Chris Gonzalez

Not to be confused with Chris Gonzalez Library and Archives.

Matthew Christopher Gonzalez (born July 29, 1991) is an American mixed martial artist and former Greco–Roman wrestler who currently competes in the lightweight division of Bellator MMA. As a wrestler, Gonzalez won the 2016 senior Greco-Roman World Team Trials and went on to represent the United States at the 2016 World Championships at 71 kilograms and placed second at the 2017 US Open.

Background

Gonzalez was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, where he attended Bloom Trail High School. As a high schooler, he was a multi–sport athlete, competing in wrestling, basketball, football and track and field. Despite never qualifying for the state championships as he was sidetracked by injuries as a junior and senior and being a late starter in the sport, Gonzalez decided to pursue college wrestling. After bouncing from Northern Illinois University to Harper College, Gonzalez became an NJCAA All–American in 2012. Gonzalez then accepted a scholarship to wrestle at the Northern Michigan University, which offered a Greco-Roman program. Throughout his international career, Gonzalez, who represented the New York Athletic Club, went on to make the 2016 US World Team, placing 8th at the World Championships, placed multiple times at the US Open and claimed medals from tournaments such as the Dave Schultz and Bill Farrell Memorial Internationals.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

After his performance at the 2016 US Olympic Team Trials, Gonzalez considered transitioning over to mixed martial arts, however, it was not until 2018 when he made his professional debut in the sport, winning by submission at the Gladiator Challenge.

Bellator MMA

In December 2018, it was announced that Gonzalez had signed with Bellator MMA. In January 2019 it was announced that he was scheduled to make his promotional debut against Henry Mendez at Bellator 214 on January 26, 2019. After Mendez withdrew from the bout, Gonzalez eventually made his promotional debut at Bellator 221 in May 11, 2019, defeating Charles Radtke by unanimous decision.

Gonzalez had his third professional fight at Bellator 226 when he faced Luis Vargas in September 7, 2019. He dominated the bout, heavily utilizing his wrestling to claim the win by unanimous decision.

To start off 2020, Gonzalez competed at Bellator 239 in February 21, defeating Aaron McKenzie by split decision. He then continued his win streak when he defeated Vladimir Tokov by the same method in August 21 at Bellator 244.

His first finish in the promotion came when he knocked out former UFC veteran Roger Huerta in April 2, 2021, at Bellator 255.

Gonzalez faced Goiti Yamauchi on July 31, 2021 at Bellator 263. He lost the bout via TKO in the first round.

Gonzalez faced Saad Awad on January 29, 2022 at Bellator 273. He won the bout via head kick knockout 36 seconds into the first round.

Gonzalez faced Usman Nurmagomedov on July 22, 2022 at Bellator 283. He lost the bout via guillotine choke in the first round.

Gonzalez wasa scheduled to face Shamil Nikaev on December 9, 2022 at Bellator 289. However, the bout was scrapped due to unknown reasons.

Personal life

Christopher's father, Gaspar Gonzalez, was born and raised in Havana, Cuba and immigrated to the United States in 1961.

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown
9 matches	7 wins	2 losses
By knockout	2	1
By submission	1	1
By decision	4	0

Res.	Record	Opponent	Method	Event	Date	Round	Time	Location	Notes
Loss	7–2	Usman Nurmagomedov	Submission (guillotine choke)	Bellator 283	July 22, 2022	1	2:54	Tacoma, Washington, United States
Win	7–1	Saad Awad	KO (head kick and punches)	Bellator 273	January 29, 2022	1	0:36	Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Loss	6–1	Goiti Yamauchi	TKO (punches)	Bellator 263	July 30, 2021	1	3:53	Los Angeles, California, United States
Win	6–0	Roger Huerta	TKO (submission to punches)	Bellator 255	REDIRECT Template:Date table sorting	2	3:01	Uncasville, Connecticut, United States	Catchweight (160lb) bout.
Win	5–0	Vladimir Tokov	Decision (split)	Bellator 244	August 21, 2020	3	2:09	Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win	4–0	Aaron McKenzie	Decision (split)	Bellator 239	February 21, 2020	3	5:00	Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States
Win	3–0	Luis Vargas	Decision (unanimous)	Bellator 226	September 7, 2019	3	5:00	San Jose, California, United States
Win	2–0	Charlie Radtke	Decision (unanimous)	Bellator 221	May 11, 2019	3	5:00	Rosemont, Illinois, United States
Win	1–0	Tyrese McCloud	Submission	Gladiator Challenge	October 20, 2018	1	1:30	Lincoln, California, United States

See also

• List of current Bellator fighters
• List of male mixed martial artists

External links

• Chris Gonzalez at Bellator
• Professional MMA record for Chris Gonzalez from Sherdog