American mixed martial arts fighter
Daniel Pineda (born August 6, 1985) is an American former mixed martial artist who competed in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship . A professional competitor since 2007, he has also competed for the Professional Fighters League , Bellator , and EliteXC .
Background
Born in Dallas and raised in Waller, Texas , Pineda wrestled in high school for three years before he began training in mixed martial arts at 21.[ 3]
Mixed martial arts career
Legacy Fighting Championship
Pineda was the Featherweight Champion of Legacy Fighting Championship . None of his fights with Legacy went to decision with notable wins over fighters such as WEC veteran Frank Gomez . Pineda's fights with Legacy Fighting Championships were always exciting and his last fight with Legacy Fighting Championships before he went to the UFC ended in a TKO by spinning backfist at Legacy Fighting Championships 9.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
In early January 2012, it was announced that Pineda had been signed to the UFC.
He made his debut on January 20, 2012, at UFC on FX: Guillard vs. Miller against fellow UFC newcomer Pat Schilling.[ 4] Pineda won the fight via submission in the first round.
Pineda faced Mackens Semerzier on March 3, 2012, at UFC on FX 2 , replacing an injured Robbie Peralta .[ 5] He won the fight via triangle armbar in the first round.
Pineda faced Mike Brown on May 26, 2012, at UFC 146 .[ 6] Pineda lost the bout via unanimous decision.
Pineda faced Antonio Carvalho on July 21, 2012, at UFC 149 , replacing an injured George Roop .[ 7] Pineda lost the fight after he was knocked out for the first time in his professional MMA career.
Pineda returned after a layoff to face Justin Lawrence on April 13, 2013, at The Ultimate Fighter 17 Finale .[ 8] Pineda won the fight via submission in the first round, earning Submission of the Night honors for his performance.[ 9]
Pineda faced Diego Brandão on August 17, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 26 [ 10] He lost the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision.
Pineda faced Robert Whiteford on March 15, 2014, at UFC 171 .[ 11] He lost the fight via unanimous decision, and was subsequently released from the UFC .
Return to Legacy FC
Following his UFC release, Pineda re-signed with Legacy Fighting Championships in July 2014.[ 12]
Pineda faced Leonard Garcia at Legacy FC 37 on November 14, 2014.[ 13] He won the fight via submission in the first round.[ 14]
Pineda next faced Thomas Webb at Legacy FC 39 on February 28, 2015. He won the fight via submission early in the first round.[ 15]
Return to Bellator MMA
After nearly a six-year absence, Pineda returned to the Bellator MMA promotion in 2016. He faced Emmanuel Sanchez on the main card at Bellator 149 on February 19, 2016. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.
Pineda faced Mark Dickman at Bellator 161 on September 16, 2016. He won the fight via submission in the third round.[ 16]
Pineda faced Georgi Karakhanyan at Bellator 182 on August 25, 2017. He lost the fight via doctor stoppage in the second round due to a cut.[ 17]
Professional Fighters League
Pineda joined Professional Fighters League (PFL) in 2019 and fought Movlid Khaybulaev and Jeremy Kennedy at PFL. He won both of the bouts on the same night; however it was ruled no contest after Pineda failed a drug test and was subsequently suspended and fined $12,500 by NAC .[ 18]
Return to the UFC
Pineda re-signed with UFC in June 2020.[ 18]
Pineda faced Herbert Burns on August 15, 2020, at UFC 252 .[ 19] He won the fight via technical knockout in round two.[ 20] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[ 21]
Pineda faced Cub Swanson on December 12, 2020, at UFC 256 .[ 22] He lost the fight via knockout in the second round.[ 23]
Pineda faced Andre Fili on June 26, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 190 .[ 24] Early in round two, Pineda was accidentally poked in the eye and was deemed unable to continue. The fight was declared a no contest.[ 25]
A urine sample Pineda produced on fight night tested positive for amphetamine , a banned substance under the NAC rules. As a result, Pineda was handed a nine-month suspension in September 2021, retroactive to the positive test. He was also fined a total of $2,554.38, accounting for the violation and subsequent legal fees.[ 26]
Pineda was scheduled to face Jamall Emmers on May 14, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 36 .[ 27] However, the bout was scrapped in late April due to unknown reasons.[ 28]
Pineda faced Tucker Lutz on March 25, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 43 .[ 29] He won the fight via a guillotine choke submission in the second round.[ 30] This win earned him the Performance of the Night award.[ 31]
Pineda faced Alex Caceres on June 3, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 46 .[ 32] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[ 33] The win earned Pineda his first Fight of the Night bonus award.[ 34]
Pineda was scheduled to face Khusein Askhabov on October 7, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 229 .[ 35] However on September 11, Askhabov has been arrested after being connected to the kidnap and torture in Thailand and the bout was cancelled.[ 36]
Pineda faced Nathaniel Wood on July 27, 2024, at UFC 304 .[ 37] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[ 38]
Pineda faced Darren Elkins on October 19, 2024, at UFC Fight Night 245 .[ 39] He lost the fight by unanimous decision and retired from mixed martial arts competition after the bout.[ 40] [ 41] This fight earned him another Fight of the Night award.[ 42]
Personal life
Pineda and his wife have a daughter born in 2020.[ 43]
Championships and accomplishments
Mixed martial arts
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Legacy Fighting Championship
Legacy FC Featherweight Championship (One time)
Two successful title defenses
Fury FC
Fury FC Interim Featherweight Championship (One time)
Fury FC Lightweight Championship (One time)
Katana Cagefighting
KC Featherweight Championship (One time)
Mixed martial arts record
Professional record breakdown
48 matches
28 wins
17 losses
By knockout
9
3
By submission
19
6
By decision
0
8
No contests
3
Res.
Record
Opponent
Method
Event
Date
Round
Time
Location
Notes
Loss
28–17 (3)
Darren Elkins
Decision (unanimous)
UFC Fight Night: Hernandez vs. Pereira
October 19, 2024
3
5:00
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
Fight of the Night.
Loss
28–16 (3)
Nathaniel Wood
Decision (unanimous)
UFC 304
July 27, 2024
3
5:00
Manchester , England
Loss
28–15 (3)
Alex Caceres
Decision (unanimous)
UFC on ESPN: Kara-France vs. Albazi
June 3, 2023
3
5:00
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
Fight of the Night.
Win
28–14 (3)
Tucker Lutz
Submission (guillotine choke)
UFC on ESPN: Vera vs. Sandhagen
March 25, 2023
2
2:50
San Antonio, Texas , United States
Performance of the Night.
NC
27–14 (3)
Andre Fili
NC (accidental eye poke)
UFC Fight Night: Gane vs. Volkov
June 26, 2021
2
0:46
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
Accidental eye poke rendered Pineda unable to continue.
Loss
27–14 (2)
Cub Swanson
KO (punches)
UFC 256
December 12, 2020
2
1:52
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
Win
27–13 (2)
Herbert Burns
TKO (elbows)
UFC 252
August 15, 2020
2
4:37
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
Catchweight (149.5 lb) bout; Burns missed weight. Performance of the Night.
NC
26–13 (2)
Jeremy Kennedy
NC (overturned)
PFL 8 (2019)
October 17, 2019
1
4:00
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
2019 PFL Featherweight Tournament Semifinal. Originally a submission (guillotine choke) win for Pineda; overturned after he tested positive for a banned substance.
NC
26–13 (1)
Movlid Khaybulaev
1
0:29
2019 PFL Featherweight Tournament Quarterfinal. Originally a TKO (punches) win for Pineda; overturned after he tested positive for a banned substance.
Win
26–13
Rey Trujillo
TKO (punches)
Fury FC 32
May 24, 2019
1
3:32
Humble, Texas , United States
Return to Featherweight.
Win
25–13
Elias Rodriguez
Submission (guillotine choke)
Fury FC 28
December 15, 2018
1
0:51
Humble, Texas , United States
Won the Fury FC Lightweight Championship.
Win
24–13
Dimitre Ivy
Submission (triangle choke)
Fury FC 25
July 20, 2018
1
1:10
Humble, Texas , United States
Won the interim Fury FC Featherweight Championship.
Win
23–13
Josh Davila
TKO (punches)
LFA 35
March 9, 2018
2
0:58
Houston, Texas , United States
Lightweight bout.
Loss
22–13
Georgi Karakhanyan
TKO (doctor stoppage)
Bellator 182
August 25, 2017
2
4:05
Verona, New York , United States
Win
22–12
Mark Dickman
Submission (rear-naked choke)
Bellator 161
September 16, 2016
3
2:07
Cedar Park, Texas , United States
Return to Featherweight.
Loss
21–12
Emmanuel Sanchez
Decision (split)
Bellator 149
February 19, 2016
3
5:00
Houston, Texas , United States
Catchweight (150 lb) bout.
Win
21–11
Jonny Carson
Submission (kimura)
Legacy FC 41
April 3, 2015
3
1:45
Tulsa, Oklahoma , United States
Win
20–11
Thomas Webb
Submission (triangle choke)
Legacy FC 39
February 27, 2015
1
0:49
Houston, Texas , United States
Catchweight (150 lb) bout.
Win
19–11
Leonard Garcia
Submission (kimura)
Legacy FC 37
November 14, 2014
1
1:54
Houston, Texas , United States
Return to Lightweight.
Loss
18–11
Robert Whiteford
Decision (unanimous)
UFC 171
March 15, 2014
3
5:00
Dallas, Texas , United States
Loss
18–10
Diego Brandão
Decision (unanimous)
UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Sonnen
August 17, 2013
3
5:00
Boston, Massachusetts , United States
Win
18–9
Justin Lawrence
Submission (kimura)
The Ultimate Fighter: Team Jones vs. Team Sonnen Finale
April 13, 2013
1
1:35
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
Submission of the Night.
Loss
17–9
Antonio Carvalho
KO (punches)
UFC 149
July 21, 2012
1
1:11
Calgary, Alberta , Canada
Loss
17–8
Mike Brown
Decision (unanimous)
UFC 146
May 26, 2012
3
5:00
Las Vegas, Nevada , United States
Win
17–7
Mackens Semerzier
Submission (triangle-armbar)
UFC on FX: Alves vs. Kampmann
March 3, 2012
1
2:05
Sydney , Australia
Win
16–7
Pat Schilling
Submission (rear-naked choke)
UFC on FX: Guillard vs. Miller
January 20, 2012
1
1:37
Nashville, Tennessee , United States
Win
15–7
Gilbert Jimenez
TKO (spinning backfist)
Legacy FC 9
December 16, 2011
2
1:37
Houston, Texas , United States
Catchweight (150 lb) bout.
Win
14–7
Frank Gomez
Submission (rear-naked choke)
Legacy FC 7
July 22, 2011
3
2:25
Houston, Texas , United States
Defended the Legacy FC Featherweight Championship.
Win
13–7
Ray Blodgett
KO (punch)
Legacy FC 6
April 9, 2011
1
0:58
Houston, Texas , United States
Defended the Legacy FC Featherweight Championship.
Win
12–7
Levi Forrest
Submission (heel hook)
Legacy FC 5
January 29, 2011
1
2:49
Houston, Texas , United States
Non-title bout.
Win
11–7
Reynaldo Trujillo
Submission (rear-naked choke)
Legacy Promotions
July 31, 2010
1
1:58
Houston, Texas , United States
Won the Legacy FC Featherweight Championship.
Loss
10–7
Chas Skelly
Submission (kneebar)
Bellator 19
May 20, 2010
2
2:16
Grand Prairie, Texas , United States
Win
10–6
James King
TKO (punches)
KOK 8: The Uprising
February 27, 2010
1
4:30
Austin, Texas , United States
Win
9–6
Douglas Frey
Submission (heel hook)
SWC 9: Redemption
November 28, 2009
2
1:55
Frisco, Texas , United States
Loss
8–6
Chas Skelly
Submission
SWC 8: Night of Rumble
September 18, 2009
1
2:12
Frisco, Texas , United States
Loss
8–5
Johnny Bedford
Submission (triangle choke)
SWC 7: Discountenance
June 20, 2009
2
2:58
Frisco, Texas , United States
Loss
8–4
Kyle Miers
Submission (rear-naked choke)
International Xtreme Fight Association
June 6, 2009
1
1:24
Vinton, Louisiana , United States
Loss
8–3
Roberto Vargas
Decision (unanimous)
Bellator 6
May 8, 2009
3
5:00
Robstown, Texas , United States
Win
8–2
Johnny Bedford
Submission (kneebar)
SWC 3: St. Valentine's Day Massacre
February 21, 2009
1
2:00
Frisco, Texas , United States
Win
7–2
Ira Evanson
Submission (armbar)
Katana Cagefighting
December 6, 2008
2
1:22
Robstown, Texas , United States
Won the Katana Cagefighting Featherweight Championship.
Loss
6–2
Scott Bear
Submission (choke)
Legacy FC 2
August 23, 2008
2
N/A
Baton Rouge, Louisiana , United States
Win
6–1
Vince Libardi
TKO (punches)
South Coast Promotions
July 18, 2008
1
1:13
Houston, Texas , United States
Win
5–1
John Alvarez
TKO (punches)
Katana Cagefighting
May 17, 2008
2
2:04
Robstown, Texas , United States
Win
4–1
Warren Stewart
TKO (punches)
Urban Rumble Championships 1
April 4, 2008
1
1:42
Pasadena, Texas , United States
Loss
3–1
Lim Jae-suk
Submission (rear-naked choke)
EliteXC: Renegade
November 10, 2007
1
2:42
Corpus Christi, Texas , United States
Welterweight bout.
Win
3–0
Kierre Gooch
Submission (choke)
Renegades Extreme Fighting
October 20, 2007
2
0:59
Houston, Texas , United States
Win
2–0
Warren Stewart
Submission (rear-naked choke)
Art of War 2
May 11, 2007
1
2:00
Austin, Texas , United States
Win
1–0
Jeremy Mahon
Submission (rear-naked choke)
IFC: Caged Combat
April 13, 2007
1
1:03
Corpus Christi, Texas , United States
Lightweight debut.
See also
References
^ "Daniel Pineda | UFC" . UFC.com . September 14, 2018. Retrieved June 27, 2021 .
^ Sean Zerillo (August 15, 2020). "Herbert Burns vs. Daniel Pineda Odds, Pick & Prediction: 'The Blaze' Has Little Betting Value At UFC 252" . The Action Network.
^ "Daniel Pineda looking to stay undefeated in Houston at Legacy FC 37 – TXMMA – Texas Mixed Martial Arts" . November 13, 2014. Retrieved July 31, 2020 .
^ "UFC on FX 1 adds Easton vs. Papazian, Schilling vs. Pineda" . mmajunkie.com. January 10, 2012. Archived from the original on January 13, 2012. Retrieved January 16, 2012 .
^ "UFC on FX 2: Daniel Pineda replaces Robert Peralta, meets Mackens Semerzier" . mmajunkie.com. February 6, 2012. Archived from the original on February 8, 2012.
^ "Mike Brown vs. Daniel Pineda added to May's UFC 146 event" . mmajunkie.com. March 14, 2012. Archived from the original on March 17, 2012.
^ "George Roop out, Daniel Pineda meets Antonio Carvalho at UFC 149" . mmajunkie.com. June 26, 2012. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012.
^ "Miller-Palaszewski, Pineda-Lawrence set for TUF 17 Finale in April" . mmajunkie.com. February 11, 2013.
^ a b Andrew Saunders (April 14, 2013). "TUF 17 Finale Results: Recapping the Fight Night Bonuses" . bleacherreport.com. Retrieved October 19, 2024 .
^ Staff (June 5, 2013). "Diego Brandao vs. Daniel Pineda added to UFC on FOX Sports 1 1 in Boston" . mmajunkie.com. Retrieved June 5, 2013 .
^ Staff (January 19, 2014). "Daniel Pineda vs. Robert Whiteford added to UFC 171 in Dallas" . mmajunkie.com. Retrieved January 19, 2014 .
^ MMAJunkie.com Staff (July 14, 2014). "After UFC run, former two-division champ Daniel Pineda returns to Legacy FC" . mmajunkie.com. Retrieved July 14, 2014 .
^ "LFC 37 - LEGACY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIP 37" . sherdog.com.
^ "Legacy FC 37 results: Daniel Pineda taps Leonard Garcia, 'Bad Boy' calls it a career" . mmajunkie.com. November 15, 2014.
^ "Legacy FC 39 results: Leonardo Leite claims belt with controversial finish" . mmajunkie.com. February 28, 2015.
^ Mike Bohn (September 16, 2016). "Bellator 161 results: Kongo takes decision over Johnson, Warren submits Kakai" . mmajunkie.com.
^ Matt Erickson (August 25, 2017). "Bellator 182 results: Ex-champ Andrey Koreshkov pounds out Chidi Njokuani in first round" . mmajunkie.com.
^ a b "Daniel Pineda re-signs with UFC, six years after release" . MMA Junkie . June 24, 2020. Retrieved June 24, 2020 .
^ Raphael Marinho (July 31, 2020). "Herbert Burns to face Daniel Pineda at UFC 252 on August 15th" . sportv.globo.com. Retrieved August 3, 2020 . (in Portuguese)
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^ a b Lee, Alexander K. (August 16, 2020). "UFC 252 bonuses: Newcomers Kai Kamaka, Tony Kelley earn Fight of the Night" . MMA Fighting . Retrieved August 16, 2020 .
^ Andrew L. John (November 11, 2020). "Cub Swanson set to return to UFC 256 against Daniel Pineda on Dec. 12" . desertsun.com. Retrieved November 12, 2020 .
^ Doherty, Dan (December 12, 2020). "UFC 256 Results: Cub Swanson Knocks Daniel Pineda Out on Injured Leg" . Cageside Press . Retrieved December 13, 2020 .
^ DNA, MMA (June 11, 2021). "Andre Fili treft Daniel Pineda op 26 juni" . MMA DNA . Retrieved June 12, 2021 .
^ Anderson, Jay (June 26, 2021). "UFC Vegas 30 Results: Andre Fili vs. Daniel Pineda Dazzles Until Eye Poke Results in No Contest" . Cageside Press . Retrieved June 27, 2021 .
^ "Three UFC fighters suspended by NAC for positive drug tests including amphetamine, marijuana, more" . MMA Junkie . September 22, 2021. Retrieved September 23, 2021 .
^ ATSteveDuncan (February 2, 2022). "Jamall Emmers vs. Daniel Pineda agregado a UFC Fight Night del 14 de mayo" . MMA.uno, #1 En noticias de Artes Marciales Mixtas (MMA) en Español. (in Spanish). Retrieved February 2, 2022 .
^ Nolan King and Farah Hannoun (April 29, 2022). "Daniel Pineda vs. Jamall Emmers scrapped from UFC on ESPN 36" . mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved April 29, 2022 .
^ Nolan King (January 4, 2023). "UFC on ESPN 43 adds Tucker Lutz vs. Daniel Pineda to San Antonio lineup" . mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved January 4, 2023 .
^ Jay Anderson (March 25, 2023). "Daniel Pineda submits Tucker Lutz in return at UFC San Antonio" . Cageside Press . Retrieved March 25, 2023 .
^ a b Matt Erickson (March 25, 2023). "UFC on ESPN 43 bonuses: Early Comeback of Year candidate gets $50,000" . mmajunkie.usatoday.com. Retrieved March 25, 2023 .
^ "Jim Miller set for 42nd UFC fight, meets Ludovit Klein in Las Vegas" . MMA Junkie . April 22, 2023. Retrieved April 25, 2023 .
^ Richardson, Andrew (June 3, 2023). "Caceres Decisions Pineda In Wild Barn-Burner Brawl" . MMAmania.com . Retrieved June 4, 2023 .
^ a b UFC Staff Report (June 3, 2023). "Bonus Coverage - UFC Fight Night - Kara-France vs Albazi" . ufc.com. Retrieved June 3, 2023 .
^ "UFC books Daniel Pineda vs. Khusein Askhabov for October" . MMA Junkie . August 16, 2023. Retrieved August 16, 2023 .
^ Leonard, Harvey (September 11, 2023). "UFC Fighter Khusein Askhabov Arrested In Connection To Kidnap & Torture Of A Man In Thailand" . MMA News | UFC News, Results and Interviews . Retrieved September 11, 2023 .
^ Anderson, Jay (April 30, 2024). "Daniel Pineda vs. Nathaniel Wood Added to UFC 304" . Cageside Press . Retrieved May 1, 2024 .
^ Cade Morehouse (July 27, 2024). "Nathaniel Wood Takes Win at UFC 304, Daniel Pineda Drops Another Decision" . cagesidepress.com. Retrieved July 27, 2024 .
^ Anderson, Jay (September 2, 2024). "UFC: Daniel Pineda vs. Darren Elkins Set for October 19" . Cageside Press . Retrieved September 2, 2024 .
^ Bryan Hester (October 19, 2024). "UFC Vegas 99: Darren Elkins Sends Daniel Pineda Into Retirement" . cagesidepress.com. Retrieved October 19, 2024 .
^ Sayan Nag (October 20, 2024). "Daniel Pineda Announces Retirement After Battle Against Darren Elkins" . sherdog.com. Retrieved October 20, 2024 .
^ a b Chris Taylor (October 19, 2024). "UFC Vegas 99 Bonus Report: Darren Elkins and Daniel Pineda earn FOTN honors" . bjpenn.com. Retrieved October 19, 2024 .
^ Daniel Pineda wants to keep busy after UFC 252 win . mmajunkie.com . August 15, 2020.
^ UFC.com (February 24, 2024). "UFC Stats - Featherweight Division" . ufc.com.
^ Thomas Gerbasi (December 22, 2020). "The 10 Best Upsets Of 2020" . Ultimate Fighting Championship .
External links