Rony Mariano Bezerra (born March 21, 1984), better known as Rony Jason, is a Brazilian professional mixed martial artist who competed in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional MMA competitor since 2006, Bezerra was also the Featherweight winner of Globo's The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil. His nickname is based on Friday the 13th film character Jason Voorhees; he wears the Voorhees mask on his walk to the Octagon.

Rony Jason
BornRony Mariano Bezerra
(1984-03-21) March 21, 1984 (age 40)
Quixadá, Ceará, Brazil
NationalityBrazilian
Height5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)[1]
Weight145 lb (66 kg; 10.4 st)
DivisionFeatherweight
Reach73.0 in (185 cm)[1]
Fighting out ofQuixadá, Ceará, Brazil
TeamTeam Nogueira (2010–2014)[2]
Pitbull Brothers (2014–present)[3]
Fortaleza EC
Teacher(s)Bruno Gouvea, João Paulo Marques, Bruno Machado
RankBlack belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[4]
Black belt in Kickboxing[4]
Orange belt in Judo[4]
Years active2006-present
Mixed martial arts record
Total29
Wins18
By knockout8
By submission9
By decision1
Losses10
By knockout2
By submission1
By decision7
No contests1
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Background edit

Born and raised in Brazil, Bezerra began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu at the age of 16, and was talented, winning various titles. Bezerra has also trained in kickboxing and judo. Bezerra attended law school before dropping out to further pursue a career in professional mixed martial arts.[5]

Mixed martial arts career edit

Early career edit

Bezerra made his professional MMA debut in 2006, where he fought Alessandro Cabeca in his professional debut, winning via second-round TKO.[6]

At only 2–0, Bezerra took a fight against another up-and-comer, and future UFC Interim Bantamweight Champion, Renan Barão. The fight was very closely contested and ended in a split decision loss for Bezerra.[6] He won his next fight via submission before suffering his second loss to Joao Paulo Rodrigues de Souza. Bezerra bounced back from the loss with first round submission wins over future UFC fighter, Felipe Arantes and tough journeyman, Felipe Alves.[6]

On December 5, 2009, at the Platinum Fight Brazil 2 fight card, Bezerra fought future Bellator contender, Genair da Silva. He lost the fight via doctor stoppage after the end of round two.[6] After the loss, Bezerra went on a five fight winning streak, where he claimed multiple titles for several promotions, and was named BloodyElbow.com's 2012 #1 Bantamweight prospect, despite never fighting in the division.[7]

The Ultimate Fighter edit

In March 2012, it was revealed that Bezerra was selected to be a participant on The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil.[8] Bezerra defeated Dileno Lopes via technical knockout in the first round to move into the Ultimate Fighter house, and become an official cast member.[9]

Bezerra was selected as the first overall pick by Wanderlei Silva, to be a part of Team Wanderlei.[10] In the last quarterfinal fight, Bezerra was selected to fight his close friend and training partner Anistavio Medeiros. Bezerra won the fight via technical submission after applying an armbar to Meideiros, nearly breaking his arm which forced the referee to intervene and stop the fight.[11]

In the semi-final round, Bezerra was matched-up against Hugo Viana from Team Vitor. After three rounds, Bezerra was declared the winner via unanimous decision. The win moved him into the finals set to take place at UFC 147.[12]

Ultimate Fighting Championship edit

Bezerra officially made his UFC debut at UFC 147 on June 23, 2012, against Godofredo Pepey to determine the Featherweight winner of The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil. He won the fight via unanimous decision.[13]

Bezerra fought Sam Sicilia on October 13, 2012, at UFC 153.[14] After a hard back-and-forth slug fest, Bezerra dropped Sicilia with a big right and finished with hammerfists to earn the second-round TKO stoppage.[15] He won Knockout of the Night honors with his performance.[16]

Bezerra next faced The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes fighter Mike Wilkinson on June 8, 2013, at UFC on Fuel TV 10.[17] He won the fight via submission in the first round.[18]

Bezerra was expected to face Jeremy Stephens on October 9, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 29.[19] However, Bezerra pulled out of the bout citing an injury (lumbar hernia).[20] The bout eventually took place on November 9, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 32.[21] Bezerra lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[22]

Bezerra faced Steven Siler on March 23, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 38.[23] He won the fight via a controversial TKO stoppage in the first round. Siler was initially dropped by two punches from Bezerra. Siler, having his back on the mat, immediately threw an up-kick as soon as Bezerra proceeded to walk toward him. At the very same time the referee stepped in to stop the fight as a conscious Siler was attempting to defend himself.[24]

Bezerra faced Robbie Peralta on May 31, 2014, at The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 Finale.[25] He lost the back-and-forth fight via split decision.[26]

Bezerra was expected to face Tom Niinimäki on December 20, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 58.[27] However, Bezerra pulled out of the bout on December 10 and was replaced by promotional newcomer Renato Moicano.[28]

Bezerra faced Damon Jackson on May 30, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 67.[29] He won the fight via triangle choke submission in the first round.[30] The victory also produced a Performance of the Night bonus.[31] On June 18, 2015, it was announced that Bezerra tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide, which is a banned diuretic, therefore his submission victory was overturned and he received a nine-month suspension.[32] The UFC rescinded Jason's $50,000 "Performance of the Night" award.[33]

Bezerra faced Dennis Bermudez on August 6, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 92.[34] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[35]

Bezerra faced Jeremy Kennedy on March 11, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 106.[36] He lost the bout by unanimous decision.[37]

On October 10, 2017, Bezerra was released from UFC roster.[38]

Post-UFC career edit

After being released from the UFC, Bezerra signed with Lux Fight League. He made his promotional debut against Diego Lopes at Lux 004 on March 15, 2019, losing the fight via unanimous decision.[39]

Bezerra made his sophomore appearance in the promotion against Edgar Díaz Guzman at Lux 005 on July 19, 2019. He won the fight via first-round knockout.[40]

Next Bezerra faced Alexander Grozin at RCC Intro 6 on November 16, 2019.[41] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Bezerra then faced Daniel Bažant for the vacant FNC Featherweight Championship at FNC 5 on March 26, 2022.[42] He lost the bout via unanimous decision.

He then faced Filip Pejić at FNC 11 on May 28, 2023.[43] He won the bout via first-round knockout.[44]

Jason faced Tariel Abbasov on December 16, 2023 at FNC 14, winning the bout via arm-triangle choke in the third round after losing the first two.[45]

Controversies edit

On November 9, 2013, after losing to Jeremy Stephens at UFC Fight Night 32: Belfort vs. Henderson, Bezerra punched a hole in a wall at the backstage where he required a dozen stitches and was suspended 30 days from Brazilian MMA Athletic Commission (CABMMA).[46]

In October 2017, two videos were released where Bezerra was seen yelling and striking his sister who was lying on the pavement with multiple bystanders attempting to restrain him.[47][38][48][49]

Championships and awards edit

Mixed martial arts edit

Mixed martial arts record edit

Professional record breakdown
29 matches 18 wins 10 losses
By knockout 8 2
By submission 9 1
By decision 1 7
No contests 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 18–10 (1) Tariel Abbasov Submission (arm-triangle choke) FNC 14 December 16, 2023 3 1:39 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Win 17–10 (1) Savio Chaves TKO (punches) Piaui Pro Fighter 04 July 2, 2023 3 3:45 Teresina, Brazil
Win 16–10 (1) Filip Pejić KO (punches) FNC 11 May 28, 2023 1 3:34 Zagreb, Croatia Catchweight (151 lb) bout.
Loss 15–10 (1) Daniel Bažant Decision (unanimous) FNC 5 March 26, 2022 5 5:00 Zabok, Croatia For the vacant FNC Featherweight Championship.
Loss 15–9 (1) Alexander Grozin Decision (unanimous) RCC Intro 6 November 16, 2019 3 5:00 Yekaterinburg, Russia
Win 15–8 (1) Edgar Díaz Guzman TKO (punches) Lux Fight League 5 July 19, 2019 1 2:05 Mexico City, Mexico
Loss 14–8 (1) Diego Lopes Decision (unanimous) Lux Fight League 4 March 15, 2019 3 5:00 Mexico City, Mexico
Loss 14–7 (1) Jeremy Kennedy Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Gastelum March 11, 2017 3 5:00 Fortaleza, Brazil
Loss 14–6 (1) Dennis Bermudez Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Rodríguez vs. Caceres August 6, 2016 3 5:00 Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
NC 14–5 (1) Damon Jackson NC (overturned) UFC Fight Night: Condit vs. Alves May 30, 2015 1 3:31 Goiânia, Brazil Originally a submission (triangle choke) win for Jason; overturned after he tested positive for hydrochlorothiazide. Performance of the Night forfeited.
Loss 14–5 Robbie Peralta Decision (split) The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 3 Finale: Miocic vs. Maldonado May 31, 2014 3 5:00 São Paulo, Brazil
Win 14–4 Steven Siler TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Henderson 2 March 23, 2014 1 1:17 Natal, Brazil
Loss 13–4 Jeremy Stephens KO (head kick) UFC Fight Night: Belfort vs. Henderson 2 November 9, 2013 1 0:40 Goiânia, Brazil
Win 13–3 Mike Wilkinson Technical Submission (triangle choke) UFC on Fuel TV: Nogueira vs. Werdum June 8, 2013 1 1:24 Fortaleza, Brazil
Win 12–3 Sam Sicilia TKO (punches) UFC 153 October 13, 2012 2 4:16 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Knockout of the Night.
Win 11–3 Godofredo Pepey Decision (unanimous) UFC 147 June 23, 2012 3 5:00 Belo Horizonte, Brazil Won The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil Featherweight tournament.
Win 10–3 Reginaldo Vieira Submission (armbar) Max Fight 10 November 10, 2011 1 1:25 São Paulo, Brazil Won the Max Fight Featherweight Championship.
Win 9–3 Anderson de Deus Submission (arm-triangle choke) High Fight Rock 1 September 17, 2011 1 3:12 Goiânia, Brazil
Win 8–3 Marlon Medeiros Submission (triangle choke) Max Fight 9 July 16, 2011 1 3:14 Campinas, Brazil
Win 7–3 Diego Ribeiro TKO (punches) Face to Face 4 April 23, 2011 1 0:43 Recreio dos Bandeirantes, Brazil
Win 6–3 Jurandir Sardinha Submission (triangle choke) Win Fight & Entertainment 8 December 15, 2010 1 1:15 Salvador, Brazil
Loss 5–3 Genair da Silva TKO (doctor stoppage) Platinum Fight Brazil 2 December 5, 2009 2 5:00 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Win 5–2 Felipe Alves Submission (rear-naked choke) Hawk Fight Championship October 10, 2009 1 0:38 Rio Negrinho, Brazil
Win 4–2 Felipe Arantes Submission (triangle choke) Samurai Fight Combat September 12, 2009 1 4:53 Curitiba, Brazil
Loss 3–2 João Paulo Rodrigues Submission (stomp) Platinum Fight Brazil 1 August 13, 2009 2 2:30 Natal, Brazil
Win 3–1 Renan Falcon Submission (armbar) Leal Combat MMA September 4, 2007 1 N/A Mossoró, Brazil
Loss 2–1 Renan Barão Decision (split) Cage Fight Nordeste November 9, 2006 3 5:00 Natal, Brazil
Win 2–0 Fernando Gardner KO (stomp) Hikari Fight November 8, 2006 1 N/A Natal, Brazil
Win 1–0 Alessandro Cabeca TKO (punches) Nordeste Mega Fight Vale Tudo 2 May 4, 2006 2 4:15 Mossoró, Brazil

Mixed martial arts exhibition record edit

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 3–0 Hugo Viana Decision (unanimous) The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil June 17, 2012 (airdate) 3 5:00 São Paulo, Brazil The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil Semifinal round.
Win 2–0 Anistavio Medeiros Submission (armbar) The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil May 6, 2012 (airdate) 1 N/A São Paulo, Brazil The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil Quarterfinal round.
Win 1–0 Dileno Lopes TKO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil March 25, 2012 (airdate) 1 0:00 São Paulo, Brazil The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil Elimination round.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Condit vs. Alves". UFC.com. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  2. ^ Rodrigo Cruz (March 16, 2014). "Lutadores da Pitbull Brothers falam de seus compromissos internacionais entre março e abril" (in Portuguese).
  3. ^ Dann Stupp (April 26, 2014). "Rony Jason willing to drop to 135, eyes rematch with Renan Barao". MMAjunkie.com.
  4. ^ a b c "Rony Jason - Official UFC Fighter Profile". UFC.com. Retrieved May 31, 2015.
  5. ^ "Rony Jason | UFC". 14 September 2018.
  6. ^ a b c d "Rony Jason Sherdog FightFinder". Sherdog.com. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  7. ^ "2012 World MMA Bantamweight Scouting Report: #1 - Rony 'Jason' Mariano". Bloodyelbow.com. December 23, 2011. Retrieved May 7, 2012.
  8. ^ Riley Kontek (March 12, 2012). "The Ultimate Fighter Brazil: Cast of 32 Revealed". Bleacher Report.
  9. ^ "Episode No. 1 recap: 'The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil'". MMAjunkie.com. March 26, 2012.
  10. ^ "Episode No. 2 recap: 'The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil'". MMAjunkie.com. April 2, 2012.
  11. ^ "Episode No. 7 recap: 'The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil'". MMAjunkie.com. May 7, 2012.
  12. ^ "Episode No. 12 recap: 'The Ultimate Fighter: Brazil'". MMAjunkie.com. June 11, 2012.
  13. ^ Tim Burke (2012-06-23). "UFC 147 Results: Rony Jason takes TUF Brazil title over Godofredo Pepey in dreadful fight". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved 2012-06-23.
  14. ^ "Rony 'Jason' Mariano Bezerra meets Sam Sicilia at UFC 153". mmajunkie.com. July 25, 2012.
  15. ^ Mike Chiapetta (2012-10-13). "UFC 153 results: Rony Jason knocks out Sam Sicilia". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2012-10-13.
  16. ^ a b "UFC 153 bonuses: Nogueira, Jason, Fitch, Erick Silva get $70,000 awards". MMAjunkie.com. 2012-10-14. Archived from the original on 2012-10-16. Retrieved 2023-06-23.
  17. ^ Mike Bohn (March 16, 2013). "Report: Rony Jason vs. Mike Wilkinson added to UFC on FUEL TV 10 in Brazil". mmamania.com.
  18. ^ Guilherme Cruz (2013-06-09). "UFC on FUEL TV 10 results: Rony Jason submits Mike Wilkinson quickly into first". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-06-09.
  19. ^ Staff (2013-08-08). "Jeremy Stephens vs. Rony Jason Agreed to for Unannounced UFC Fight Night in Brazil". mmaweekly.com. Retrieved 2013-08-08.
  20. ^ Staff (2013-09-15). "Rony Jason pulled from UFC Fight Night 29 card against Jeremy Stephens". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-09-15.
  21. ^ Staff (2013-09-25). "Rony Jason vs. Jeremy Stephens rescheduled for UFC Fight Night 32 in November". MMAjunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-09-25.
  22. ^ Ben Fowlkes (2013-11-09). "UFC Fight Night 32 results: Jeremy Stephens demolishes Rony Jason". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2013-11-09.
  23. ^ Guilherme Cruz (2014-01-21). "Rony Jason vs. Steven Siler added to UFC Fight Night card in Brazil". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2014-01-21.
  24. ^ Ben Fowlkes (2014-03-23). "Rony Jason gets quick stoppage of protesting Steven Siler". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-03-23.
  25. ^ Guilherme Cruz (2014-04-07). "Rony Jason gets quick turnaround, fights Robbie Peralta at TUF: Brazil 3 Finale". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2014-04-07.
  26. ^ Matt Erickson (2014-05-31). "TUF Brazil 3 Finale results, photos: Robert Peralta takes split from Rony Jason". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-05-31.
  27. ^ Guilherme Cruz (2014-11-04). "UFC Fight Night 58 card complete with addition of Rony Jason vs. Tom Niinimaki". mmafighting.com.
  28. ^ Staff (2014-12-10). "Rony Jason out, Tom Niinimaki meets Renato Carneiro at UFC Fight Night 58". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2014-12-10.
  29. ^ Guilherme Cruz (2015-04-20). "UFC Fight Night 67 card complete with Rony Jason vs. Damon Jackson". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2015-04-20.
  30. ^ Jacob Cooper (2015-05-30). "UFC Fight Night 67 results: Rony Jason submits Damon Jackson". cagepages.com. Retrieved 2015-05-30.
  31. ^ a b Jason Henderson (2015-05-31). "UFC Fight Night 67 Bonus Awards". fightofthenight.com. Retrieved 2015-05-31.
  32. ^ Guilherme Cruz (2015-06-18). "Rony Jason tests positive for diuretics, has UFC Fight Night 67 win overturned". mmafighting.com. Retrieved 2015-06-18.
  33. ^ Mike Bohn (2015-06-18). "After failed drug test, UFC won't reissue Rony Jason's 'Performance of the Night' bonus". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-06-18.
  34. ^ Staff (2016-06-23). "Dennis Bermudez vs. Rony Jason slated for UFC Fight Night 92 in Utah". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-06-23.
  35. ^ Ben Fowlkes (2016-08-07). "UFC Fight Night 92 results: Dennis Bermudez cuts up, outwrestles and routs Rony Jason". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2016-08-07.
  36. ^ Tristen Critchfield (2017-01-24). "UFC Fight Night 106 update: Rony 'Jason' to face Jeremy Kennedy in Brazil". sherdog.com. Retrieved 2017-01-24.
  37. ^ Steven Marrocco (2017-03-11). "UFC Fight Night 106 results: Big third vaults Jeremy Kennedy past Rony Jason in hostile territory". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2017-03-11.
  38. ^ a b "Brazilian police to investigate UFC veteran Rony Jason for alleged assault on sister". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2017-10-11.
  39. ^ "Brasileiro radicado no México vence o ex-UFC Rony Jason no Lux Fight League 4; saiba mais". tatame.com.br (in Portuguese). March 16, 2019.
  40. ^ "Lux 005: el octágono más exclusivo llegó para quedarse en FnMx". frontonmexico.com.mx (in Spanish). July 22, 2019.
  41. ^ Bryan Henderson (November 13, 2019). "Out of Obscurity: Brave CF 29, RCC Intro 6 and CFFC 79". combatpress.com.
  42. ^ "Puljanin Daniel Bažant u Zaboku će se boriti protiv Brazilca Rony Jasona". regionalexpress.hr (in Croatian). March 4, 2022.
  43. ^ Matthew Wells (May 23, 2023). "UFC veterans in MMA and boxing action May 26-28". MMAjunkie.com.
  44. ^ "Fight Site - KOMENTAR: FNC 11 daleko je najbolji event koji je promocija organizirala do ovoga trenutka, etablirali su se najboljima u regiji". fightsite.hr (in Croatian). 2023-05-30. Retrieved 2023-08-06.
  45. ^ "Fight Site - Rony Jason izvukao se iz ponora! Nakon što je gubio dvije runde, sjajno je okrenuo meč i slavio par minuta prije kraja". fightsite.hr (in Croatian). 2023-12-16. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
  46. ^ "Rony Jason Suspended For Unsportsmanlike Conduct". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2017-10-11.
  47. ^ Harris, Scott. "UFC Fighter Rony Jason Suspected of Assaulting Sister". Bleacher Report. Retrieved 2017-10-11.
  48. ^ Tudo Sobre MMA (2017-10-08), Rony Jason agride mulher em festa, retrieved 2017-10-11
  49. ^ "Second video of UFC vet Rony Jason's alleged assault on a woman surfaces". Bloody Elbow. Retrieved 2017-10-11.

External links edit