Cole Escovedo
Coleman Ruben Escovedo (born August 30, 1981) is a retired American mixed martial artist from Fresno, California. He was the inaugural WEC Featherweight Champion. Mixed martial arts career. Health issues. Escovedo was forced into a well documented semi-retirement in 2007 from a serious staph infection that left him partially paralyzed and in need of spinal surgery. Then, after a nearly three years hiatus from mixed martial arts action, he returned on May 8, 2009 at a Palace Fighting Championship event at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, California. Escovedo's comeback to MMA was his  first fight in the 135 lb Bantamweight division. Ultimate Fighting Championship. Escodevo made his UFC debut against Renan Barão on May 25, 2011 at UFC 130. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Escovedo faced Takeya Mizugaki at UFC 135. He was knocked out by Mizugaki at 4:30 in the second round, giving him two consecutive losses in the UFC. Escovedo faced Alex Caceres on November 12, 2011 at UFC on Fox 1. Escovedo lost via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) after losing the standing exchanges to Caceres for all three rounds. On December 16, 2011 Escovedo  announced via the UG forums that he had been released by the UFC. Author Zac Robinson has written a book titled "Through The Cage Door" about Escovedo's life and career and its expected release date was August 2014. Championships and accomplishments. IFC Champion 145 Tachi Palace Fights Native American Champion