs with UFC". heraldpalladium.com. Retrieved January 1, 2017.
  10. ^ Sergio Pineiro (July 7, 2020). Quarantinecast Episode #56 - Drakkar Klose – via YouTube.
  11. ^ "Drakkar Klose vs Jeff Fletcher Fight Result WFF - World Fighting Fe..." www.mma-core.com.
  12. ^ Mike Sloan (December 28, 2016). "Drakkar Klose to Face Devin Powell at UFC Fight Night 103". sherdog.com. Retrieved December 28, 2016.
  13. ^ "UFC Fight Night 103 results: Drakkar Klose cruises past Devin Powell for decision sweep". January 16, 2017.
  14. ^ Staff (April 26, 2017). "Marc Diakiese vs. Drakkar Klose added to TUF 25 Finale". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  15. ^ "TUF 25 Finale results: Drakkar Klose beats Marc Diakiese, holds grudge after split-decision win". MMAjunkie. July 8, 2017. Retrieved July 8, 2017.
  16. ^ Shaun Al-Shatti (October 2, 2017). "David Teymur vs. Drakkar Klose slated for UFC 218". mmafighting.com. Retrieved October 2, 2017.
  17. ^ Anderson, Jay (December 2, 2017). "UFC 218 Results: David Teymur Beats Drakkar Klose In a Weird One". Cageside Press. Retrieved December 3, 2017.
  18. ^ "Lando Vannata vs. Drakkar Klose slated for UFC 226". MMA Fighting. Retrieved May 30, 2018.
  19. ^ "UFC 226 results: Drakkar Klose shuts down Lando Vannata for unanimous decision". MMAjunkie. July 8, 2018. Retrieved July 8, 2018.
  20. ^ "Bobby Green vs. Drakkar Klose, Gerald Meerschaert vs. Jack Hermansson set for UFC on FOX 31". MMA Fighting. Retrieved September 4, 2018.
  21. ^ Doyle, Dave (December 15, 2018). "UFC on FOX 31 results: Drakkar Klose earns unanimous decision over Bobby Green". MMA Fighting. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
  22. ^ Jay Pettry. "UFC returns to Sacramento in July". Sherdog. Retrieved April 26, 2019.
  23. ^ Morgan, John (July 7, 2019). "Beneil Dariush injured, Drakkar Klose needs new opponent for Saturday's UFC on ESPN+ 13". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved July 8, 2019.
  24. ^ Cole Shelton (July 9, 2019). "With no replacement foe found, Drakkar Klose pulled from UFC Sacramento card". sherdog.com. Retrieved July 9, 2019.
  25. ^ Marcel Dorff (July 23, 2019). "Drakkar Klose treft Christos Giagos tijdens UFC 241 in Anaheim" (in Dutch). Retrieved February 7, 2022.
  26. ^ Doherty, Dan (August 17, 2019). "UFC 241 Results: Drakkar Klose Outlasts Christos Giagos in Back-and-Forth Fight". Cageside Press. Retrieved August 18, 2019.
  27. ^ Marrocco, Steven (December 21, 2019). "Drakkar Klose vs. Beneil Dariush rebooked for UFC 248". MMA Fighting. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
  28. ^ "UFC 248 results: Beneil Dariush knocks out Drakkar Klose in spectacular fashion". MMA Junkie. March 8, 2020. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  29. ^ "Jai Herbert vs. Drakkar Klose added to UFC Fight Night card for Feb. 20". MMA Junkie. December 12, 2020. Retrieved December 13, 2020.
  30. ^ Mike Heck (February 10, 2021). "With Jai Herbert out, Drakkar Klose now expected to meet Luis Pena at UFC Vegas 19". mmafighting.com. Retrieved February 10, 2021.
  31. ^ Youngs, Jose (February 20, 2021). "Drakkar Klose vs. Luis Peña pulled from UFC Vegas 19 due to positive COVID-19 test". MMA Fighting. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
  32. ^ MMA Fighting Newswire, Damon Martin (February 25, 2021). "Drakkar Klose vs. Jeremy Stephens added to April 17 UFC event". MMAFighting.com. Retrieved February 25, 2021.
  33. ^ Marc Raimondi (April 17, 2021). "Drakkar Klose's camp says he suffered cervical sprain, concussion as a result of Jeremy Stephens push; UFC co-main event off". ESPN. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
  34. ^ Mike Heck (April 21, 2021). "Drakkar Klose to receive show money, promotional compliance pay following UFC Vegas 24 scratch". mmafighting.com.
  35. ^ "Drakkar Klose booked for first UFC fight since Jeremy Stephens's shove, meets Nikolas Motta". MMA Junkie. January 6, 2022. Retrieved January 7, 2022.
  36. ^ "Drakkar Klose terug in de Octagon na twee jaar afwezigheid". Eurosport (in Dutch). January 15, 2022. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  37. ^ Behunin, Alex (April 16, 2022). "UFC Vegas 51: Drakkar Klose Gets First UFC Finish, Stops Brandon Jenkins In Second Round". Cageside Press. Retrieved April 17, 2022.
  38. ^ a b Dan Hiergesell (April 17, 2022). "UFC Vegas 51 bonuses: Drakkar Klose banks $50K after two-year layoff". mmamania.com. Retrieved April 17, 2022.
  39. ^ Matthew Wells and Nolan King (May 12, 2022). "Drakkar Klose vs. Diego Ferreira in the works for UFC 277". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved May 12, 2022.
  40. ^ Heck, Mike (July 13, 2022). "Diego Ferreira out, UFC needs replacement for Drakkar Klose at UFC 277". MMA Fighting. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  41. ^ Nolan King (July 18, 2022). "UFC 277 hit with multitude of withdrawals. Here's where the card stands less than two weeks away". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved July 18, 2022.
  42. ^ Theodosi, Jamie (July 30, 2022). "UFC 277: After Impressive Display Against Rafa Garcia, Drakkar Klose Calls Out "El Cucuy"". Cageside Press. Retrieved August 1, 2022.
  43. ^ "UFC adds Drakkar Klose vs. Mark Madsen to Oct. 29 lineup". MMA Junkie. October 3, 2022. Retrieved October 5, 2022.
  44. ^ Nolan King (October 16, 2022). "ACL injury forces Drakkar Klose out of UFC Fight Night 213 grudge match vs. Mark Madsen". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
  45. ^ Nag, Sayan (September 26, 2023). "Joe Solecki to Meet Drakkar Klose at UFC Fight Night on Dec. 2". Sherdog. Retrieved September 26, 2023.
  46. ^ Lee, Alexander K. (December 2, 2023). "UFC Austin video: Drakkar Klose slams Joe Solecki on side of head for nasty knockout". MMA Fighting. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
  47. ^ a b Chris Taylor (December 2, 2023). "UFC Austin Bonus Report: 10 fighters take home $50k". bjpenn.com. Retrieved December 2, 2023.
  48. ^ "Joaquim Silva and Drakkar Klose Announced for UFC 301 PPV". www.itnwwe.com. January 24, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  49. ^ Hester, Bryson (May 5, 2024). "UFC 301: Drakkar Klose Claims Decision Over Joaquim Silva in Hostile Territory". Cageside Press. Retrieved May 5, 2024.
  50. ^ Álvaro Colmenero (October 24, 2024). "Joel Álvarez se enfrentará a Drakkar Klose en el UFC Tampa el 14 de diciembre" (in Spanish). abc.es. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  51. ^ Mathis Desjardins (December 14, 2024). "Joel Alvarez Flying Knee Puts Klose Out, Hopes For UFC Spain". cagesidepress.com. Retrieved December 14, 2024.
  52. ^ Thomas Gerbasi (August 17, 2019). "Drakkar Klose Is A Different Breed". ufc.com.
  53. ^ Eddie Mercado (March 3, 2020). "I would beat Dan Hooker worse than Edson Barboza did, says UFC 248's Drakkar Klose". mmamania.com.
  54. ^ Sherdog.com. "Drakkar Klose MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography - Sherdog.com". Sherdog. Retrieved December 22, 2019.