title: Brian Melancon
text: # Brian Melancon
  
  Brian Melancon (born May 28, 1982) is a retired American mixed martial artist who most recently competed in the UFC's Welterweight division. A professional competitor from 2009-2013, Melancon also formerly competed for Strikeforce, Bellator, and Legacy FC.
  
  ## Background
  
  Born in Houston but raised in Groves, Tx. Melancon played baseball, competing at Port Neches-Groves High School. Melancon then attended Lamar University and pursued a career in physical therapy, later earning a master's degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch. At the age of 24, Melancon began training in mixed martial arts to keep himself in shape.
  
  ## Mixed martial arts career
  
  ### Early career
  
  Melancon compiled a 5−1 record before signing with Strikeforce.
  
  ### Strikeforce
  
  Melancon made his promotional debut against Isaac Vallie-Flagg at Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum. He lost the fight via split decision.
  
  Melancon next faced Felipe Portela at Strikeforce Challengers: Larkin vs. Rossborough and won via unanimous decision.
  
  ### Ultimate Fighting Championship
  
  Melancon made his UFC debut by knocking out Seth Baczynski on July 6, 2013 at UFC 162 at the end of the first round.
  
  Melancon faced Kelvin Gastelum on August 28, 2013 at UFC Fight Night 27, replacing an injured Paulo Thiago. He lost the fight via submission in the first round.
  
  Melancon was expected to face Robert Whittaker on December 7, 2013 at UFC Fight Night 33. However, Melancon pulled out of the bout and subsequently announced his retirement due to renal stress as a result of frequent weight cutting. Whittaker was subsequently removed from the card as well.
  
  ## Mixed martial arts record
  
  Professional record breakdown :
  
  | 10 matches | 7 wins | 3 losses |
  | - | - | - |
  | By knockout | 4 | 0 |
  | By submission | 1 | 1 |
  | By decision | 2 | 2 |
  | Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
  | Loss | 7–3 | Kelvin Gastelum | Submission (rear-naked choke) | UFC Fight Night: Condit vs. Kampmann 2 | August 28, 2013 | 1 | 2:26 | Indianapolis, Indiana, United States | |
  | Win | 7–2 | Seth Baczynski | KO (punches) | UFC 162 | July 6, 2013 | 1 | 4:59 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
  | Win | 6–2 | Felipe Portela | Decision (unanimous) | Strikeforce Challengers: Larkin vs. Rossborough | September 23, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
  | Loss | 5–2 | Isaac Vallie-Flagg | Decision (split) | Strikeforce: Overeem vs. Werdum | June 18, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Dallas, Texas, United States | Catchweight (175 lbs) bout. |
  | Win | 5–1 | Derrick Krantz | Decision (unanimous) | Legacy FC 5 | January 29, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Houston, Texas, United States | |
  | Win | 4–1 | Todd Moore | TKO (punches) | Legacy FC 3 | July 31, 2010 | 1 | 1:00 | Houston, Texas, United States | |
  | Loss | 3–1 | Adam Schindler | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 20 | May 27, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | San Antonio, Texas, United States | Catchweight (161 lbs) bout. |
  | Win | 3–0 | Jarrett Jones | TKO (punches) | Steele Cage MMA 1 | June 11, 2009 | 1 | n/a | Frisco, Texas, United States | |
  | Win | 2–0 | Kenneth Battle | Submission (punches) | Urban Rumble Championships 4 | May 23, 2009 | 1 | 1:35 | Pasadena, California, United States | |
  | Win | 1–0 | Adrian Barco | TKO (punches) | Urban Rumble Championships 3 | January 24, 2009 | 1 | 1:35 | Pasadena, California, United States | |
  