Bill Cooper (fighter)

Bill Cooper (born May 5, 1987) is an American mixed martial artist and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, who formerly competed in the lightweight division of Strikeforce.

Bill Cooper
Born (1987-05-05) May 5, 1987
Santa Barbara, California, U.S.
Other namesThe Grill
NationalityAmerican
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight155 lb (70 kg; 11.1 st)
DivisionLightweight
StyleBrazilian Jiu Jitsu
Fighting out ofSanta Barbara, California
TeamParagon BJJ Team
Rank  Black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

  Black belt in Tae Kwon Do

  Black belt in Judo
Mixed martial arts record
Total3
Wins2
By knockout0
By submission2
By decision0
Losses1
By knockout0
By decision1
Draws0
Amateur record
Total3
Wins3
By submission3
Losses0
Other information
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Career

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

At the time of his receiving his black belt, Cooper was the youngest American to do so.[1]

Cooper's achievements include a Pan American gold medal at the brown belt level also a silver medal at the World Jiu-Jitsu Championships in the absolute category. Then, in 2008, Cooper placed second in the middleweight division at the black belt level. Also, he has won numerous Grapplers Quest championships.[1][2][3]

On May 12, 2012, Cooper was invited to the World Jiu-Jitsu Expo where he defeated Nino Schembri by referee's decision.[4]

Mixed martial arts

Cooper made his amateur MMA debut in April 2008 and he amassed an undefeated amateur record of 3-0 before turning pro. All of his wins came via submission in the first round.[5]

Cooper made his professional MMA debut February 2011 in the Gladiator Challenge, winning via submission just 0:23 into the first round. In July 2011, Cooper signed a 4-fight deal with the MMA organization Strikeforce.[6][7] He made his debut on the preliminary card of Strikeforce Challengers: Voelker vs. Bowling III, defeating Maka Watson via rear-naked choke submission in the second round.

Cooper faced Matt Ricehouse at Strikeforce Challengers 20 on November 18, 2011.[8] Cooper lost the fight via unanimous decision, giving him the first loss of his career.

Despite a 1-1 record, Cooper was not on the list of fighters scheduled to be brought over to the Ultimate Fighting Championship when Strikeforce merged with the promotion in 2013. Cooper was scheduled to face Scott Catlin at the BAMMA event BadBeat 6 on July 13, 2012. However, days before the event, the bout was scrapped for unknown reasons.[9]

Championships and accomplishments

  • Gladiator Challenge
    • Gladiator Challenge Lightweight Championship (One time)[10]

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
3 matches 2 wins 1 loss
By submission 2 0
By decision 0 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 2–1 Matt Ricehouse Decision (unanimous) Strikeforce Challengers: Britt vs. Sayers November 18, 2011 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 2–0 Maka Watson Submission (rear-naked choke) Strikeforce Challengers: Voelker vs. Bowling III July 22, 2011 2 2:39 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 1–0 Sam Rodriguez Submission (guillotine choke) Gladiator Challenge - Legends Collide 2 February 20, 2011 1 0:23 San Jacinto, California, United States Won the Gladiator Challenge Lightweight Championship; Vacated to sign with Strikeforce

Amateur mixed martial arts record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 3–0 Kenny Marzola Submission Tuff-N-Uff: Spring Slam Down March 27, 2009 1 1:58 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 2–0 Tom Phelps Submission (rear-naked choke) Tuff-N-Uff 2/15/09 February 15, 2009 1 1:48 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 1–0 Ricardo Patino Submission (rear-naked choke) Tuff-N-Uff: Future Stars of MMA April 12, 2008 1 1:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

References

  1. "Bill "The Grill" Cooper (Paragon)". BJJ Heroes. December 25, 2010. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  2. "DJ Jackson Submits Bill Cooper - Grapplers Quest". Grapplers Planet. June 18, 2011. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  3. "Bill Cooper "The Grill"". MixedMartialArts.com. Retrieved July 12, 2011.
  4. Tucker, Bryan (May 12, 2012). "World Jiu-Jitsu Expo Results: Diaz vs. Estima". SB Nation. Retrieved February 21, 2013.
  5. "Bill "The Grill" Cooper". mixedmartialarts.com. Retrieved July 25, 2011.
  6. Brian Cimins (July 15, 2011). "Bill Cooper, 24-Time Grapplers Quest Champion signs to Strikeforce for 4-Fights - Debut is July 22nd in Las Vegas". Grapplers Quest. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
  7. "Bill Cooper". Strikeforce. Retrieved July 20, 2011.
  8. "Strikeforce Challengers 20 adds Cooper vs. Ricehouse, Britt vs. Sayers". mmajunkie.com. 2011-09-22.
  9. "BAMMA Badbeat 6 Results". tapology.com. 2012-07-13.
  10. "Gladiator Challenge: Legends Collide 2 Official Results". mixedmartialarts.com. 2011-02-20.
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