Kevin Croom

Kevin Croom
Born (1987-07-15) July 15, 1987 (age 37)
Columbia, Missouri, U.S.
Other namesCrash
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight155 lb (70 kg; 11 st 1 lb)
DivisionLightweight
Featherweight
Bantamweight
Reach73 in (185 cm)[1]
Fighting out ofKansas City, Missouri
TeamGlory MMA & Fitness
RankBrown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[2]
Years active2009–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total38
Wins22
By knockout6
By submission10
By decision6
Losses15
By knockout5
By submission4
By decision6
No contests1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Kevin Croom (born July 15, 1987) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division. A professional since 2009, he has fought in the UFC, Bellator, Titan FC, the RFA, the LFA, and CES MMA.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Croom has fought for multiple MMA promotions during his professional MMA career, including Legacy Fighting Alliance and Bellator MMA. Croom has 16 stoppages in his total of 21 professional victories.[3]

Croom faced Brian Davidson at Bellator 26 on August 26, 2010. Davidson lost via rear-naked choke submission in the second round.[3]

In his seventh fight, Croom faced Justin Gaethje in his professional debut on August 20, 2011. Gaethje won the fight in the first round via KO due to a slam after Croom attempted a submission.[4]

Croom faced Bryan Goldsby at Titan FC 27 on February 28, 2014.[5] He won by unanimous decision.[6]

Croom fought for the CES MMA Featherweight Championship against reigning champion Matt Bessette at CES MMA 41, losing via TKO.[7]

Croom defeated Darrick Minner via TKO in the second round at LFA 48.[3]

Croom faced John Teixeira at Bellator 218 on March 22, 2019. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[3]

Croom tapped out Charles Bennett via rear-naked choke in round one at FAC 1 to pick up submission victory number 10 as a professional.[3]

At Bellator 239, Croom took on Adil Benijilany and defeated him via split decision.[8]

In the fight before getting a UFC contract, Croom faced Anderson Hutchinson, who was later in September arrested for having sex with a 17-year-old female boxing student,[9] on August 14, 2020, at Fighting Alliance Championship 3 for the FAC Featherweight Championship. Croom won the championship fight via unanimous decision.[10]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Croom, replacing Giga Chikadze as a COVID replacement, was scheduled to face Alex Caceres on August 29, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Rakić[11][12] The following day, Croom was removed after also testing positive for COVID and replaced by fellow newcomer Austin Springer.[13]

Croom made his UFC debut, as an injury fill in for Matt Frevola, against Roosevelt Roberts on September 12, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Waterson vs. Hill.[14] Croom won the fight via a guillotine choke in round one.[15] This fight earned him the Performance of the Night award.[16] After the fight, Croom said on Twitter that he had only $64 in his bank account before the fight.[10]

On November 4, it was announced by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) that the fight with Roosevelt Roberts would be overturned to a no contest, after Croom tested positive for marijuana. Croom was suspended for 4 1⁄2 months and had to pay a fine of $1,800.[17]

Croom faced Alex Caceres on February 27, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Gane.[18] He lost the bout via unanimous decision.[19]

Croom was scheduled to face Marcelo Rojo on August 28, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 30.[20] However, Croom was removed from the bout in mid-August for undisclosed reasons.[21]

Croom faced Brian Kelleher, replacing Saidyokub Kakhramonov, on January 15, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 32.[22] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[23]

Croom faced Alateng Heili at UFC on ESPN 34 on April 16, 2022.[24] He lost the fight via TKO early into the first round.[25]

In May 2022, it was reported that Croom was released from UFC.[26]

Post UFC

In his first bout after his UFC release, Croom faced Brad Robinson on September 10, 2022 at Synergy FC: Kansas City Fight Night.[27] He won the bout via majority decision.[28]

Bare-knuckle boxing

Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship

Croom made his BKFC debut on November 18, 2022 at BKFC 33 against Sean Wilson and won by knockout in the second round.[29]

Croom faced Chevvy Bridges on February 17, 2023 at BKFC: KnuckleMania 3 and won the bout by first round knockout.[30]

Croom faced Tony Soto on October 20, 2023 at BKFC 52 and lost by unanimous decision.[31] This fight earned him a Fight of the Night award.[32]

Croom was scheduled to face Emeka Ifekandu on August 16, 2024 at BKFC Fight Night: Kansas City.[33] However, the bout was pulled from the card for unknown reasons.[33]

Championships and achievements

Mixed martial arts

Bare-knuckle boxing

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
38 matches 22 wins 15 losses
By knockout 6 5
By submission 10 4
By decision 6 6
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 22–15 (1) Brad Robison Decision (majority) Synergy FC: Kansas City Fight Night September 10, 2022 3 5:00 Kansas City, Kansas, United States Return to Lightweight.
Loss 21–15 (1) Alateng Heili TKO (punches) UFC on ESPN: Luque vs. Muhammad 2 April 16, 2022 1 0:47 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Bantamweight bout.
Loss 21–14 (1) Brian Kelleher Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Kattar vs. Chikadze January 15, 2022 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 21–13 (1) Alex Caceres Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Gane February 27, 2021 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
NC 21–12 (1) Roosevelt Roberts NC (overturned) UFC Fight Night: Waterson vs. Hill September 12, 2020 1 0:31 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Lightweight bout. Performance of the Night. Originally a submission (guillotine choke) win for Croom; overturned after he tested positive for marijuana.
Win 21–12 Anderson Hutchinson Decision (unanimous) Fighting Alliance Championship 3 August 14, 2020 5 5:00 Independence, Missouri, United States Won the FAC Featherweight Championship.
Win 20–12 Adil Benjilany Decision (split) Bellator 239 February 21, 2020 3 5:00 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States
Win 19–12 Charles Bennett Submission (rear-naked choke) Fighting Alliance Championship 1 August 24, 2019 1 2:15 Independence, Missouri, United States
Loss 18–12 John Macapá Decision (unanimous) Bellator 218 March 22, 2019 3 5:00 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States
Loss 18–11 Kamuela Kirk Submission (triangle choke) LFA 53 November 9, 2018 1 3:54 Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Win 18–10 Darrick Minner TKO (elbows) LFA 48 September 7, 2018 2 2:10 Kearney, Nebraska, United States
Loss 17–10 Nate Jennerman Technical Submission (guillotine choke) LFA 41 June 1, 2018 1 0:48 Prior Lake, Minnesota, United States
Win 17–9 CJay Hunter Submission (rear-naked choke) KC Fighting Alliance 27 February 17, 2018 3 1:16 Independence, Missouri, United States
Loss 16–9 Matt Bessette TKO (punches and kicks) CES 41: Bessette vs. Croom January 27, 2017 3 0:32 Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States For the CES Featherweight Championship.
Loss 16–8 Tatsuya Ando Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) Shooto Pacific Rim Double Championship November 12, 2016 2 3:13 Tokyo, Japan
Win 16–7 Lenny Wheeler TKO (punches) Triumph FC 1 April 22, 2016 1 0:26 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Loss 15–7 Rasul Mirzaev TKO (punches) Fight Nights Global 41: Dagestan September 25, 2015 2 3:16 Kaspiysk, Russia Return to Featherweight.
Win 15–6 Jacob Akin KO (punch) Shamrock FC: Shock January 17, 2015 1 2:13 Kansas City, Missouri, United States Won the vacant SFC Bantamweight Championship.
Loss 14–6 Jesse Brock Decision (split) MFC 40 May 9, 2014 3 5:00 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Win 14–5 Bryan Goldsby Decision (unanimous) Titan FC 27 February 28, 2014 3 5:00 Kansas City, Kansas, United States Bantamweight debut; Croom missed weight (137 lb).
Win 13–5 Aslan Toktarbaev TKO (corner stoppage) Alash Pride: Great Battle 2 December 19, 2013 1 2:55 Almaty, Kazakhstan
Win 12–5 Deryck Ripley Submission (rear-naked choke) Cage Time Production November 22, 2013 1 3:23 Columbia, Missouri, United States
Win 11–5 Dustin Phillips Submission (rear-naked choke) Titan FC 26 August 30, 2013 1 1:45 Kansas City, Missouri, United States
Win 10–5 Javier Lujan TKO (retirement) World MMA Council: Mexican Standoff May 25, 2013 1 3:30 Ciudad Juárez, Mexico
Win 9–5 Adam Rider Submission (rear-naked choke) Cage Time Production May 3, 2013 1 1:16 Columbia, Missouri, United States
Win 8–5 Brian Pearman Submission (rear-naked choke) Tommy Tran Promotions April 6, 2013 1 3:03 Springfield, Missouri, United States
Win 7–5 Brian Davidson TKO (punches) RFA 6: Krause vs. Imada 2 January 18, 2013 1 0:42 Kansas City, Missouri, United States Catchweight (140 lb) bout.
Win 6–5 Nate Murdock Decision (unanimous) Tommy Tran Promotions November 17, 2012 3 5:00 Branson, Missouri, United States
Loss 5–5 Yaotzin Meza Decision (unanimous) Rage in the Cage 163 October 20, 2012 3 5:00 Chandler, Arizona, United States
Loss 5–4 Ramiro Hernandez Decision (split) Titan FC 21 March 2, 2012 3 5:00 Kansas City, Kansas, United States Featherweight bout.
Win 5–3 Rodrigo Sotelo Decision (unanimous) Sun City Battle 2 October 1, 2011 3 3:00 El Paso, Texas, United States
Loss 4–3 Justin Gaethje KO (slam) ROF 41: Bragging Rights August 20, 2011 1 1:01 Broomfield, Colorado, United States Catchweight (159 lb) bout.
Win 4–2 J.R. Sotelo Submission (triangle choke) Sun City Battle 1 July 9, 2011 1 0:16 El Paso, Texas, United States
Win 3–2 Brian Davidson Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator 26 August 26, 2010 2 3:22 Kansas City, Missouri, United States Featherweight bout.
Win 2–2 Kody Frank Submission (triangle choke) Friday Night Fight Night November 6, 2009 2 4:05 Sedalia, Missouri, United States
Win 1–2 Eddie Granado Submission (rear-naked choke) Midwest Fight League June 26, 2009 1 4:52 Boonville, Missouri, United States
Loss 0–2 Willie Mack KO (punch) Warfare Xtreme Cagefighting: Caged Controversy May 2, 2009 1 0:37 Sedalia, Missouri, United States
Loss 0–1 Jose Vega Submission Hulett Productions: First Blood February 7, 2009 2 2:22 Sedalia, Missouri, United States

[34]

Bare knuckle boxing record

Professional record breakdown
3 matches 2 wins 1 loss
By knockout 2 0
By decision 0 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 2–1 Tony Soto Decision (unanimous) BKFC 52 October 20, 2023 5 2:00 Columbia, South Carolina, United States
Win 2–0 Chevvy Bridges KO (punches) BKFC KnuckleMania 3 February 17, 2023 1 1:11 Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States
Win 1–0 Sean Wilson KO (punch) BKFC 33 November 18, 2022 2 1:36 Omaha, Nebraska, United States

See also

References

  1. ^ "Stats | UFC". ufcstats.com. Retrieved 2020-10-04.
  2. ^ "Kevin Croom | UFC". UFC.com. 11 September 2020. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  3. ^ a b c d e Painter, Myles (8 May 2020). "Across the Pond profile Bellator MMA fighter Kevin Croom | MMA UK". Retrieved 22 February 2021.
  4. ^ "RING OF FIRE 41 RESULTS: BRANDON THATCH WINS QUICK, TYLER TONER STAGES AMAZING COMEBACK". mmaweekly.com. August 21, 2011.
  5. ^ "Three more bouts added to Titan FC 27". pwinsiderxtra.com. January 14, 2014.
  6. ^ "Titan FC 27 results: Ricci dominates Gurgel, Riddle taps Kuiper". mmajunkie.com. February 28, 2014.
  7. ^ "Matt Bessette Defends His Title Knocking Out Kevin Croom on 'AXS TV FIGHTS: CES MMA 41' | AXS TV". www.axs.tv. Retrieved 2017-05-27.
  8. ^ "Bellator 239 Preliminary Card Live Stream and Results". Cageside Press. 21 February 2020. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
  9. ^ Mooney, Sean (17 September 2020). "VSO: MMA Coach Had Sexual Relations With 17-Year-Old Student". WNDB - News Daytona Beach.
  10. ^ a b c Heck, Mike (17 September 2020). "UFC Vegas 10 winner Kevin Croom explains going from $64 in his bank account to 'more money than I made last year'". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 22 February 2021.
  11. ^ Staff (2020-08-26). "Alex Caceres has new opponent in Kevin Croom". mmadna.nl. Retrieved 2020-08-26. (in Dutch)
  12. ^ Alexander K. Lee (2020-08-28). "Giga Chikadze withdrawal from UFC Vegas 8 was due to positive COVID-19 test". mmafighting. Retrieved 2020-08-29.
  13. ^ Farah Hannoun (2020-08-27). "With Kevin Croom out, Austin Springer steps in to face Alex Caceres at UFC on ESPN+ 33". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-08-27.
  14. ^ "Matt Frevola out of UFC on ESPN+ 35; Kevin Croom steps in vs. Roosevelt Roberts". MMA Junkie. 2020-09-11. Retrieved 2020-09-12.
  15. ^ Evanoff, Josh (2020-09-12). "UFC Vegas 10 Results: Kevin Croom Stuns Roosevelt Roberts". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2020-09-12.
  16. ^ a b Andrew Ravens (2020-09-12). "UFC on ESPN+ 35 Bonuses: Two Fighters Nab Performance Checks, FOTN Honors". mmanews. Retrieved 2020-09-13.
  17. ^ John Morgan (2020-11-04). "Kevin Croom, Jose Flores issued NAC suspensions for marijuana use; Niko Price also cited". mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved 2020-11-05.
  18. ^ DNA, MMA (2020-12-28). "Alex Caceres vs. Kevin Croom ingepland voor UFC evenement op 27 februari". MMA DNA. Retrieved 2020-12-29.
  19. ^ Anderson, Jay (2021-02-27). "UFC Vegas 20 Results: Alex Cacares Defeats Kevin Croom for Fourth Straight Win". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-02-28.
  20. ^ DNA, MMA (2021-05-11). "Marcelo Rojo vs. Kevin Croom toegevoegd aan UFC evenement op 28 augustus". MMA DNA. Retrieved 2021-05-11.
  21. ^ Dorff, Marcel (2021-08-11). "Jonathan Martinez en Marcelo Rojo treffen elkaar op 4 september". MMA DNA. Retrieved 2021-08-11.
  22. ^ Anderson, Jay (2022-01-12). "UFC Vegas 46: Kevin Croom In on Short Notice Against Brian Kelleher". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-01-12.
  23. ^ Anderson, Jay (2022-01-15). "UFC Vegas 46: Brian Kelleher Shows Well-Rounded Game in Win Over Kevin Croom". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-01-15.
  24. ^ "Heili Alateng, Wu Yanan set for UFC Fight Night 206". Asian MMA. 2022-03-12. Retrieved 2022-03-12.
  25. ^ Behunin, Alex (2022-04-16). "UFC Vegas 51: Alatengheili Knocks Out Kevin Croom In 47 Seconds". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2022-04-17.
  26. ^ "Report: Moutinho, Grundy, Hubbard Among Latest UFC Cuts". MMA News. 2022-05-05. Retrieved 2022-05-05.
  27. ^ Staff Report (2022-07-20). "UFC vet Kevin Croom headlines newly merged Synergy FC fight card". Retrieved 2022-10-03.
  28. ^ "Kevin Croom vs. Brad Robison, Synergy FC 1 | MMA Bout". Tapology. Retrieved 2022-10-03.
  29. ^ "BKFC 33 results, highlights: Houston Alexander TKOs Joey Beltran, Kevin Croom wins debut". bloodyelbow.com. 2022-11-19. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
  30. ^ Staff (2023-02-17). "BKFC: KnuckleMania 3 Full Results". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
  31. ^ "BKFC 52 Results: Richardson Stops Barnett, Earns Title". Combat Press. 2024-06-21. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
  32. ^ a b BKFC on YouTube (October 21, 2023). "BKFC 52 SOUTH CAROLINA Press Conference - Live - David Feldman announces bonuses". youtube.com.
  33. ^ a b "BKFC FIGHT NIGHT KANSAS CITY". Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships. Retrieved 2024-06-27.
  34. ^ Sherdog.com. "Kevin Croom". Sherdog. Retrieved 2020-08-07.