Blas Avena | |
---|---|
Born |
Bell, California, U.S. |
June 30, 1983
Died | May 4, 2016 Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
(aged 32)
Other names | The Disciple |
Nationality | American |
Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
Weight | 171 lb (78 kg; 12.2 st) |
Division |
Welterweight Middleweight |
Fighting out of | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. |
Team | Machado Jiu-Jitsu |
Rank | Black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
Years active | 2005-2016 |
Mixed martial arts record | |
Total | 16 |
Wins | 8 |
By knockout | 2 |
By submission | 6 |
Losses | 7 |
By knockout | 7 |
No contests | 1 |
Other information | |
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog |
Blas Avena (June 30, 1983 – May 4, 2016) was an American professional mixed martial artist who competed in the welterweight division of Bellator MMA. A professional since 2005, Avena also competed for the WEC. Avena also found success as a grappler, appearing in Grapplers Quest, NAGA and the ADCC, Blas is also notable in the sport of grappling for his classic bout with veteran Jeff Glover.
Avena relocated from Southern California to Las Vegas in 2004 to work as a security guard for the Hard Rock Cafe and later made his professional MMA debut in 2005. Avena compiled an overall record of 3-0 before being signed by the WEC.
Avena made his promotional debut at WEC 25 against Logan Clark on January 20, 2007. Avena lost via TKO in the third round.
After the loss at WEC 25, Avena decided to drop down to the welterweight division and faced Tiki Ghosn on August 5, 2007 at WEC 29. Avena won via rear-naked choke submission in the first round. Avena followed this up with another first-round submission win over Joe Benoit at WEC 30 before dropping his next fight against Hiromitsu Miura at WEC 33 on March 26, 2008 via first-round knockout.
Avena made his next appearance at WEC 35 against Dave Terrel on August 3, 2008 and won via first-round TKO. Avena then faced Jesse Lennox on January 25, 2009 at WEC 38. Avena was defeated via second-round knockout and subsequently released from the promotion.