Brian Kelleher Explained

Brian Kelleher
Nickname:Boom
Birth Date:19 August 1986
Birth Place:Selden, New York, U.S.
Weight:135lb
Weight Class:Bantamweight
Featherweight
Reach:66 in[1]
Stance:Orthodox
Fighting Out Of:Selden, New York, United States
Team:Long Island MMA
10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Long Island
Rank:Brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Steve Kasten[2]
Years Active:2011–present
Mma Kowin:8
Mma Subwin:10
Mma Decwin:6
Mma Koloss:2
Mma Subloss:9
Mma Decloss:5
Sherdog:53666

Brian Kelleher (born August 19, 1986) is an American professional mixed martial artist. Kelleher currently competes in the Bantamweight division for 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.[3] Kelleher has an older brother Keith and a younger brother Mak who is also a professional mixed martial artist.[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.[5]

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.[6] He won the fight via submission due to a guillotine choke in the first round and was awarded a Performance of the Night bonus.[7]

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.[8] [9]

Kelleher faced Damian Stasiak on October 21, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 118.[10] He won the fight via technical knockout in the third round.[11] This win earned him the Fight of the Night award.[12]

Kelleher faced Renan Barão on February 24, 2018, at UFC on Fox 28.[13] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[14]

Kelleher faced John Lineker on May 12, 2018, at UFC 224.[15] He lost the fight via knockout in the third round.[16]

Kelleher was originally scheduled to face Domingo Pilarte on November 3, 2018, at UFC 230.[17] Pilarte was forced to withdraw from the bout, citing an injury, and Kelleher is now slated to face Montel Jackson.[18] 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.[19] On November 3, it was reported that Kelleher withdrew from the bout due to illness and thus the fight was cancelled.[20] The pairing was left intact and rescheduled for December 29, 2018, at UFC 232.[21] 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.[22] Kelleher lost the fight via submission in the first round.[23]

Kelleher was scheduled to face Mitch Gagnon on May 4, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 150.[24] However, Kelleher pulled out of the fight on April 10, citing an injury, and he was replaced by promotional newcomer Cole Smith.[25]

As the last fight of his prevailing contract, Kelleher faced Ode' Osbourne at UFC 246 on January 18, 2020.[26] [27] He won the fight via a submission in the first round.[28] This win earned him a Performance of the Night award.[29]

After negotiating a new contract, Kelleher faced Hunter Azure in a featherweight contest on May 13, 2020, at .[30] He won the fight via knockout in round two.[31]

Kelleher faced Cody Stamann on June 6, 2020, at UFC 250.[32] He lost the bout via unanimous decision.[33]

Kelleher was scheduled to face Ricky Simón on September 5, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 176.[34] However, Simón's cornerman tested positive for COVID-19 and he was forced to withdraw from the event,[35] and he was replaced by promotional newcomer Kevin Natividad.[36] 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.[37] Kelleher won the fight via a guillotine choke in round one.[38] This win earned him a Performance of the Night award.[39]

The bout against Simón was rescheduled on January 16, 2021, at UFC on ABC 1.[40] However, Kelleher also tested positive on January 1 and was pulled from the bout.[41] He was replaced by newcomer Gaetano Pirello and the bout will take place four days later at .[42]

The bout between Kelleher and Ricky Simón was rebooked for the third time and took place at UFC 258 on February 13, 2021.[43] Kelleher lost the fight via unanimous decision.[44]

Kelleher faced Domingo Pilarte on August 21, 2021, at .[45] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[46]

Kelleher was scheduled to face Saidyokub Kakhramonov on January 15, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 32.[47] However, Kakhramonov withdrew from the bout for undisclosed reason and he was replaced by Kevin Croom.[48] He won the fight via unanimous decision after knocking Croom down once in the first round.[49]

As the first bout of his new four-fight contract, Kelleher faced Umar Nurmagomedov on March 5, 2022, at UFC 272.[50] He lost the fight via a rear naked choke in round one.[51]

Kelleher faced Mario Bautista on June 25, 2022, at UFC on ESPN 38.[52] He lost the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the first round.[53]

Kelleher was scheduled to face Journey Newson on April 29, 2023, at .[54] However, Kelleher pulled out of his bantamweight bout against Journey Newson. He was replaced by Marcus McGhee.[55]

Kelleher faced former UFC Bantamweight Champion Cody Garbrandt on December 16, 2023 at UFC 296.[56] He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.[57]

Kelleher faced Cody Gibson on July 20, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 60.[58] He lost the fight by an arm-triangle choke submission in the first round.[59]

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record

|-|Loss|align=center|24–16|Cody Gibson|Submission (arm-triangle choke)| | |align=center|1|align=center|3:58|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Loss|align=center|24–15|Cody Garbrandt|KO (punch)|UFC 296||align=center|1|align=center|3:42|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Loss|align=center|24–14|Mario Bautista|Submission (rear-naked choke)|||align=center|1|align=center|2:27|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Loss|align=center|24–13|Umar Nurmagomedov|Submission (rear-naked choke)|UFC 272||align=center|1|align=center|3:15|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Win|align=center|24–12|Kevin Croom|Decision (unanimous)|||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Win|align=center|23–12|Domingo Pilarte|Decision (unanimous)|||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Loss|align=center|22–12|Ricky Simón|Decision (unanimous)|UFC 258||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Win|align=center|22–11|Ray Rodriguez|Submission (guillotine choke)|||align=center|1|align=center|0:39|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States| |-|Loss|align=center|21–11|Cody Stamann|Decision (unanimous)|UFC 250||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States||-|Win|align=center|21–10|Hunter Azure|KO (punches)|||align=center|2|align=center|3:40|Jacksonville, Florida, United States||-|Win|align=center|20–10|Ode' Osbourne|Submission (guillotine choke)|UFC 246 ||align=center|1|align=center|2:49|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States| |-|Loss|align=center|19–10|Montel Jackson|Submission (D'Arce choke)|UFC 232 ||align=center|1|align=center|1:40|Inglewood, California, United States||-|Loss|align=center|19–9|John Lineker|KO (punch)|UFC 224||align=center|3|align=center|3:43|Rio de Janeiro, Brazil||-|Win|align=center|19–8|Renan Barão|Decision (unanimous)|||align=center|3|align=center|5:00|Orlando, Florida, United States||-|Win|align=center|18–8|Damian Stasiak|TKO (punches)|||align=center|3|align=center|3:39|Gdańsk, Poland||-|Loss|align=center|17–8|Marlon Vera|Submission (armbar)|||align=center|1|align=center|2:18|Uniondale, New York, United States||-|Win|align=center|17–7|Iuri Alcântara|Submission (guillotine choke)|UFC 212||align=center|1|align=center|1:48|Rio de Janeiro, Brazil||-|Win|align=center|16–7|Julio Arce|Submission (guillotine choke)|Ring of Combat 54||align=center|3|align=center|0:18|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States||-| Win| align=center| 15–7| Josh Robinson| KO (spinning back fist)| Ring of Combat 53| | align=center| 3| align=center| 0:24| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States||-| Win| align=center| 14–7| Julio Arce| Decision (majority)| Ring of Combat 52| | align=center| 3| align=center| 5:00| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States||-| Win| align=center| 13–7| Jay Haas| Submission (guillotine choke)| CCFC 49| | align=center| 1| align=center| 4:49| Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States||-| Win| align=center| 12–7| Andre Soukhamthath| Decision (unanimous)| CES MMA 28| | align=center| 3| align=center| 5:00| Lincoln, Rhode Island, United States||-| Win| align=center| 11–7| Mark Cherico| Submission (guillotine choke)| Pinnacle FC 9| | align=center| 1| align=center| 0:37| Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, United States||-| Loss| align=center| 10–7| Andy Main| Submission (triangle choke)| CCFC 34| | align=center| 1| align=center| 1:26| Morristown, New Jersey, United States||-| Win| align=center| 10–6| Lester Caslow| Submission (rear-naked choke)| CCFC 31| | align=center| 2| align=center| 1:34| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States||-| Loss| align=center| 9–6| Jeff Smith| Submission (armbar)| CCFC 29| | align=center| 2| align=center| 4:39| King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, United States||-| Loss| align=center| 9–5| Scott Heckman| Decision (unanimous)| CCFC 27| | align=center| 3| align=center| 5:00| King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, United States||-| Loss| align=center| 9–4| Jimmie Rivera| Decision (unanimous)| Bellator 95| | align=center| 3| align=center| 5:00| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States||-| Win| align=center| 9–3| Tyler Kahihikolo| Decision (unanimous)| Coalition of Combat| | align=center| 3| align=center| 5:00| Phoenix, Arizona, United States||-| Win| align=center| 8–3| Bill Jones| KO (punch)| WCMMA 1: Portugal vs. USA| | align=center| 1| align=center| 0:10| Ledyard, Connecticut, United States||-| Win| align=center| 7–3| Ryan Vaccaro| TKO (flying knee)| Rock Out Knock Out| | align=center| 2| align=center| 0:56| Asbury Park, New Jersey, United States||-| Win| align=center| 6–3| Raphael Chavez| TKO (punches)| CCFC 14| | align=center| 2| align=center| 3:41| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States||-| Win| align=center| 5–3| Josh Parker| Submission (rear-naked choke)| NEF: Fight Night 1| | align=center| 1| align=center| 4:31| Lewiston, Maine, United States||-| Loss| align=center| 4–3| Artur Rofi| Submission (armbar)| CCFC 12| | align=center| 1| align=center| 4:57| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States||-| Loss| align=center| 4–2| Claudio Ledesma| Decision (unanimous)| Bellator 54| | align=center| 3| align=center| 5:00| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States||-| Win| align=center| 4–1| Michael LaDuke| TKO (doctor stoppage)| Ring of Combat 37| | align=center| 3| align=center| 3:14| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States||-| Win| align=center| 3–1| Manny Millan| Submission (rear-naked choke)| Xtreme Fight Events: Cage Wars 9| | align=center| 1| align=center| 3:34| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States||-| Win| align=center| 2–1| Siyam Yousefi| Submission (guillotine choke)| CCFC 8| | align=center| 1| align=center| 2:41| Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States||-| Win| align=center| 1–1| Nate Ainsworth| KO (punch)| CZ 37| | align=center| 1| align=center| 0:23| Salem, New Hampshire, United States||-| Loss| align=center| 0–1| Dan Cion| Submission (guillotine choke)| Xtreme Fight Events: Cage Wars 5| | align=center| 1| align=center| 4:42| Chester, Pennsylvania, United States|[60]

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Brian Kelleher - Official UFC® Profile. www.ufc.com. en. 2018-08-31.
  2. "(...) I’m honored to be promoted to brown belt (...)". B2uNrQhp8ws. brianboom135. September 22, 2019. January 18, 2020.
  3. Web site: Training and winning during a pandemic: Behind the scenes with UFC's Brian 'Boom' Kelleher. Mike Gavin. mmamania.com. May 23, 2020.
  4. Web site: The kelleher savages ! Siblings day . BOOM. https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/brianboom135/2284595505891923126 . December 25, 2021 . registration. April 11, 2020. instagram.com. Brian Kelleher.
  5. Web site: Brian Kelleher - Official UFC Profile. UFC.com. October 30, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171012021715/http://www.ufc.com/fighter/Brian-Kelleher. October 12, 2017.
  6. News: Sertanejo out, Iuri Marajó will face newcomer Brian Kelleher at UFC Rio 8. sportv.globo.com. Marcelo Barone and Marcelo Russio. 2017-05-11. 2017-05-11. pt.
  7. News: UFC 212 bonuses: Holloway, Aldo, Gadelha, Kelleher capture $50K awards. sherdog.com. Tristen Critchfield. 2017-06-03. 2017-06-03.
  8. Web site: Marlon Vera vs. Brian Kelleher added to UFC on FOX 25 in Long Island. mmamad.com. Dale Jordan. 2017-06-07. 2017-06-07. https://web.archive.org/web/20170905001825/http://www.mmamad.com/2017/06/07/marlon-vera-vs-brian-kelleher-added-to-ufc-on-fox-25-in-long-island/. 2017-09-05. dead.
  9. News: UFC on FOX 25 results: Marlon Vera's defense leads to slick armbar submission of Brian Kelleher. 2017-07-22. MMAjunkie. 2017-07-23. en-US.
  10. Web site: Brian Kelleher vs. Damian Stasiak official for UFC Fight Night 118 in Poland. mmajunkie.com. Staff. 2017-09-08. 2017-09-08.
  11. News: UFC Fight Night 118 results: Brian Kelleher finally puts away tough Damian Stasiak. 2017-10-21. MMAjunkie. 2017-10-21. en-US.
  12. News: UFC Fight Night 118 bonuses: Darren Till, Jan Blachowicz earn $50K for big finishes. 2017-10-21. MMAjunkie. 2017-10-21. en-US.
  13. News: Lake Mary's Mike Perry, others join UFC's Amway Center card . orlandosentinal.com. Jay Reddick. 2018-01-09. 2018-01-09.
  14. News: UFC on FOX 28 results: Brian Kelleher lights up Renan Barao for decision win. 2018-02-25. MMAjunkie. 2018-02-25. en-US.
  15. News: John Lineker vs. Brian Kelleher added to UFC 224 in Brazil. mmafighting.com. Guilherme Cruz. 2018-03-12. 2018-03-12.
  16. News: UFC 224 results: John Lineker relentless, finishes Brian Kelleher in third. 2018-05-13. MMAjunkie. 2018-05-13. en-US.
  17. News: Selden's Kelleher gets fight at UFC 230 at MSG. Newsday. 2018-08-17. en.
  18. News: Montel Jackson vervangt Domingo Pilarte tijdens UFC 230 tegen Brian Kelleher. Marcel Dorff. 2018-10-10. MMA DNA. 2022-02-12. nl.
  19. Web site: UFC 230 Heavyweight Title Fight Set After Derrick Lewis Ekes Under the Limit MMAWeekly.com. www.mmaweekly.com. en-US. 2018-11-02.
  20. News: UFC 230 loses fight after Brian Kelleher withdraws because of illness. 2018-11-03. MMAjunkie. 2018-11-03. en-US.
  21. News: Brian Kelleher vs. Montel Jackson rebooking slated for UFC 232. mymmanews.com. Mike Heck. 2018-11-14. 2018-11-14.
  22. News: UFC 232 weigh-in results: One fighter misses despite three-hour window. mmajunkie.com. Staff. 2018-12-28. 2018-12-28.
  23. Web site: UFC 232 results: Montel Jackson cruises with first-round submission of Brian Kelleher. 2018-12-29. MMAjunkie. en. 2018-12-30.
  24. Web site: UFC Ottawa official for May 4 on ESPN+. mmamania.com. Jesse Holland. 2019-02-20. 2019-02-20.
  25. Web site: BFL Champion Cole Smith tackles short notice fight against Mitch Gagnon during UFC Ottawa. Marcel Dorff. mmadnanl.com. 2019-04-11. 2019-04-11. nl.
  26. Web site: UFC debuut voor Ode Osbourne tegen Brian Kelleher tijdens UFC 246 in Las Vegas. Marcel Dorff. nl. 2022-02-12.
  27. brianboom135. Fought out my contract :). 1225130440287236097. February 5, 2020.
  28. Web site: UFC 246 Results: Brian Kelleher Forces Foot-Tap from Ode Osbourne. Doherty. Dan. 2020-01-18. Cageside Press. en-US. 2020-01-19.
  29. Web site: UFC 246 bonuses: Conor McGregor leads pack of five $50,000 winners. 2020-01-19. MMA Junkie. en. 2020-01-19.
  30. Web site: Dana White announces full list of UFC matchups for May 13, May 16 events in Florida. 2020-05-01. MMA Junkie. en. 2020-05-02.
  31. Web site: UFC Jacksonville Results: Brian Kelleher Weathers the Storm to KO Azure. McClory. Mike. 2020-05-13. Cageside Press. en-US. 2020-05-14.
  32. Web site: Brian Kelleher vs. Cody Stamann set for UFC 250. Alexander. Mookie. 2020-05-26. Bloody Elbow. en. 2020-05-27.
  33. Web site: UFC 250 results: Cody Stamann earns emotional win after brother's untimely death. MMA Junkie. Nolan King. 2020-06-06. 2020-06-06.
  34. Web site: Marcel Dorff. 2020-08-04. Ricky Simón treft Brian Kelleher tijdens UFC evenement op 5 september. 2022-02-12. MMA DNA. nl.
  35. Web site: 2020-08-29. Ricky Simon says he's out of Brian Kelleher fight after cornerman's positive COVID-19 test. 2020-08-29. MMA Junkie. en-US.
  36. Web site: Marcel Dorff. 2020-08-31. Kevin Natividad maakt UFC debuut tegen Brian Kelleher aankomende zaterdag in Las Vegas. 2022-02-12. MMA DNA. nl.
  37. Web site: With Kevin Natividad out, Ray Rodriguez in to face Brian Kelleher at UFC Vegas 9. mmafighting.com. Mike Heck and Damon Martin. 2020-09-05. 2020-09-05.
  38. Web site: Bitter. Shawn. 2020-09-05. UFC Vegas 9: Brian Kelleher Secures His Seventh Career Guillotine Finish. 2020-09-06. Cageside Press. en-US.
  39. Web site: Haynes. Stephie. 2020-09-05. UFC Vegas 9 post-fight bonuses: OSP stops Menifield for POTN honors. 2020-09-06. Bloody Elbow. en.
  40. Web site: 2020-10-12. UFC rebooks Brian Kelleher vs. Ricky Simon for Jan. 16 event. 2020-10-13. MMA Junkie. en-US.
  41. Web site: Positive COVID-19 test scratches Brian Kelleher from UFC Fight Island 7 bout with Ricky Simon. mmafighting.com. Mike Heck and Guilherme Cruz. 2021-01-01. 2021-01-02.
  42. Web site: Ricky Simon now faces newcomer Gaetano Pirello at UFC Fight Island 8. mmafighting.com. Guilherme Cruz, Mike Heck and Steven Marrocco. 2021-01-07. 2021-01-07.
  43. Web site: Brian Kelleher and Ricky Simon rebooked for UFC 258 on February 13. bloodycanvas.net. Sergio Pineiro. 2021-01-28. 2021-01-28. January 28, 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210128162408/https://www.bloodycanvas.net/breaking-brian-kelleher-and-ricky-simon-rebooked-for-ufc-258-february-13/. dead.
  44. Web site: Doherty. Dan. 2021-02-13. UFC 258 Results: Ricky Simon Dominates Brian Kelleher. 2021-02-14. Cageside Press. en-US.
  45. Web site: Brian Kelleher vs Domingo Pilarte set for UFC event on August 21. fighterpath.com. Sergio Pinheiro. 2021-05-17. 2021-05-18.
  46. Web site: Behunin. Alex. 2021-08-21. UFC Vegas 34 Results: Brian Kelleher Wins Decision Against Domingo Pilarte. 2021-08-22. Cageside Press. en-US.
  47. Web site: Behunin. Alex. 2021-10-02. Brian Kelleher vs. Saidyokub Kakhramonov Set For January 15 UFC Event. 2021-10-03. Cageside Press. en-US.
  48. Web site: Anderson. Jay. 2022-01-12. UFC Vegas 46: Kevin Croom In on Short Notice Against Brian Kelleher. 2022-01-12. Cageside Press. en-US.
  49. Web site: Anderson. Jay. 2022-01-15. UFC Vegas 46: Brian Kelleher Shows Well-Rounded Game in Win Over Kevin Croom. 2022-01-15. Cageside Press. en-US.
  50. Web site: 2022-02-11. Brian Kelleher vs. Umar Nurmagomedov added to UFC 272 in March. 2022-02-11. MMA Junkie. en-US.
  51. Web site: Behunin . Alex . 2022-03-05 . UFC 272: Umar Nurmagomedov Snags Quick Submission of Brian Kelleher . 2022-03-06 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  52. Web site: Anderson . Jay . 2022-06-05 . Brian Kelleher vs. Mario Bautista Set for UFC's June 25 Fight Night Card . 2022-06-07 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  53. Web site: Anderson . Jay . 2022-06-25 . UFC Vegas 57: Mario Bautista Locks Up Rear-Naked Choke, Subs Brian Kelleher . 2022-06-26 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  54. Web site: UFC: Journey Newson vs. Brian Kelleher booked for April 29. Cageside Press. Jay Anderson. 2023-02-01. 2023-02-01.
  55. Web site: With Brian Kelleher out, Marcus McGhee faces Journey Newson at UFC Vegas 72. mmafighting.com. Newswire. 2023-04-26. 2023-04-26.
  56. Web site: 2023-10-18 . Cody Garbrandt, Brian Kelleher return from injury against each other at UFC 296 . 2023-10-18 . MMA Junkie . en-US.
  57. Web site: Dewar . Val . 2023-12-16 . UFC 296: Cody Garbrandt On First Win Streak Since 2016 With TKO Over Brian Kelleher . 2023-12-16 . Cageside Press . en-US.
  58. Web site: Leonard . Harvey . 2024-05-12 . UFC Matchmaking Bulletin (5/6-5/12): Kevin Holland Returns To Middleweight For Short-Notice UFC 302 Fight . 2024-05-13 . MMA News UFC News, PPV & Fight Night Coverage, Interviews & Analysis . en-us.
  59. Web site: Cody Gibson Dominates, Submits Kelleher With Arm Triangle. cagesidepress.com. Val Dewar. 2024-07-20. 2024-07-20.
  60. Web site: Sherdog.com. Brian. 2020-06-07. Sherdog.