Born in Compton, California, Davis attended Santa Fe High School, where he was a two-sport athlete, playing football and competing in wrestling.[3] He started wrestling at age five, and he was a CIF state finalist his sophomore year and state champion in his junior and senior seasons as a high schooler.[4] Nationally, he was a two-time FloNationals champion and a Reno champion.[4]
Davis was an NCAA Division I recruit as a football player, however, he chose to wrestle.[5]
College
After graduating from high school, Davis committed to wrestle at Notre Dame College.[6]
Davis finished his true freshman season with 33 victories and no defeats and an NCAA title at 165 pounds. After moving up to 174 pounds, Davis compiled 35 more wins and closed the season undefeated, claiming titles from the Clarion Knight Point Open, Michigan State Open, Cleveland State Open, University of Indianapolis Greyhound Open, NCAA Division II Super Region I and the NCAA National Championship.[7] As a junior, he compiled a record of 38–0 and won his third NCAA Division II National title.[8] In his fourth and last season, Davis was able to close the show with a National title at 184 pounds and the Outstanding Wrestler Award, finishing his overall career with 133 wins and no losses.[9][10]
In May 2016, Davis competed at the annual Beat The Streets event, named Salsa in the Square. He faced three-time NCAA Division I Champion and Dan Hodge Trophy winner Alex Dieringer. He lost the match by points, being outscored 9 points to none.[12]
Mixed martial arts career
Davis started competing in mixed martial arts while he was still competing in college, amassing an undefeated record of 5 wins and no losses.[13]
Davis made his professional debut at an 175-pound catchweight bout against Keith Cutrone on August 26, 2016, at Bellator 160. He won the fight by unanimous decision.[15]
Davis faced Justin Roswell on August 25, 2017, at Bellator 182 (a year later his previous bout). He won the fight by technical-knockout in the first round.[16]
Davis faced Ian Butler on January 20, 2018, at Bellator 192. He won the fight by knockout 39 seconds into the first round.[17]
Davis faced Craig Plaskett on June 29, 2018, at Bellator 201. He won the fight by unanimous decision.[18]
Davis was scheduled to face Jesse Merritton on March 29, 2019, at Bellator 219. However, Merritton withdrew from the event and was replaced by Marcus Anthony. Davis won the fight by knockout in the first round.[19]
Davis faced Jeff Peterson on October 9, 2019, at Bellator 229. He won the fight by knockout in a minute into the first round.[20]
Davis faced Chris Cisneros on December 20, 2019, at Bellator 235. He won the fight by technical-knockout in the first round.[21]
Davis faced promotional newcomer Bobby Lee on November 19, at Bellator 253.[22] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[23]
After a 2.5 year layoff, Davis made his return against Jeff Creighton on March 31, 2023, at Bellator 293.[24] Despite being a 14-to-1 favorite, Davis lost the bout via split decision.[25]
^"Bio". Joey Black Ice Davis. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
^CalGrappler (April 10, 2012). "Joey Davis Commits to Notre Dame". CalGrappler – The Home for California High School Wrestling. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
