David Hendrik Jansen (born August 21, 1979) is an American mixed martial artist who formerly competed in Bellator's Lightweight division. A professional competitor since 2007, Jansen has also formerly competed for the WEC and M-1 Global.
Background
Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Jansen competed in high school wrestling. Jansen won a state championship in 1997, and also finished third twice. Jansen received a full scholarship to continue wrestling at the University of Oregon but only spent two years in college, having become "burned out" with wrestling.[1] Jansen later joined Team Quest and transitioned into mixed martial arts.[2]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Jansen held an undefeated amateur record of 6–0 before making his professional debut in September 2007, compiling a professional record of 12–0 with three appearances for the M-1 Global promotion before being signed by the WEC.
World Extreme Cagefighting
Jansen defeated Richard Crunkilton via unanimous decision in his WEC debut at WEC 43 on October 10, 2009.[3]
Jansen suffered his first professional loss against Kamal Shalorus on January 10, 2010, at WEC 46.[4]
Jansen next fought Ricardo Lamas on August 18, 2010, at WEC 50.[5] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
After his consecutive losses in the WEC, Jansen was released from the promotion.
Bellator Fighting Championships
Jansen made his Bellator debut at Bellator 39, defeating Scott McAfee by first-round submission.
Jansen next defeated Ashkan Morvari via rear-naked choke submission in the second round at Bellator 57.
Jansen won his third straight Bellator fight when he defeated Jacob Kirwan via unanimous decision at Bellator 62.
Jansen faced Magomed Saadulaev in the quarterfinal round of the Bellator Lightweight Tournament on October 19, 2012, at Bellator LXXVII.[6] He won the fight via guillotine choke in the third round. He faced Ricardo Tirloni in the semifinals on November 16, 2012, at Bellator 81. Jansen won via split decision to advance to the finals of the Bellator Lightweight Tournament.
The bout with Held was rescheduled for March 7, 2013, at Bellator 92.[8] Jansen won the fight via unanimous decision to earn a Lightweight title shot.
Jansen was scheduled to face champion Michael Chandler for the title at Bellator 96 on June 19, 2013. However, on June 2, it was announced that Jansen had to pull out of the bout due to an injury.[9]
After a long layoff from the Bellator cage, Jansen returned against Rick Hawn on October 24, 2014, at Bellator 130.[10] He won via unanimous decision.
