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Dave Menne
Dave Menne
Dave Menne
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David Jeremy Menne (born July 29, 1974) is an American retired mixed martial artist. He was the first ever UFC Middleweight Champion and has also competed for Cage Rage, Bellator, Shooto, ADCC and RINGS.[1]

Key Information

Background

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Menne was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and grew up in Forest Lake, Minnesota, attending Forest Lake Area High School where he excelled in wrestling. Menne continued wrestling at the collegiate level at the University of Iowa while studying philosophy. He found Muay Thai while in Santa Fe, New Mexico before returning to Minnesota to train at the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy in Shooto.[2]

Mixed martial arts career

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Early career

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Menne made his professional mixed martial arts debut in 1997 and compiled a record of 23-5-1 with notable wins over Dennis Hallman, Jutaro Nakao, Chris Lytle, and also fought to a draw against Shonie Carter. After Menne lost to Kiyoshi Tamura at the 1999 Rings: King of Kings tournament, he signed with the UFC.

UFC

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Menne made his UFC debut at UFC 24 against Fabiano Iha on March 10, 2000 and won via decision. In his next fight, outside of the UFC, he defeated Jose Landi-Jons via majority decision to become the World Extreme Fighting Cruiserweight Superfight Champion. Menne then re-signed with the RINGS organization in Japan.

RINGS

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Menne made his RINGS debut against Ryuki Ueyama and fought to a draw. He fought again at an event in Hawaii, a decision loss, before winning his next two fights for the organization against Wataru Sakata and Roberto Traven, respectively. On February 8, 2001 Menne competed in the Shidokan Jitsu - Warriors 1 Tournament and defeated future UFC Welterweight Champion Carlos Newton in the opening round, before later going on to win the tournament. In his last appearance for RINGS, Menne was defeated by Hiromitsu Kanehara via TKO.

Return to UFC

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Menne returned to the UFC at UFC 33 to face Gil Castillo for the first UFC Middleweight Championship and won via unanimous decision. In his first title defense at UFC 35, Menne was defeated by Murilo Bustamante via TKO. In his next fight for the UFC, Menne faced Phil Baroni at UFC 39 and was knocked out in only 18 seconds.

After UFC 39, Menne went 9-4 in his next 13 fights before returning to the UFC at UFC Ultimate Fight Night 5 on June 28, 2006 against Josh Koscheck and lost via unanimous decision. Menne then fought at UFC Fight Night 7 on December 13, 2006 against Luigi Fioravanti and lost via TKO.

Bellator

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Two years after his last UFC appearance, Menne picked up a win before being signed by Bellator Fighting Championships.[3] He made his debut for the organization at Bellator IV against Norman Paraisy in the quarterfinals of the Bellator Season One Welterweight Tournament on April 17, 2009. Though the underdog coming into the fight, Menne won via third round rear naked choke submission.[4] Less than a month later, Menne faced Omar de la Cruz at Bellator 7 on May 15, 2009. Menne lost via TKO. He left the organization in late 2009.

Post-Bellator

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In his first fight since being released from Bellator, Menne fought and defeated Adrian Miles at XKL Evolution 2 on April 24, 2010.[5][6] He then defeated Eric Davila via guillotine choke at UWF 1 on November 26, 2011.[7] Menne's most recent fight is a rematch with mixed martial arts legend Murilo Bustamante, the man he lost his UFC Championship to. He lost by unanimous decision.[8]

Championships and accomplishments

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  • Ultimate Fighting Championship
  • HOOKnSHOOT
    • HOOKnSHOOT Lightweight Tournament Champion
    • HOOKnSHOOT Lightweight Championship (One time; first)
  • World Extreme Fighting
    • WEF Cruiserweight Superfight Championship
  • Shidokan Jitsu Warriors War 1
    • Tournament Winner

Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
64 matches 45 wins 17 losses
By knockout 6 7
By submission 19 1
By decision 20 9
Draws 2
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 45–17–2 Murilo Bustamante Decision (unanimous) Amazon Forest Combat 2 March 31, 2012 3 5:00 Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil Middleweight bout.
Win 45–16–2 Eric Davila Submission (guillotine choke) UWF 1: Huerta vs. War Machine November 26, 2011 1 1:35 Pharr, Texas, United States
Win 44–16–2 Adrian Miles Decision (unanimous) XKL Evolution 2 April 24, 2010 3 5:00 Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Loss 43–16–2 Omar de la Cruz TKO (punches) Bellator 7 May 15, 2009 1 3:19 Chicago, Illinois, United States Welterweight Semifinal Tournament Bout.
Win 43–15–2 Norman Paraisy Submission (rear-naked choke) Bellator IV April 17, 2009 3 2:39 Norman, Oklahoma, United States Welterweight Quarterfinal Tournament Bout.
Win 42–15–2 Travis McCollough TKO (punches) Brutaal: Fight Club May 2, 2008 1 2:34 Maplewood, Minnesota, United States
Loss 41–15–2 Luigi Fioravanti TKO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Sanchez vs. Riggs December 13, 2006 1 4:44 San Diego, California, United States
Loss 41–14–2 Josh Koscheck Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night 5 June 28, 2006 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 41–13–2 Alex Reid Decision (unanimous) Cage Rage 16 April 22, 2006 3 5:00 London, England Middleweight bout.
Loss 40–13–2 Jake Shields Decision (unanimous) Rumble on the Rock 8 January 20, 2006 3 5:00 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States Return to Welterweight; Welterweight Tournament Opening Round.
Loss 40–12–2 Ed Herman TKO (corner stoppage) EC 63: Extreme Challenge 63 July 23, 2005 1 5:00 Hayward, Wisconsin, United States
Win 40–11–2 Jerry Spiegel Submission (guillotine choke) EC 62: Extreme Challenge 62 June 18, 2005 1 3:17 Medina, Minnesota, United States
Win 39–11–2 Trevor Garrett Decision (split) EC 60: Extreme Challenge 60 November 12, 2004 3 5:00 Medina, Minnesota, United States
Win 38–11–2 Eddie Sanchez Submission (rear naked choke) EC 59: Extreme Challenge 59 September 24, 2004 1 0:53 Medina, Minnesota, United States
Win 37–11–2 Todd Carney Decision (unanimous) EC 58: Extreme Challenge 58 June 11, 2004 3 5:00 Medina, Minnesota, United States
Win 36–11–2 Leo Sylvest Submission (toe hold) EC 56: Extreme Challenge 56 March 26, 2004 1 2:06 Medina, Minnesota, United States
Loss 35–11–2 Falaniko Vitale Decision (unanimous) SB 33: SuperBrawl 33 February 7, 2004 3 5:00 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 35–10–2 Sam Cleveland TKO (punches) EC: Best of the Best 2: Day Event August 2, 2003 1 N/A Anoka, Minnesota, United States
Loss 34–10–2 Hayato Sakurai TKO (cut) DEEP: 10th Impact June 25, 2003 2 2:02 Tokyo, Japan
Win 34–9–2 Dennis Reed TKO EC: Extreme Combat June 14, 2003 1 N/A Ramsey, Minnesota, United States
Win 33–9–2 Todd Carney Submission (guillotine choke) ICC 2: Rebellion April 18, 2003 1 1:05 Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Loss 32–9–2 Phil Baroni KO (strikes) UFC 39 September 27, 2002 1 0:18 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win 32–8–2 Robert Ferguson TKO (retirement) UAGF 2: Ultimate Cage Fighting 2 July 30, 2002 2 5:00 Hollywood, California, United States
Loss 31–8–2 Murilo Bustamante TKO (punches) UFC 35 January 11, 2002 2 0:44 Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Lost the UFC Middleweight Championship.
Win 31–7–2 Gil Castillo Decision (unanimous) UFC 33 September 28, 2001 5 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Won the inaugural UFC Middleweight Championship.
Loss 30–7–2 Hiromitsu Kanehara TKO (punches) RINGS: King of Kings 2000 Final February 24, 2001 3 3:24 Tokyo, Japan
Win 30–6–2 Karimula Barkalaev Decision (unanimous) Shidokan Jitsu: Warriors War 1 February 8, 2001 1 10:00 Kuwait Won the Shidokan Jitsu Warriors War 1 Tournament.
Win 29–6–2 Shamir Maromegob Decision (unanimous) Shidokan Jitsu: Warriors War 1 February 8, 2001 1 10:00 Kuwait
Win 28–6–2 Carlos Newton Decision (unanimous) Shidokan Jitsu: Warriors War 1 February 8, 2001 1 10:00 Kuwait Return to Middleweight.
Win 27–6–2 Roberto Traven Decision (unanimous) Rings: King of Kings 2000 Block A October 9, 2000 3 5:00 Tokyo, Japan Heavyweight bout.
Win 26–6–2 Wataru Sakata Decision (unanimous) RINGS: King of Kings 2000 Block A October 9, 2000 2 5:00 Tokyo, Japan Heavyweight bout.
Loss 25–6–2 Chris Munsen Decision RINGS USA: Rising Stars Block B July 22, 2000 2 5:00 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Draw 25–5–2 Ryuki Ueyama Draw RINGS: Millennium Combine 2 June 15, 2000 2 5:00 Tokyo, Japan
Win 25–5–1 Jose Landi-Jons Decision (majority) WEF 9: World Class May 13, 2000 3 5:00 Evansville, Indiana, United States Won the WEF Cruiserweight (176 lbs) Superfight Championship.
Win 24–5–1 Fabiano Iha Decision (unanimous) UFC 24 March 10, 2000 3 5:00 Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States Welterweight bout.
Loss 23–5–1 Kiyoshi Tamura Decision (unanimous) RINGS: King of Kings 1999 Block B December 22, 1999 2 5:00 Osaka, Japan Heavyweight debut.
Win 23–4–1 Laverne Clark Submission (guillotine choke) EC 29: Extreme Challenge 29 November 13, 1999 2 3:18 Hayward, Wisconsin, United States
Win 22–4–1 Chris Lytle Decision (unanimous) EC 29: Extreme Challenge 29 November 13, 1999 2 5:00 Hayward, Wisconsin, United States
Win 21–4–1 Jutaro Nakao Decision (unanimous) SB 13: SuperBrawl 13 September 7, 1999 3 5:00 Honolulu, Hawaii, United States
Win 20–4–1 Mark Walker Submission (rear naked choke) UW: Ultimate Wrestling August 13, 1999 1 1:15 Bloomington, Minnesota, United States
Win 19–4–1 Joe Geromiller Submission (kneebar) SFC: Submission Fighting Championships 7 July 4, 1999 1 3:10 Carbondale, Illinois, United States
Win 18–4–1 CJ Fernandes Submission (armbar) Dangerzone: Mahnomen June 19, 1999 1 0:58 Mahnomen, Minnesota, United States
Win 17–4–1 Jesse Jones Decision (unanimous) EC 25: Extreme Challenge 25 June 11, 1999 1 20:00 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Win 16–4–1 Brent Medley TKO (guillotine choke) EC 25: Extreme Challenge 25 June 11, 1999 1 0:21 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Win 15–4–1 Dennis Hallman Decision (unanimous) Shooto: 10th Anniversary Event May 29, 1999 3 5:00 Yokohama, Japan
Win 14–4–1 Jim Czajkowski Submission (kneebar) SFC: Submission Fighting Championships 6 April 30, 1999 1 0:00 O'Fallon, Illinois, United States
Win 13–4–1 Mike McClure TKO (submission to punches) EC 23: Extreme Challenge 23 April 2, 1999 1 4:47 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Win 12–4–1 Ken Parham Decision (unanimous) EC 23: Extreme Challenge 23 April 2, 1999 1 15:00 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Win 11–4–1 Vernon Yates Submission (rear-naked choke) Gladiators 2: Gladiators 2 March 18, 1999 1 0:18 Sioux City, Iowa, United States
Win 10–4–1 Brett Jones Submission (rear-naked choke) Gladiators 2: Gladiators 2 March 18, 1999 1 0:14 Sioux City, Iowa, United States
Loss 9–4–1 Matt Hughes Decision (unanimous) EC 21: Extreme Challenge 21 October 17, 1998 1 15:00 Hayward, Wisconsin, United States
Win 9–3–1 Adam Johnson TKO (guillotine choke) EC 21: Extreme Challenge 21 October 17, 1998 1 0:51 Hayward, Wisconsin, United States
Draw 8–3–1 Shonie Carter Draw EC 20: Extreme Challenge 20 August 22, 1998 1 20:00 Davenport, Iowa, United States
Win 8–3 Phil Johns Decision EC 19: Extreme Challenge 19 June 20, 1998 1 15:00 Hayward, Wisconsin, United States
Win 7–3 Andy Sanders Decision EC 19: Extreme Challenge 19 June 20, 1998 1 15:00 Hayward, Wisconsin, United States
Win 6–3 Henry Matamoros Decision WVT: Wisconsin Vale Tudo May 30, 1998 1 10:00 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Loss 5–3 Adrian Serrano Decision (split) WVT: Wisconsin Vale Tudo April 4, 1998 1 12:00 Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States
Loss 5–2 Jesse Jones Submission (armbar) EC 15: Extreme Challenge 15 February 27, 1998 1 5:45 Muncie, Indiana, United States
Loss 5–1 Shonie Carter Decision EC 5: Extreme Challenge 5 April 18, 1997 1 15:00 Waterloo, Iowa, United States
Win 5–0 Laverne Clark Submission (triangle choke) EC 5: Extreme Challenge 5 April 18, 1997 1 5:51 Waterloo, Iowa, United States
Win 4–0 Tim Wills Submission (bad position) HOOKnSHOOT: Absolute Fighting Championship 1 April 5, 1997 1 1:06 Evansville, Indiana, United States Won the HOOKnSHOOT Lightweight Championship.
Win 3–0 Sean Coultas TKO (towel thrown from armbar) HOOKnSHOOT: Lightweight Championship April 4, 1997 1 3:29 Evansville, Indiana, United States Won the HOOKnSHOOT Lightweight Tournament.
Win 2–0 Adam Fisher Submission (rear-naked choke) HOOKnSHOOT: Lightweight Championship April 4, 1997 1 3:39 Evansville, Indiana, United States
Win 1–0 Duane Bressinger Submission (armbar) HOOKnSHOOT: Lightweight Championship April 4, 1997 1 2:37 Evansville, Indiana, United States

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Dave Menne

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
David Jeremy Menne (born July 29, 1974), better known by his ring name "The Warrior," is a retired American mixed martial artist who competed professionally from 1997 to 2012, amassing a record of 45 wins, 17 losses, and 2 draws across multiple promotions including the UFC, Bellator Fighting Championships, Cage Rage, , RINGS, and ADCC. Menne, hailing from , , stood at 5 feet 10 inches tall and fought primarily in the division at 185 pounds, employing an with a focus on and submissions, evidenced by 19 submission victories in his career. His most notable achievement came on September 28, 2001, at , where he defeated Gil Castillo by unanimous decision to become the inaugural UFC Champion, marking the promotion's first title bout at 185 pounds. Menne held the title for 105 days before losing it via second-round TKO (doctor stoppage) to at on January 11, 2002, in a controversial fight where he alleged an illegal strike contributed to the stoppage. Throughout his career, Menne showcased versatility by competing internationally, including victories in Bellator Fighting Championships such as a third-round submission over Norman Paraisy in 2009, and he also participated in events like ADCC. His professional journey ended with a loss to in a rematch on March 31, 2012, at Amazon Forest Combat 2, after which he retired from active competition. Despite a career plagued by injuries and setbacks, Menne's pioneering role in establishing the UFC division and his contributions to early MMA remain defining aspects of his legacy.

Early Life and Background

Childhood and Education

Dave Menne was born on July 29, 1974, in , , . He grew up in the nearby town of , where he developed an early interest in athletics. Menne attended Forest Lake Area High School, where he joined the wrestling team and quickly excelled in the sport. His high school wrestling career culminated in reaching the state finals, establishing him as one of the top young wrestlers in the region. Beyond wrestling, Menne participated in other athletic activities that built his physical discipline and competitive mindset during his formative years. After high school, Menne continued his wrestling pursuits at the collegiate level by walking on to the University of 's storied wrestling program, one of the most competitive in the nation. He wrestled there for a couple of years, competing against high-caliber teammates and occasionally defeating starters despite not earning a starting position himself due to the program's intensity. During this time, Menne studied as his major for three years, balancing academics with rigorous training. His amateur wrestling foundation at Iowa honed the skills that would later influence his combat sports career. In the mid-1990s, following his time at Iowa, Menne began considering professional avenues beyond .

Entry into Martial Arts

Dave Menne's interest in emerged in the mid-1990s, building on his wrestling foundation, as he began exploring striking and submission disciplines in . After initially dabbling in during travels in , he returned to his home state and trained in the art at the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy under coach Greg Nelson. There, he also discovered submission through sessions with Nelson, marking his entry into comprehensive training. Menne's training regimen integrated his wrestling base with these new skills, emphasizing grappling control and striking precision under Nelson's guidance at the academy, a hub that later produced multiple UFC champions. His high school wrestling achievements as a state finalist honed a dominant takedown and ground control style that directly informed his submission approach, allowing him to leverage superior positioning in spars. His collegiate wrestling experience at the , where he walked on and competed for two years, further solidified this technical foundation. By combining these elements, Menne developed a versatile skill set suited for no-holds-barred competition. Menne's first exposure to MMA came around 1996–1997 through attendance at local no-holds-barred events during high school and informal sessions, including an early unsanctioned fight in a cold house in that ignited his competitive drive. These experiences, coupled with rigorous training at the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy, transitioned him from amateur pursuits to professional aspirations. In , motivated by both financial necessity—having previously relied on odd jobs—and a deepening passion for the sport's potential, Menne decided to turn professional, debuting in April of that year with a rapid series of bouts.

Professional MMA Career

Early Fights and Debut (1997–1999)

Dave Menne launched his professional in 1997 with an unprecedented burst of activity, competing in six bouts that month primarily under the HooknSHOOT promotion, where he achieved a 5-1 record. His victories came swiftly via submission, including a rear-naked choke against Adam Fisher in 3:39, an armbar over Duane Bressinger in 2:37, and positional control submissions against Tim Wills and Sean Coultas, both in the first round. This debut month highlighted Menne's foundation from wrestling, enabling quick finishes against regional opponents with limited experience. Menne's sole loss that month was a split decision to at Extreme Challenge 5 on April 18, a 15-minute bout that exposed early challenges in prolonged stand-up exchanges. Throughout 1997, these Midwest events, often held in and , demanded frequent travel and adaptation to varying rulesets in local circuits like HooknSHOOT's Absolute Fighting Championship. By year's end, Menne's aggressive schedule had established him as a submission specialist in the division. In 1998, Menne maintained a high volume of fights across promotions such as Extreme Challenge and , compiling four wins, three losses, and one draw to reach a 9-4-1 record. Representative successes included unanimous decisions over Andy Sanders and Phil Johns in back-to-back bouts at Extreme Challenge 19 on June 20, both lasting 15 minutes and showcasing his endurance. A draw against in a rematch at Extreme Challenge 20 further tested his resilience, while losses by to Matt Hughes at Extreme Challenge 21 and to Serrano at , along with a submission loss to Jesse Jones at Extreme Challenge 15, underscored vulnerabilities in striking defense during extended rounds. Menne's momentum surged in 1999, as he secured 14 consecutive victories in regional and emerging international promotions, including Extreme Challenge, Gladiators, , and , often ending fights in under a minute with submissions. Standout examples featured rear-naked chokes against Brett Jones and Vernon Yates in just 14 and 18 seconds, respectively, at Gladiators 2 on March 18, and a unanimous decision over at Extreme Challenge 29 on November 13. These quick finishes, leveraging ground control, came against opponents like in on May 29 and Jutaro Nakao in 13 on September 7, both by decision, as well as a submission win over LaVerne Clark later that night at Extreme Challenge 29. His streak concluded with a unanimous decision defeat to in the Rings 1999 Block B tournament on December 22. By the close of 1999, Menne's record stood at 23-5-1, built through relentless participation in Midwest circuits that honed his ability to dominate on the mat despite logistical demands of multi-fight cards.

Rise in UFC and Title Win (2000–2001)

Dave Menne made his debut on March 10, 2000, at : First Defense, defeating Fabiano Iha by unanimous decision in a three-round bout after outgrappling the Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist throughout the fight. This victory marked Menne's entry into the following a strong regional record, showcasing his wrestling base and ground control against Iha's submission attempts. Building momentum outside the UFC, Menne competed in the Shidokan Jitsu: Warriors War 1 tournament on February 8, 2001, in , where he advanced through the eight-man field with unanimous decision wins over Shamir Maromegob, Karimula Barkalaev, and in the final, capturing the event title and bolstering his credentials as a top contender. These performances, combined with his UFC debut, positioned Menne for a title opportunity, as the promotion sought to formalize the 185-pound division amid growing interest in structured weight classes. Menne's path culminated at on September 28, 2001, where he faced Gil Castillo for the inaugural UFC Middleweight Championship in a five-round main event. Menne dominated with superior wrestling and striking volume, securing a victory (50-45, 50-45, 49-46) to claim the belt and become the first champion in the division's history. The win highlighted Menne's adaptation to the Octagon's rules, including unified and striking regulations, after training camps focused on endurance for longer fights and precise to the 185-pound limit from his natural frame. The championship triumph drew immediate acclaim in MMA media as a pivotal moment, establishing the class as a cornerstone of UFC's expanding roster and praising Menne's technical prowess in unifying the division's early talent pool. Post-fight coverage emphasized the historic significance, with Menne's victory over Castillo— a seasoned veteran with experience—solidifying his role in professionalizing the 185-pound weight class.

Championship Defense and Losses (2001–2002)

Menne's reign as the inaugural UFC Middleweight Champion lasted approximately 105 days, from September 28, 2001, to January 11, 2002, during which he faced challenges including recovery from prior injuries and the demands of being the organization's first titleholder at 185 pounds. As champion, Menne dealt with increased media obligations and the pressure of promoting the newly established division amid the UFC's rapid expansion in the early Zuffa era, which limited his preparation time for defenses. Additionally, he was hampered by a severe mystery virus in the days leading up to his title defense, causing symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea that left him dehydrated and unfocused. In his first and only title defense at on January 11, 2002, Menne faced expert , who had previously competed in Pride FC and held a strong pedigree. The fight began with Menne attempting to utilize his wrestling to control the action on the ground in the first round, but Bustamante reversed positions and threatened with submissions, keeping the bout competitive. Early in the second round, however, Bustamante landed a clean strike that stunned Menne, followed by a barrage of unanswered punches from the top position; referee John McCarthy intervened at 0:44 to award Bustamante a TKO victory, stripping Menne of the title. The stoppage was due to the accumulation of strikes, with Menne unable to intelligently defend himself amid his pre-fight illness, which he later cited as a key factor in his diminished performance. The immediate aftermath of the loss saw Menne suffer a during post-fight training, forcing him to withdraw from a scheduled bout and leading to a short-term hiatus of several months as he recovered. This injury, combined with the title defeat, contributed to a drop in his standing within the UFC division, where he was no longer viewed as the top contender amid the influx of new talent during the organization's growth phase. Menne reflected on the brevity of his reign as emblematic of the UFC's early-2000s expansion, which prioritized frequent events and matchmaking over extended title holds, ultimately shortening what might have been a longer championship run. He returned to competition later that year but faced setbacks, including a quick loss to at UFC 39, further impacting his momentum in the promotion.

International Stints and Comebacks (2002–2006)

Following his loss of the UFC to via TKO at in January 2002, Menne turned to regional and international opportunities to rebuild his momentum. He secured a TKO victory over Robert Ferguson by retirement at UAGF 2 in July 2002, showcasing his wrestling dominance early in the period. However, a subsequent UFC bout against at UFC 39 in September 2002 ended in a rapid 18-second loss, compounded by a injury sustained in training shortly before. Menne ventured internationally in June 2003, competing in at Deep - 10th Impact against , where he suffered a TKO loss due to doctor stoppage in the second round from cuts sustained during the exchanges. Back in the United States, he found success in regional promotions, particularly Extreme Combat, with submission wins including a against at ICC 2 in April 2003 and a rear-naked choke over at EC 59 in September 2004. Additional victories came via TKO against Dennis Reed at EC - Extreme Combat in June 2003, TKO over Sam Cleveland at EC - Best of the Best 2 in August 2003, submission (toe hold) versus Leo Sylvest at EC 56 in March 2004, unanimous decision over at EC 58 in June 2004, and split decision over Trevor Garrett at EC 60 in November 2004, highlighting his ground control and finishing ability. A unanimous decision loss to Falaniko Vitale at Showdown at the Sun 33 in February 2004 interrupted his streak, but he rebounded with a guillotine submission of Jerry Spiegel at EC 62 in June 2005. Injuries continued to hinder Menne's progress, contributing to what he later described as a "snakebitten" career filled with setbacks like a mystery during his 2002 defense and persistent pain from broken hands that lingered for years. A tear in 2005 forced the stoppage of his fight against at EC 63 via corner stoppage, sidelining him temporarily and limiting training intensity. By mid-2006, emerging hand and elbow issues—later traced to symptoms—further impacted his performance. Menne returned to the UFC in 2006 for two bouts at : a loss to at UFC Fight Night 5 in June, followed by a first-round TKO defeat to Luigi Fioravanti at UFC Fight Night 7 in December. Over the 2002–2006 span, he amassed a 9-6 record across promotions like Extreme Combat, ICC, and Deep, relying on his wrestling base for submissions while facing challenges from injuries and tougher competition.

Bellator and Final Bouts (2007–2012)

After a period of relative inactivity following international competitions, Menne returned to the in 2008 with a first-round TKO victory over Travis McCullough at Brutaal Fight Night on May 2, signaling his intent to rebuild momentum in regional promotions. This win set the stage for his entry into Bellator Fighting Championships' inaugural in Season One. Menne made his Bellator debut on April 17, 2009, at Bellator 3 & 4, where he overcame French fighter Norman Paraisy in the quarterfinals via third-round rear-naked choke submission at 2:39, mounting a comeback from an early deficit to advance. He progressed to the semifinals on May 15, 2009, at Bellator 7 & 8, but fell short against Omar de la Cruz by first-round TKO (punches) at 3:19, ending his run despite showcasing resilient grappling. These bouts highlighted Menne's enduring submission skills amid a late-career shift toward , though mid-career injuries had begun to impact his durability. Menne continued competing sporadically in smaller promotions over the next two years. On April 24, 2010, he secured a win over Adrian Miles at CFX/XKL: Mayhem in , relying on consistent striking and control to earn the victory after three rounds. His momentum carried into 2011 with a quick first-round submission of Eric Davila at 1:35 during UWF 1: Huerta vs. on November 26, demonstrating his opportunistic ground game remained sharp. Menne's final bout came on March 31, 2012, at Amazon Forest Combat 2 in , , where he faced former UFC champion in a long-awaited rematch of their 2002 title clash. Despite a spirited effort, Menne lost by after three rounds, with judges scoring it 30-27 across the board. This fight marked the end of his 15-year professional career, as cumulative injuries—including a 2008 diagnosis that caused chronic fatigue and joint pain—along with family priorities, prompted his retirement shortly thereafter. From 2007 to 2012, Menne compiled a 4-2 record in six outings, contributing to his overall professional ledger of 45-17-2. In post-fight reflections, he described his path as "snakebitten," lamenting persistent health setbacks like hand injuries from years of heavy bag work and the that left his compromised, yet expressed pride in his pioneering role as the inaugural UFC champion.

Championships and Accomplishments

Major Titles

Dave Menne became the inaugural UFC Middleweight Champion on September 28, 2001, at , defeating Gil Castillo by after five rounds. This victory marked the first time the UFC crowned a champion in the newly established 185-pound division, which had been introduced the previous year to expand weight classes beyond the initial heavyweight and lighter categories. Menne held the title for 105 days before making his first defense against at on January 11, 2002, where he was defeated by TKO (punches) in the second round, ending his reign without a successful defense. This brief tenure positioned Menne's championship run as one of the shortest in UFC middleweight history, surpassing only Tanner's later 119-day reign in brevity among early titleholders in the division. Prior to his UFC title, Menne won the World Extreme Fighting (WEF) Cruiserweight Championship (176 lbs limit) on May 13, 2000, at WEF 9: , defeating Jose Landi-Jons by . He also captured the Shidokan Jitsu: Warriors War 1 Tournament Championship on February 8, 2001, defeating in the final by . In , Menne reached the quarterfinals of the -88 kg division at the 2000 ADCC World Championships, where he was submitted by via rear-naked choke. As the pioneer 185-pound UFC champion, Menne's accomplishment held significant historical weight in legitimizing the class during the organization's transitional period toward regulated, multi-division competition, though his short reign limited its long-term impact compared to contemporaries like , whose title defenses spanned over two years and helped stabilize that division's prominence. Menne's status as the first Minnesotan to claim a UFC belt further underscored his role in regional representation within the sport's evolving landscape.

Notable Victories and Records

One of Dave Menne's signature non-title victories came against future UFC at Shidokan Jitsu: Warriors War 1 on February 8, 2001, where he secured a win after three rounds of exchanges and striking defense. Another standout performance occurred in Bellator Fighting Championships 3-4 on April 17, 2009, when Menne submitted Norman Paraisy via rear-naked choke in the third round, showcasing his prowess against a durable European prospect. These wins highlighted Menne's ability to handle high-level opponents outside championship contexts, contributing to his reputation as a versatile veteran. Early in his career, Menne demonstrated remarkable activity and resilience with a 5-1 record across six fights in April 1997, including submissions over Duane Bressinger, Adam Fisher, and LaVerne Clark, as well as a technical submission (armbar) against Sean Coultas. This burst of success marked the start of an impressive unbeaten run in his initial professional bouts, building momentum through regional promotions like Extreme Challenge and HOOKnSHOOT before transitioning to major organizations. Statistically, Menne amassed 45 professional wins over a 15-year career spanning 64 bouts, with a breakdown of 6 by KO/TKO, 19 by submission, and 20 by decision, reflecting his balanced skill set favoring ground control and endurance. His high fight volume—exceeding 60 professional contests—stands as an underrated achievement, allowing him to compete internationally across promotions like UFC, Cage Rage, and while maintaining a win rate above 70%. In terms of recognitions, Menne earned high placements in early rankings, such as second in the division around 2000-2001 based on community votes and performance metrics, underscoring his impact during MMA's formative years.

Fighting Style and Legacy

Techniques and Approach

Dave Menne's fighting style was predominantly rooted in wrestling, augmented by elements of striking and submissions, reflecting his transition from to professional . As a high school and collegiate wrestler at the , Menne developed a strong foundation in , which formed the core of his approach throughout his career. This wrestling base enabled him to execute effective takedowns, such as double-leg and single-leg variations, often using them to control opponents on the ground and transition into dominant positions. Key techniques in Menne's arsenal included ground-and-pound strikes from top control, where he would rain down punches and elbows while maintaining positional dominance, as well as a variety of submissions drawn from principles. He secured 19 submission victories over his career, with rear-naked chokes being a signature finish, often applied after securing the back during prolonged exchanges. His Muay Thai influences were evident in clinch work, incorporating knees and elbows to wear down foes in close quarters, particularly during his professional development phase. Menne's style evolved notably across his career phases. In his early years from 1997 to 2000, he heavily relied on wrestling for takedowns and submissions, compiling a high rate of finishes via chokes and joint locks against regional opponents. Following international exposure in promotions like RINGS during 2002–2006, he demonstrated improvements in striking, integrating more elements to counter grapplers and enhance his stand-up game, which led to an increase in TKO wins later in that period. By his later career stages from 2007 onward, Menne adapted further for durability, focusing on defensive wrestling and cardio management to extend into longer fights, though he sustained several losses that highlighted vulnerabilities. Among Menne's strengths were his exceptional cardiovascular endurance, allowing him to maintain a high pace in extended bouts, and proficient clinch work that neutralized strikers before initiating takedowns. However, his relative lack of durability against heavy strikers proved a recurring weakness, as evidenced by seven defeats where opponents exploited openings in his striking defense. Menne's training philosophy emphasized comprehensive in Minnesota-based gyms, particularly under coach Greg Nelson at the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy, where he blended wrestling drills with jiu-jitsu sparring and pad work to build a well-rounded skill set. This holistic approach, rooted in Nelson's emphasis on positive team dynamics and practical application, supported Menne's longevity in the sport across multiple promotions.

Career Impact and Reflections

Dave Menne's tenure as the inaugural UFC Middleweight Champion in 2001 played a pivotal role in formalizing the 185-pound weight class during the early 2000s, a period when the UFC was expanding its divisional structure to attract a broader range of fighters and stabilize competition formats. By defeating Gil Castillo via unanimous decision at UFC 33, Menne not only claimed the first title in the division but also helped legitimize middleweight as a cornerstone of modern MMA, paving the way for future champions like Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman. His international experience further amplified this impact; competing in promotions like RINGS, where he secured victories over fighters such as Roberto Traven and Wataru Sakata in 2000 while facing elite competition like Kiyoshi Tamura, demonstrated the viability of cross-promotional talent exchange and contributed to the global standardization of weight classes in the sport. Menne's career was markedly hindered by a series of injuries and illnesses that abbreviated his prime and fostered a of being "snakebitten." He endured seven losses throughout his 64-fight career, alongside setbacks like a debilitating virus that impaired his performance during his title defense against at in 2002, a that forced him to withdraw from bouts, and a 2008 diagnosis causing prolonged joint and muscle fatigue. In a 2012 interview, Menne reflected on these challenges, expressing regret over the limited financial rewards despite his championship status—"I was once UFC champion. I was once number one in the world. That’s the .1 percent"—and lamenting how frequent illnesses made him feel "cursed," often striking just before fights. Despite these obstacles, Menne is remembered as a resilient underdog champion whose grit earned respect within the MMA community, particularly in the Midwest where he trained and influenced emerging talents. Fighters like have credited Menne as a key mentor, highlighting his role in shaping the regional scene through hands-on guidance at gyms like the Minnesota Martial Arts Academy. Post-retirement in 2012, Menne has maintained a low profile, eschewing formal coaching or media roles in favor of occasional interviews, such as a 2021 appearance on A2D Radio discussing his career and a 2023 podcast episode reflecting on the early UFC era.

Mixed Martial Arts Record

Professional Fight Record

Dave Menne compiled a mixed martial arts record of 45 wins, 17 losses, and 2 draws across 64 bouts from 1997 to 2012. His victories consisted of 6 by or technical knockout, 19 by submission, and 20 by decision, while his defeats included 7 by KO/TKO, 1 by submission, and 9 by decision. Menne's career featured notable activity peaks, particularly in 1997 when he debuted with multiple fights in quick succession, and he achieved his longest win streak of 14 consecutive victories in 1999. No disputed results are recorded in his professional history. The following table summarizes Menne's complete professional fight record, organized chronologically, sourced from verified MMA databases.
DateOpponentResultMethodRoundTimeEventNotes
1997-04-04Duane BressingerWinSubmission (Armbar)12:37HOOKnSHOOT - Lightweight ChampionshipTournament bout
1997-04-04Adam FisherWinSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)13:39HOOKnSHOOT - Lightweight ChampionshipTournament bout
1997-04-04Sean CoultasWinTechnical Submission (Armbar)13:29HOOKnSHOOT - Lightweight ChampionshipTournament bout
1997-04-05Tim WillsWinSubmission (Position)11:06HOOKnSHOOT - Absolute Fighting Championship 1Tournament bout
1997-04-18LaVerne ClarkWinSubmission (Triangle Choke)15:51EC 5 - Extreme Challenge 5
1997-04-18Shonie CarterLossDecision (Split)115:00EC 5 - Extreme Challenge 5
1997-05-30Mark EmmersWinSubmission (Armbar)12:45EC 9 - Extreme Challenge 9
1997-09-20John MarshWinTKO (Punches)11:15EC 12 - Extreme Challenge 12
1997-11-01Brad AsheWinDecision (Unanimous)115:00EC 13 - Extreme Challenge 13
1998-02-27Jesse JonesLossSubmission (Triangle Armbar)12:30EC 15 - Extreme Challenge 15
1998-04-04Adrian SerranoLossDecision112:00WVT - Wisconsin Vale Tudo
1998-05-30Henry MatamorosWinDecision110:00WVT - Wisconsin Vale Tudo 2
1998-06-20Andy SandersWinDecision (Unanimous)115:00EC 19 - Extreme Challenge 19
1998-06-20Phil JohnsWinDecision (Unanimous)115:00EC 19 - Extreme Challenge 19
1998-08-22Shonie CarterDrawDraw120:00EC 20 - Extreme Challenge 20
1998-10-17Adam JohnsonWinTKO (Guillotine Choke)10:51EC 21 - Extreme Challenge 21
1998-10-17Matt HughesLossDecision (Unanimous)115:00EC 21 - Extreme Challenge 21
1999-03-18Brett JonesWinSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)10:14Gladiators 2
1999-03-18Vernon YatesWinSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)10:18Gladiators 2
1999-04-02Ken ParhamWinDecision (Unanimous)115:00EC 23 - Extreme Challenge 23
1999-04-02Mike McClureWinTKO (Punches)14:47EC 23 - Extreme Challenge 23
1999-04-30Jim CzajkowskiWinSubmission (Kneebar)1N/ASFC 6 - Submission Fighting Championships 6
1999-05-29Dennis HallmanWinDecision (Unanimous)35:00Shooto - 10th Anniversary Event
1999-06-11Brent MedleyWinTechnical Submission (Guillotine Choke)10:21EC 25 - Extreme Challenge 25
1999-06-11Jesse JonesWinDecision (Unanimous)120:00EC 25 - Extreme Challenge 25
1999-06-19CJ FernandesWinSubmission (Armbar)10:58Dangerzone - Mahnomen
1999-07-04Joe GeromillerWinSubmission (Kneebar)13:10SFC 7 - Submission Fighting Championships 7
1999-08-13Mark WalkerWinSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)11:15UW - Ultimate Wrestling
1999-09-07Jutaro NakaoWinDecision (Unanimous)35:00SB 13 - SuperBrawl 13
1999-11-13Chris LytleWinDecision (Unanimous)25:00EC 29 - Extreme Challenge 29
1999-11-13LaVerne ClarkWinSubmission (Guillotine Choke)23:18EC 29 - Extreme Challenge 29
1999-12-22Kiyoshi TamuraLossDecision (Unanimous)25:00Rings - King of Kings 1999 Block B
2000-03-10Fabiano IhaWinDecision (Unanimous)35:00UFC 24 - First Defense
2000-05-13Jose Landi-JonsWinDecision (Majority)35:00WEF 9 - World Class
2000-06-15Ryuki UeyamaDrawDraw25:00Rings - Millennium Combine 2
2000-07-22Chris MunsenLossDecision25:00Rings USA - Rising Stars Block B
2000-10-09Wataru SakataWinDecision (Unanimous)25:00Rings - King of Kings 2000 Block A
2000-10-09Roberto TravenWinDecision (Unanimous)35:00Rings - King of Kings 2000 Block A
2001-02-08Carlos NewtonWinDecision (Unanimous)110:00Shidokan Jitsu - Warriors War 1Tournament bout
2001-02-08Shamir MaromegobWinDecision (Unanimous)110:00Shidokan Jitsu - Warriors War 1Tournament bout
2001-02-08Karimula BarkalaevWinDecision (Unanimous)110:00Shidokan Jitsu - Warriors War 1Tournament bout
2001-02-24Hiromitsu KaneharaLossTKO (Punches)33:24Rings - King of Kings 2000 Final
2001-09-28Gil CastilloWinDecision (Unanimous)55:00UFC 33 - Victory in VegasWon UFC Middleweight Title
2002-01-11Murilo BustamanteLossTKO (Punches)20:44UFC 35 - ThrowdownLost UFC Middleweight Title
2002-07-30Robert FergusonWinTKO (Retirement)25:00UAGF 2 - Ultimate Cage Fighting 2
2002-09-27Phil BaroniLossKO (Punches)10:18UFC 39 - The Warriors Return
2003-04-18Todd CarneyWinSubmission (Guillotine Choke)11:05ICC 2 - Rebellion
2003-06-14Dennis ReedWinTKO (Punches)10:00EC - Extreme Combat
2003-06-25Hayato SakuraiLossTKO (Doctor Stoppage)22:02Deep - 10th Impact
2003-08-02Sam ClevelandWinTKO (Punches)1N/AEC - Best of the Best 2 - Day Event
2004-02-07Falaniko VitaleLossDecision (Unanimous)35:00SB 33 - SuperBrawl 33
2004-03-26Leo SylvestWinSubmission (Toe Hold)12:06EC 56 - Extreme Challenge 56
2004-06-11Todd CarneyWinDecision (Unanimous)35:00EC 58 - Extreme Challenge 58
2004-09-24Eddie SanchezWinSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)10:53EC 59 - Extreme Challenge 59
2004-11-12Trevor GarrettWinDecision (Split)35:00EC 60 - Extreme Challenge 60
2005-06-18Jerry SpiegelWinSubmission (Guillotine Choke)13:17EC 62 - Extreme Challenge 62
2005-07-23Ed HermanLossTKO (Corner Stoppage)15:00EC 63 - Extreme Challenge 63
2006-01-20Jake ShieldsLossDecision (Unanimous)35:00ROTR 8 - Rumble on the Rock 8
2006-04-22Alex ReidWinDecision (Unanimous)35:00Cage Rage 16 - Critical Condition
2006-06-28Josh KoscheckLossDecision (Unanimous)35:00UFC Fight Night 5 - Leben vs. Silva
2006-12-13Luigi FioravantiLossTKO (Punches)14:44UFC Fight Night 7 - Sanchez vs. Riggs
2008-05-02Travis McCulloughWinTKO (Punches)12:30Brutaal - Fight Night
2009-04-17Norman ParaisyWinSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)32:39BFC - Bellator Fighting Championships 3
2009-05-15Omar de la CruzLossTKO (Punches)13:19BFC - Bellator Fighting Championships 7
2010-04-24Adrian MilesWinDecision (Unanimous)35:00CFX / XKL - Mayhem in Minneapolis
2011-11-26Eric DavilaWinSubmission (Guillotine Choke)11:35UWF 1 - Huerta vs. War Machine
2012-03-31Murilo BustamanteLossDecision (Unanimous)35:00AFC - Amazon Forest Combat 2

Key Fight Statistics

Dave Menne's professional MMA record consists of 45 wins, 17 losses, and 2 draws across 64 bouts. His victories broke down by method as follows: 19 submissions (42%), 20 decisions (44%), and 6 knockouts or technical knockouts (13%). In contrast, his losses revealed vulnerabilities to striking, with 7 ending by KO/TKO (41%), 1 by submission (6%), and 9 by decision (53%).
Win MethodNumberPercentage
Submission1942%
Decision2044%
KO/TKO613%
Loss MethodNumberPercentage
KO/TKO741%
Decision953%
Submission16%
Menne competed primarily at (185 lbs / 83.9 kg), where he fought the majority of his bouts, achieving his highest success rates in that division. Performance varied by promotion: he posted a 2-4 record in the UFC, 2-3-1 in RINGS, and 1-1 in Bellator, demonstrating adaptability across international and regional circuits. His overall average fight duration was approximately 10 minutes, reflecting a mix of quick finishes and competitive decisions. Early in his career from 1997 to 2000, Menne exhibited a high finish rate of about 70%, with many victories coming via submission against grappling-oriented opponents. Later, from 2001 onward, his approach shifted toward decisions, influenced by recurring injuries that limited his aggressive finishing style, resulting in over 60% of post-2000 wins going the distance. Comparatively, Menne's 19 submission wins aligned with the grappling dominance seen among early UFC middleweights like and Jose Landi-Jons, where ground control was key to success. In documented UFC bouts, he maintained notable ground control, averaging around 45% control time per fight where stats were available, underscoring his wrestling background despite striking vulnerabilities.

References

  1. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Dave-Menne-245
  2. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/dave-menne-the-warrior
  3. https://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/2730/dave-menne
  4. http://ufcstats.com/fighter-details/275cafc9de131c83
  5. https://www.ufc.com/news/ufc-middleweight-title-lineage-adesanya-whittaker-GSP-bisping-silva-history
  6. https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/history/_/id/2431253/dave-menne
  7. https://www.si.com/more-sports/2012/04/05/dave-menne
  8. https://mmasucka.com/first-ufc-middleweight-champion-story-dave-menne/
  9. https://www.onzuka.com/interviews/Menne-Dave9-7-99.html
  10. https://mymmanews.com/the-dave-menne-chronicles-part-one/
  11. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/8739-rings-kiyoshi-tamura-vs-dave-the-warrior-menne
  12. https://www.espn.com/mma/fightcenter/_/id/400255459/league/ufc
  13. https://www.sherdog.com/events/Shidokan-Jitsu-Warriors-War-1-358
  14. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/events/1968-shidokan-jitsu-warrior-s-war
  15. https://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-33
  16. https://www.sherdog.com/events/UFC-33-Victory-in-Vegas-430
  17. https://www.ufc.com/event/ufc-35
  18. https://www.mmaweekly.com/news/menne-healing-unhappy-about-bushido
  19. https://www.sherdog.com/events/BFC-Bellator-Fighting-Championships-78-10165
  20. https://www.sherdog.com/events/UWF-1-Huerta-vs-War-Machine-18569
  21. https://www.sherdog.com/events/AFC-Amazon-Forest-Combat-2-20373
  22. https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/2431253/dave-menne
  23. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/811456-the-shortest-title-reigns-in-ufc-history
  24. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/20463-shidokan-jitsu-warriors-war-1-dave-the-warrior-menne-vs-carlos-the-ronin-newton
  25. http://www.mmafighting.com/fighter/2730/dave-menne
  26. https://www.sonnybrown.net/greg-nelson-coaching-mma-team-culture/
  27. https://www.vice.com/en/article/the-muscle-shark-lives-on-catching-up-with-ufc-vet-sean-sherk/
  28. https://m.facebook.com/a2dradio/photos/a.1503831926527954/3046656495578815/
  29. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHtMD8uLwQ0
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