American mixed martial arts fighter
Brian Matthew Kelleher [ 3] (born August 19, 1986) is an American professional mixed martial artist. Kelleher competed in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional competitor since 2011, Kelleher has also competed for Bellator and CES MMA .
Background
Kelleher was born on August 19, 1986, in Selden, New York , the son of Matt and Jen Kelleher.[ 4] Kelleher has an older brother Keith and a younger brother Mak who is also a professional mixed martial artist.[ 5] [ 4] Kelleher competed in a variety of sports from a young age including ice hockey , soccer and bowling . He later began combat sport training in 2007.[ 6]
Mixed martial arts career
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Kelleher made his promotional debut against Iuri Alcântara on short notice at UFC 212 on June 3, 2017.[ 7] He won the fight via submission due to a guillotine choke in the first round and was awarded a Performance of the Night bonus.[ 8]
Kelleher next faced Marlon Vera on July 22, 2017, at UFC on Fox 25 . He lost the fight via armbar submission in the first round.[ 9] [ 10]
Kelleher faced Damian Stasiak on October 21, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 118 .[ 11] He won the fight via technical knockout in the third round.[ 12] This win earned him the Fight of the Night award.[ 13]
Kelleher faced Renan Barão on February 24, 2018, at UFC on Fox 28 .[ 14] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[ 15]
Kelleher faced John Lineker on May 12, 2018, at UFC 224 .[ 16] He lost the fight via knockout in the third round.[ 17]
Kelleher was originally scheduled to face Domingo Pilarte on November 3, 2018, at UFC 230 .[ 18] Pilarte was forced to withdraw from the bout, citing an injury, and Kelleher is now slated to face Montel Jackson .[ 19] At the weigh-ins, Kelleher weight at 137 pounds, 1 pound over the bantamweight non-title fight limit of 136. He was fined 20 percent of his purse, which went to his opponent Jackson.[ 20] On November 3, it was reported that Kelleher withdrew from the bout due to illness and thus the fight was cancelled.[ 21] The pairing was left intact and rescheduled for December 29, 2018, at UFC 232 .[ 22] At the weigh-ins, Jackson weighed in at 137 lbs, 1 pound over the non-title fight bantamweight limit of 136 lbs. Jackson was fined 20 percent of his purse to Kelleher and the fight proceeded at catchweight.[ 23] Kelleher lost the fight via submission in the first round.[ 24]
Kelleher was scheduled to face Mitch Gagnon on May 4, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 150 .[ 25] However, Kelleher pulled out of the fight on April 10, citing an injury, and he was replaced by promotional newcomer Cole Smith.[ 26]
As the last fight of his prevailing contract, Kelleher faced Ode' Osbourne at UFC 246 on January 18, 2020.[ 27] [ 28] He won the fight via a submission in the first round.[ 29] This win earned him a Performance of the Night award.[ 30]
After negotiating a new contract, Kelleher faced Hunter Azure in a featherweight contest on May 13, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Teixeira .[ 31] He won the fight via knockout in round two.[ 32]
Kelleher faced Cody Stamann on June 6, 2020, at UFC 250 .[ 33] He lost the bout via unanimous decision.[ 34]
Kelleher was scheduled to face Ricky Simón on September 5, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 176 .[ 35] However, Simón's cornerman tested positive for COVID-19 and he was forced to withdraw from the event,[ 36] and he was replaced by promotional newcomer Kevin Natividad.[ 37] In turn, Natividad was pulled from the matchup on the day of the event due to undisclosed reasons, and he was replaced by fellow newcomer Ray Rodriguez, who weighed in as a backup.[ 38] Kelleher won the fight via a guillotine choke in round one.[ 39] This win earned him a Performance of the Night award.[ 40]
The bout against Simón was rescheduled on January 16, 2021, at UFC on ABC 1 .[ 41] However, Kelleher also tested positive on January 1 and was pulled from the bout.[ 42] He was replaced by newcomer Gaetano Pirello and the bout will take place four days later at UFC on ESPN: Chiesa vs. Magny .[ 43]
The bout between Kelleher and Ricky Simón was rebooked for the third time and took place at UFC 258 on February 13, 2021.[ 44] Kelleher lost the fight via unanimous decision.[ 45]
Kelleher faced Domingo Pilarte on August 21, 2021, at UFC on ESPN: Cannonier vs. Gastelum .[ 46] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[ 47]
Kelleher was scheduled to face Saidyokub Kakhramonov on January 15, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 32 .[ 48] However, Kakhramonov withdrew from the bout for undisclosed reason and he was replaced by Kevin Croom .[ 49] He won the fight via unanimous decision after knocking Croom down once in the first round.[ 50]
As the first bout of his new four-fight contract, Kelleher faced Umar Nurmagomedov on March 5, 2022, at UFC 272 .[ 51] He lost the fight via a rear naked choke in round one.[ 52]
Kelleher faced Mario Bautista on June 25, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 38 .[ 53] He lost the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the first round.[ 54]
Kelleher was scheduled to face Journey Newson on April 29, 2023, at UFC on ESPN: Song vs. Simón .[ 55] However, Kelleher pulled out of his bantamweight bout against Journey Newson . He was replaced by Marcus McGhee.[ 56]
Kelleher faced former UFC Bantamweight Champion Cody Garbrandt on December 16, 2023 at UFC 296 .[ 57] He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[ 58]
Kelleher faced Cody Gibson on July 20, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 60 .[ 59] He lost the fight by an arm-triangle choke submission in the first round.[ 60]
On October 9, 2024, it was reported that Kelleher was removed from the UFC roster.[ 61]
Championships and accomplishments
Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
40 matches
24 wins
16 losses
By knockout
8
2
By submission
10
9
By decision
6
5
Res.
Record
Opponent
Method
Event
Date
Round
Time
Location
Notes
Loss
24–16
Cody Gibson
Submission (arm-triangle choke)
UFC on ESPN: Lemos vs. Jandiroba
July 20, 2024
1
3:58
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
Loss
24–15
Cody Garbrandt
KO (punch)
UFC 296
December 16, 2023
1
3:42
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
Loss
24–14
Mario Bautista
Submission (rear-naked choke)
UFC on ESPN: Tsarukyan vs. Gamrot
June 25, 2022
1
2:27
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
Return to Bantamweight.
Loss
24–13
Umar Nurmagomedov
Submission (rear-naked choke)
UFC 272
March 5, 2022
1
3:15
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
Win
24–12
Kevin Croom
Decision (unanimous)
UFC on ESPN: Kattar vs. Chikadze
January 15, 2022
3
5:00
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
Win
23–12
Domingo Pilarte
Decision (unanimous)
UFC on ESPN: Cannonier vs. Gastelum
August 21, 2021
3
5:00
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
Bantamweight bout.
Loss
22–12
Ricky Simón
Decision (unanimous)
UFC 258
February 13, 2021
3
5:00
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
Win
22–11
Ray Rodriguez
Submission (guillotine choke)
UFC Fight Night: Overeem vs. Sakai
September 5, 2020
1
0:39
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
Performance of the Night.
Loss
21–11
Cody Stamann
Decision (unanimous)
UFC 250
June 6, 2020
3
5:00
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
Win
21–10
Hunter Azure
KO (punches)
UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Teixeira
May 13, 2020
2
3:40
Jacksonville, Florida , United States
Return to Featherweight. Fight of the Night.
Win
20–10
Ode' Osbourne
Submission (guillotine choke)
UFC 246
January 18, 2020
1
2:49
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
Performance of the Night.
Loss
19–10
Montel Jackson
Submission (D'Arce choke)
UFC 232
December 29, 2018
1
1:40
Inglewood, California , United States
Catchweight (137 lb) bout; Jackson missed weight.
Loss
19–9
John Lineker
KO (punch)
UFC 224
May 12, 2018
3
3:43
Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
Win
19–8
Renan Barão
Decision (unanimous)
UFC on Fox: Emmett vs. Stephens
February 24, 2018
3
5:00
Orlando, Florida , United States
Win
18–8
Damian Stasiak
TKO (punches)
UFC Fight Night: Cerrone vs. Till
October 21, 2017
3
3:39
Gdańsk , Poland
Fight of the Night.
Loss
17–8
Marlon Vera
Submission (armbar)
UFC on Fox: Weidman vs. Gastelum
July 22, 2017
1
2:18
Uniondale, New York , United States
Win
17–7
Iuri Alcântara
Submission (guillotine choke)
UFC 212
June 3, 2017
1
1:48
Rio de Janeiro , Brazil
Performance of the Night.
Win
16–7
Julio Arce
Submission (guillotine choke)
Ring of Combat 54
March 4, 2016
3
0:18
Atlantic City, New Jersey , United States
Defended the Ring of Combat Bantamweight Championship.
Win
15–7
Josh Robinson
KO (spinning back fist)
Ring of Combat 53
November 20, 2015
3
0:24
Atlantic City, New Jersey , United States
Win
14–7
Julio Arce
Decision (majority)
Ring of Combat 52
September 25, 2015
3
5:00
Atlantic City, New Jersey , United States
Won the Ring of Combat Bantamweight Championship.
Win
13–7
Jay Haas
Submission (guillotine choke)
CCFC 49
June 6, 2015
1
4:49
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania , United States
Catchweight (140 lb) bout.
Win
12–7
Andre Soukhamthath
Decision (unanimous)
CES MMA 28
March 13, 2015
3
5:00
Lincoln, Rhode Island , United States
Return to Bantamweight.
Win
11–7
Mark Cherico
Submission (guillotine choke)
Pinnacle FC 9
November 26, 2014
1
0:37
Canonsburg, Pennsylvania , United States
Catchweight (138 lb) bout.
Loss
10–7
Andy Main
Submission (triangle choke)
CCFC 34
April 19, 2014
1
1:26
Morristown, New Jersey , United States
Win
10–6
Lester Caslow
Submission (rear-naked choke)
CCFC 31
February 8, 2014
2
1:34
Atlantic City, New Jersey , United States
Loss
9–6
Jeff Smith
Submission (armbar)
CCFC 29
November 1, 2013
2
4:39
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania , United States
Catchweight (155 lb) bout.
Loss
9–5
Scott Heckman
Decision (unanimous)
CCFC 27
September 21, 2013
3
5:00
King of Prussia, Pennsylvania , United States
Loss
9–4
Jimmie Rivera
Decision (unanimous)
Bellator 95
April 4, 2013
3
5:00
Atlantic City, New Jersey , United States
Catchweight (140 lb) bout.
Win
9–3
Tyler Kahihikolo
Decision (unanimous)
Coalition of Combat
December 1, 2012
3
5:00
Phoenix, Arizona , United States
Win
8–3
Bill Jones
KO (punch)
WCMMA 1: Portugal vs. USA
September 15, 2012
1
0:10
Ledyard, Connecticut , United States
Won the vacant WCMMA Featherweight Championship.
Win
7–3
Ryan Vaccaro
TKO (flying knee)
Rock Out Knock Out
June 2, 2012
2
0:56
Asbury Park, New Jersey , United States
Win
6–3
Raphael Chavez
TKO (punches)
CCFC 14
April 14, 2012
2
3:41
Atlantic City, New Jersey , United States
Win
5–3
Josh Parker
Submission (rear-naked choke)
NEF: Fight Night 1
February 11, 2012
1
4:31
Lewiston, Maine , United States
Loss
4–3
Artur Rofi
Submission (armbar)
CCFC 12
December 10, 2011
1
4:57
Atlantic City, New Jersey , United States
Return to Featherweight.
Loss
4–2
Claudio Ledesma
Decision (unanimous)
Bellator 54
October 15, 2011
3
5:00
Atlantic City, New Jersey , United States
Catchweight (140 lb) bout.
Win
4–1
Michael LaDuke
TKO (doctor stoppage)
Ring of Combat 37
September 9, 2011
3
3:14
Atlantic City, New Jersey , United States
Win
3–1
Manny Millan
Submission (rear-naked choke)
Xtreme Fight Events: Cage Wars 9
July 29, 2011
1
3:34
Atlantic City, New Jersey , United States
Win
2–1
Siyam Yousefi
Submission (guillotine choke)
CCFC 8
May 20, 2011
1
2:41
Atlantic City, New Jersey , United States
Bantamweight debut.
Win
1–1
Nate Ainsworth
KO (punch)
CZ 37
April 29, 2011
1
0:23
Salem, New Hampshire , United States
Featherweight bout.
Loss
0–1
Dan Cion
Submission (guillotine choke)
Xtreme Fight Events: Cage Wars 5
March 11, 2011
1
4:42
Chester, Pennsylvania , United States
[ 62]
See also
References
^ "Brian Kelleher - Official UFC® Profile" . www.ufc.com . Retrieved August 31, 2018 .
^ @brianboom135 (September 22, 2019). " "(...) I'm honored to be promoted to brown belt (...)" " . Retrieved January 18, 2020 – via Instagram .
^ "Brian Kelleher ("Boom") | MMA Fighter Page" . Tapology . Retrieved October 7, 2024 .
^ a b Mike Gavin (May 23, 2020). "Training and winning during a pandemic: Behind the scenes with UFC's Brian 'Boom' Kelleher" . mmamania.com.
^ Brian Kelleher (April 11, 2020). "The kelleher savages ! Siblings day . BOOM" . instagram.com . Archived from the original on December 25, 2021.
^ "Brian Kelleher - Official UFC Profile" . UFC.com . Archived from the original on October 12, 2017. Retrieved October 30, 2017 .
^ Marcelo Barone and Marcelo Russio (May 11, 2017). "Sertanejo out, Iuri Marajó will face newcomer Brian Kelleher at UFC Rio 8" (in Portuguese). sportv.globo.com. Retrieved May 11, 2017 .
^ Tristen Critchfield (June 3, 2017). "UFC 212 bonuses: Holloway, Aldo, Gadelha, Kelleher capture $50K awards" . sherdog.com. Retrieved June 3, 2017 .
^ Dale Jordan (June 7, 2017). "Marlon Vera vs. Brian Kelleher added to UFC on FOX 25 in Long Island" . mmamad.com. Archived from the original on September 5, 2017. Retrieved June 7, 2017 .
^ "UFC on FOX 25 results: Marlon Vera's defense leads to slick armbar submission of Brian Kelleher" . MMAjunkie . July 22, 2017. Retrieved July 23, 2017 .
^ Staff (September 8, 2017). "Brian Kelleher vs. Damian Stasiak official for UFC Fight Night 118 in Poland" . mmajunkie.com. Retrieved September 8, 2017 .
^ "UFC Fight Night 118 results: Brian Kelleher finally puts away tough Damian Stasiak" . MMAjunkie . October 21, 2017. Retrieved October 21, 2017 .
^ a b "UFC Fight Night 118 bonuses: Darren Till, Jan Blachowicz earn $50K for big finishes" . MMAjunkie . October 21, 2017. Retrieved October 21, 2017 .
^ Jay Reddick (January 9, 2018). "Lake Mary's Mike Perry, others join UFC's Amway Center card" . orlandosentinal.com. Retrieved January 9, 2018 .
^ "UFC on FOX 28 results: Brian Kelleher lights up Renan Barao for decision win" . MMAjunkie . February 25, 2018. Retrieved February 25, 2018 .
^ Guilherme Cruz (March 12, 2018). "John Lineker vs. Brian Kelleher added to UFC 224 in Brazil" . mmafighting.com . Retrieved March 12, 2018 .
^ "UFC 224 results: John Lineker relentless, finishes Brian Kelleher in third" . MMAjunkie . May 13, 2018. Retrieved May 13, 2018 .
^ "Selden's Kelleher gets fight at UFC 230 at MSG" . Newsday . Retrieved August 17, 2018 .
^ Marcel Dorff (October 10, 2018). "Montel Jackson vervangt Domingo Pilarte tijdens UFC 230 tegen Brian Kelleher" . MMA DNA (in Dutch). Retrieved February 12, 2022 .
^ "UFC 230 Heavyweight Title Fight Set After Derrick Lewis Ekes Under the Limit | MMAWeekly.com" . www.mmaweekly.com . November 2, 2018. Retrieved November 2, 2018 .
^ "UFC 230 loses fight after Brian Kelleher withdraws because of illness" . MMAjunkie . November 3, 2018. Retrieved November 3, 2018 .
^ Mike Heck (November 14, 2018). "Brian Kelleher vs. Montel Jackson rebooking slated for UFC 232" . mymmanews.com. Retrieved November 14, 2018 .
^ Staff (December 28, 2018). "UFC 232 weigh-in results: One fighter misses despite three-hour window" . mmajunkie.com. Retrieved December 28, 2018 .
^ "UFC 232 results: Montel Jackson cruises with first-round submission of Brian Kelleher" . MMAjunkie . December 29, 2018. Retrieved December 30, 2018 .
^ Jesse Holland (February 20, 2019). "UFC Ottawa official for May 4 on ESPN+" . mmamania.com. Retrieved February 20, 2019 .
^ Marcel Dorff (April 11, 2019). "BFL Champion Cole Smith tackles short notice fight against Mitch Gagnon during UFC Ottawa" (in Dutch). mmadnanl.com. Retrieved April 11, 2019 .
^ Marcel Dorff (December 4, 2019). "UFC debuut voor Ode Osbourne tegen Brian Kelleher tijdens UFC 246 in Las Vegas" (in Dutch). Retrieved February 12, 2022 .
^ @brianboom135 (February 5, 2020). "Fought out my contract :)" (Tweet ) – via Twitter .
^ Doherty, Dan (January 18, 2020). "UFC 246 Results: Brian Kelleher Forces Foot-Tap from Ode Osbourne" . Cageside Press . Retrieved January 19, 2020 .
^ a b "UFC 246 bonuses: Conor McGregor leads pack of five $50,000 winners" . MMA Junkie . January 19, 2020. Retrieved January 19, 2020 .
^ "Dana White announces full list of UFC matchups for May 13, May 16 events in Florida" . MMA Junkie . May 1, 2020. Retrieved May 2, 2020 .
^ McClory, Mike (May 13, 2020). "UFC Jacksonville Results: Brian Kelleher Weathers the Storm to KO Azure" . Cageside Press . Retrieved May 14, 2020 .
^ Alexander, Mookie (May 26, 2020). "Brian Kelleher vs. Cody Stamann set for UFC 250" . Bloody Elbow . Retrieved May 27, 2020 .
^ Nolan King (June 6, 2020). "UFC 250 results: Cody Stamann earns emotional win after brother's untimely death" . MMA Junkie . Retrieved June 6, 2020 .
^ Marcel Dorff (August 4, 2020). "Ricky Simón treft Brian Kelleher tijdens UFC evenement op 5 september" . MMA DNA (in Dutch). Retrieved February 12, 2022 .
^ "Ricky Simon says he's out of Brian Kelleher fight after cornerman's positive COVID-19 test" . MMA Junkie . August 29, 2020. Retrieved August 29, 2020 .
^ Marcel Dorff (August 31, 2020). "Kevin Natividad maakt UFC debuut tegen Brian Kelleher aankomende zaterdag in Las Vegas" . MMA DNA (in Dutch). Retrieved February 12, 2022 .
^ Mike Heck and Damon Martin (September 5, 2020). "With Kevin Natividad out, Ray Rodriguez in to face Brian Kelleher at UFC Vegas 9" . mmafighting.com. Retrieved September 5, 2020 .
^ Bitter, Shawn (September 5, 2020). "UFC Vegas 9: Brian Kelleher Secures His Seventh Career Guillotine Finish" . Cageside Press . Retrieved September 6, 2020 .
^ a b Haynes, Stephie (September 5, 2020). "UFC Vegas 9 post-fight bonuses: OSP stops Menifield for POTN honors" . Bloody Elbow . Retrieved September 6, 2020 .
^ "UFC rebooks Brian Kelleher vs. Ricky Simon for Jan. 16 event" . MMA Junkie . October 12, 2020. Retrieved October 13, 2020 .
^ Mike Heck and Guilherme Cruz (January 1, 2021). "Positive COVID-19 test scratches Brian Kelleher from UFC Fight Island 7 bout with Ricky Simon" . mmafighting.com. Retrieved January 2, 2021 .
^ Guilherme Cruz, Mike Heck and Steven Marrocco (January 7, 2021). "Ricky Simon now faces newcomer Gaetano Pirello at UFC Fight Island 8" . mmafighting.com. Retrieved January 7, 2021 .
^ Sergio Pineiro (January 28, 2021). "Brian Kelleher and Ricky Simon rebooked for UFC 258 on February 13" . bloodycanvas.net. Archived from the original on January 28, 2021. Retrieved January 28, 2021 .
^ Doherty, Dan (February 13, 2021). "UFC 258 Results: Ricky Simon Dominates Brian Kelleher" . Cageside Press . Retrieved February 14, 2021 .
^ Sergio Pinheiro (May 17, 2021). "Brian Kelleher vs Domingo Pilarte set for UFC event on August 21" . fighterpath.com. Retrieved May 18, 2021 .
^ Behunin, Alex (August 21, 2021). "UFC Vegas 34 Results: Brian Kelleher Wins Decision Against Domingo Pilarte" . Cageside Press . Retrieved August 22, 2021 .
^ Behunin, Alex (October 2, 2021). "Brian Kelleher vs. Saidyokub Kakhramonov Set For January 15 UFC Event" . Cageside Press . Retrieved October 3, 2021 .
^ Anderson, Jay (January 12, 2022). "UFC Vegas 46: Kevin Croom In on Short Notice Against Brian Kelleher" . Cageside Press . Retrieved January 12, 2022 .
^ Anderson, Jay (January 15, 2022). "UFC Vegas 46: Brian Kelleher Shows Well-Rounded Game in Win Over Kevin Croom" . Cageside Press . Retrieved January 15, 2022 .
^ "Brian Kelleher vs. Umar Nurmagomedov added to UFC 272 in March" . MMA Junkie . February 11, 2022. Retrieved February 11, 2022 .
^ Behunin, Alex (March 5, 2022). "UFC 272: Umar Nurmagomedov Snags Quick Submission of Brian Kelleher" . Cageside Press . Retrieved March 6, 2022 .
^ Anderson, Jay (June 5, 2022). "Brian Kelleher vs. Mario Bautista Set for UFC's June 25 Fight Night Card" . Cageside Press . Retrieved June 7, 2022 .
^ Anderson, Jay (June 25, 2022). "UFC Vegas 57: Mario Bautista Locks Up Rear-Naked Choke, Subs Brian Kelleher" . Cageside Press . Retrieved June 26, 2022 .
^ Jay Anderson (February 1, 2023). "UFC: Journey Newson vs. Brian Kelleher booked for April 29" . Cageside Press . Retrieved February 1, 2023 .
^ Newswire (April 26, 2023). "With Brian Kelleher out, Marcus McGhee faces Journey Newson at UFC Vegas 72" . mmafighting.com. Retrieved April 26, 2023 .
^ "Cody Garbrandt, Brian Kelleher return from injury against each other at UFC 296" . MMA Junkie . October 18, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023 .
^ Dewar, Val (December 16, 2023). "UFC 296: Cody Garbrandt On First Win Streak Since 2016 With TKO Over Brian Kelleher" . Cageside Press . Retrieved December 16, 2023 .
^ Leonard, Harvey (May 12, 2024). "UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (5/6-5/12): Kevin Holland Returns To Middleweight For Short-Notice UFC 302 Fight" . MMA News | UFC News, PPV & Fight Night Coverage, Interviews & Analysis . Retrieved May 13, 2024 .
^ Val Dewar (July 20, 2024). "Cody Gibson Dominates, Submits Kelleher With Arm Triangle" . cagesidepress.com. Retrieved July 20, 2024 .
^ Behunin, Alexander (October 9, 2024). "Cut! UFC Parts Ways With Nine Fighters To Make Room For Contender Series Fighters" . MMAmania.com . Retrieved October 10, 2024 .
^ Sherdog.com. "Brian" . Sherdog . Retrieved June 7, 2020 .
External links