21 Facts About Paul Buentello

Paul Anthony Buentello was born on January 16,1974 and is an American former mixed martial artist.

Paul Buentello grew up in Tulia, Texas, and went to school with former UFC Middleweight Champion Evan Tanner.

At Caprock High School, Paul Buentello played baseball and football, and then began Tae Kwon Do after graduating.

Paul Buentello received the nickname "The Headhunter" due to his propensity, in his early years of martial arts training, to axe kick his opponent's faces.

Paul Buentello's next fight was against Kevin Jordan on UFC 53: Heavy Hitters on June 4,2005 where Buentello won with a neck crank submission at 4:00 of the first round.

Paul Buentello moved to a new major organization, Affliction, where he won his first two bouts.

Paul Buentello's third fight was set to be against Gilbert Yvel at Affliction: Trilogy on August 1,2009, but the entire event was ultimately cancelled due to complications arising from heavyweight Josh Barnett's inability to receive a California State Athletic Commission licence.

At a press conference held July 31,2009, it was announced that Paul Buentello was one of several former Affliction fighters to sign with UFC.

Paul Buentello was expected to face Todd Duffee at UFC 107, but Duffee was forced off the card with an undisclosed injury.

Paul Buentello instead faced 6'11 Stefan Struve and lost a majority decision.

Paul Buentello continued his MMA career at the Texas-based Shark Fights promotion, defeating the previously unbeaten Bryan Humes via Unanimous Decision.

Paul Buentello was scheduled to face Kerry Schall at Nemesis Fighting: MMA Global Invasion on November 13,2010 but the event was postponed to December 10,2010 to avoid a tropical storm.

Paul Buentello's next bout was a non-title fight against decorated amateur wrestler and current Bellator Heavyweight Champion Cole Konrad at Bellator 48 on August 20,2011.

On March 31,2012, Paul Buentello faced former Shark Fights Heavyweight Champion, and The Ultimate Fighter 10 alumni Darrill Schoonover WMMA 1: McCorkle vs Heden.

Paul Buentello was scheduled to face Marcus Sursa at Legacy Fighting Championship 22 on August 23,2013 the bout was scrapped after Sursa was denied a license by the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration.

Paul Buentello won the fight via TKO in the second round.

Paul Buentello faced independent prospect Myron Dennis on March 15,2014, at Legacy FC 29 for their vacant Light heavyweight championship.

Paul Buentello fought Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou in the Heavyweight class on October 3,2015 in Abu Dhabi, UAE at Abu Dhabi Warriors Fighting Championship 3.

Paul Buentello won the fight via KO with punches in the third round.

Paul Buentello faced Denis Goltsov at ACB 41: Path to Triumph on July 15,2016.

Paul Buentello lost the fight via knockout in the first round.