# Andy Murad

Andy Murad is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Welterweight division of Bellator MMA. A professional competitor since 2003, he has also formerly competed for King of the Cage.

## Background

Born in Detroit, Michigan, Murad moved to San Diego County, California at a young age. Murad competing in high school wrestling before picking up Brazilian jiu-jitsu under the tutelage of Dean Lister. Murad then began competing in Muay Thai before making the transition to mixed martial arts.

## Mixed martial arts career
### Early career

Murad made his professional debut with King of the Cage in the summer of 2003, winning via first-round TKO. He then compiled a record of 6-0 before being signed by Bellator.

### Bellator MMA

Murad made his promotional debut at Bellator 99 against Gavin Sterritt on September 13, 2013 in a Catchweight bout of 173 lbs. Murad was handed his first professional defeat via split decision.
Murad then faced Ricky Rainey in a Catchweight of 180 lbs. at Bellator 116 on April 16, 2014. He lost via first-round TKO.
After taking winning his next two fights outside of the promotion and capturing the Gladiator Challenge Middleweight Championship, Murad made his Bellator return at Bellator 131 against Bubba Pugh on November 15, 2014. He won via split decision.
Murad won his next four fights (three submission and one TKO) before returning at Bellator 160 on August 26, 2016 against Johnny Cisneros in a Catchweight of 175 lbs. He won via unanimous decision.

## Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown :
| 18 matches | 15 wins | 3 losses |
| By knockout | 4 | 2 |
| By submission | 5 | 0 |
| By decision | 6 | 1 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
| Loss | 16-3 | Ed Ruth | TKO (punches) | Bellator 201 | June 29, 2018 | 2 | 4:59 | Temecula, California, United States | Welterweight debut. |
| Win | 16-2 | Idrees Wasi | Submission (choke) | Gladiator Challenge: Fight Fest | June 17, 2017 | 1 | 2:28 | El Cajon, California, United States | Middleweight bout. |
| Win | 15-2 | Johnny Cisneros | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 160 | August 26, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Anaheim, California, United States | Catchweight (175 lbs) bout. |
| Win | 14-2 | Jamiah Williamson | Submission (keylock) | Gladiator Challenge: Freedom Strikes | July 23, 2016 | 2 | 1:14 | El Cajon, California, United States | |
| Win | 13-2 | Chad Herrick | Decision (unanimous) | KOP 49 | June 11, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States | Return to Light Heavyweight. |
| Win | 12-2 | Marquise Spears | Submission (front choke) | Gladiator Challenge: MMA Smackdown | April 2, 2016 | 2 | 2:12 | El Cajon, California, United States | |
| Win | 11-2 | Matt McOmie | TKO (punches) | Gladiator Challenge: Champions | October 24, 2015 | 1 | 1:21 | El Cajon, California, United States | |
| Win | 10-2 | Roman Bellow | Submission (triangle choke) | Gladiator Challenge: Warrior's | March 7, 2015 | 1 | 0:36 | El Cajon, California, United States | |
| Win | 9-2 | Bubba Pugh | Decision (split) | Bellator 131 | November 15, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | San Diego, California, United States | |
| Win | 8-2 | Brandon Collins | Decision (unanimous) | Gladiator Challenge: Battle Ready | August 23, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | El Cajon, California, United States | Won Gladiator Challenge Middleweight Championship. |
| Win | 7-2 | Daniel McWilliams | TKO (punches) | Gladiator Challenge: Backlash | May 31, 2014 | 3 | 2:47 | El Cajon, California, United States | |
| Loss | 6-2 | Ricky Rainey | TKO (punches) | Bellator CXVI | April 11, 2014 | 1 | 1:11 | Temecula, California, United States | Catchweight (180 lbs) bout. |
| Loss | 6-1 | Gavin Sterritt | Decision (split) | Bellator XCIX | September 13, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Temecula, California, United States | Catchweight (173 lbs) bout. |
| Win | 6-0 | Justin Carr | Submission (reverse triangle choke) | Xplode Fight Series: Devastation | May 18, 2013 | 1 | 0:35 | Valley Center, California, United States | |
| Win | 5-0 | Tsuyoshi Holder | Decision (split) | Xplode Fight Series: Vengeance | January 19, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Valley Center, California, United States | |
| Win | 4-0 | Mark McCaw | TKO (punches) | NFC: Native Fighting Championship 11 | January 20, 2012 | 3 | 1:15 | Campo, California, United States | |
| Win | 3-0 | Mike Lemaire | Decision (unanimous) | KOTC: Legends | June 6, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Winterhaven, California, United States | |
| Win | 2-0 | Ray Lizama | Decision (majority) | KOTC 39: Hitmaster | August 6, 2004 | 2 | 5:00 | San Jacinto, California, United States | |
| Win | 1-0 | Saldana Clemente | TKO (punches) | KOTC 27: Aftermath | August 10, 2003 | 1 | 1:25 | San Jacinto, California, United States | |