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Jeff Curran
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Jeff Curran (born September 2, 1977) is an American retired professional mixed martial artist. A professional competitor from 1998 to 2016, Curran fought at a number of different weight classes for a large number of promotions including Bellator, the UFC, Strikeforce, PRIDE Fighting Championships, WEC, IFL, the RFA, and KOTC.
Key Information
Background
[edit]Curran started his path towards mixed martial arts with Karate and Tae Kwon Do when he was five years old. Curran has trained for 16 years and has fought for 5 years. He began Wrestling in the fourth grade and did that until his freshman year when he began Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He graduated from Woodstock High School (Illinois) in 1995.[2] Curran also says that as a teen he would box with his grandfather.[citation needed] Curran holds a rank of fourth-degree black belt under Pedro Sauer.[1] Curran is also known as one of the most technical instructors in the Pedro Sauer Jiu-Jitsu Association.[citation needed]
Curran is president and head instructor of Curran Martial Arts Academy (CMA),[3] and owner and promoter of Xtreme Fighting Organization. Curran appeared on the television series Tapout on Versus with fellow Team Curran pro fighter Matt Fiordirosa.
World Extreme Cagefighting
[edit]After fifteen victories in sixteen fights, Curran fought Urijah Faber for the WEC featherweight championship. Faber retained his title by defeating Curran via guillotine choke. Curran then lost a pair of unanimous decisions, first to former WEC Featherweight Champion Mike Brown and then his Bantamweight debut to Joseph Benavidez at WEC 40.[4] His most recent WEC fight was against Takeya Mizugaki on August 9, 2009, WEC 42; he lost by a split decision, and was subsequently released from the promotion for good.[5]
Independent promotions
[edit]After losing four consecutive fights in the WEC, it was announced on October 20, 2009, that Curran had signed a two-fight contract with North American promotion Strikeforce. He maintained that his ultimate goal was to return to the WEC, but was glad to still be able to fight on major cards for the time being. He made his debut for the organization as a part of the preliminary card on their November 7 event, Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers, in Chicago, winning over Dustin Neace by submission in the first round.[6] Curran later defeated Tomohiko Hori via unanimous decision at XFO 34.[7] Curran went on to lose a unanimous decision to Bryan Goldsby in a non-tournament bantamweight bout at Bellator 14.
Curran announced that he will be featured in a documentary entitled "This is the Fight". It was expected to be released in early fall 2010. The film will be about his difficult road to try to make it back to the WEC after 4 consecutive losses to, at the time, top 5 fighters in his weight class.[citation needed]
Curran faced David Love at XFO 37 on December 4, 2010. Although breaking his right forearm towards the end of the fight, he won the fight by unanimous decision. He underwent surgery for the injury on New Year's Day 2011.[8]
Curran was scheduled to headline XFO 39 on May 13 at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Illinois.[9] He took on late replacement Billy Vaughan[10] and won via unanimous decision.[11]
UFC return
[edit]Curran in July 2011 signed a new multi-fight contract to return to the UFC.[12] His first fight back was against Scott Jorgensen,[13] who was ranked the No. 4 bantamweight in the world by MMAWeekly.com at the time that Curran returned to the promotion.[14] Curran lost by unanimous decision.[15]
Curran faced Johnny Eduardo on May 15, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier.[16] He lost the bout via unanimous decision and was subsequently released from the promotion.[17]
Resurrection Fighting Alliance
[edit]On April 29, 2013, it was announced that Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) next card would headline Jeff Curran and Sergio Pettis for the inaugural RFA flyweight championship. However, in the days leading up to the event, Curran was forced out for personal reasons and was replaced by Dillard "Joe" Pegg.[18]
On July 20, 2013, it was announced that Keoni Koch was injured and pulled from the main event of RFA 9; Curran was then set to face Pedro Munhoz at RFA 9 on August 16, 2013, in the main event for the RFA Bantamweight Championship.[19] Curran lost the bout via split[20] decision and announced his retirement.[21]
Titan Fighting Championship
[edit]On January 28, 2014, it was announced that Curran would return from his retirement to fight for Titan Fighting Championship; he was to take on fellow UFC vet Iliarde Santos in April.[22]
Grappling career
[edit]Curran was scheduled to compete in a rematch against Urijah Faber under Combat Jiu-Jitsu rules at A1 Combat 21 on May 25, 2024.[23] Curran withdrew from the match due to undisclosed reasons and was replaced by Jeff Glover.[24]
Personal life
[edit]Jeff and his wife Sarah have two sons.[25][26] Jeff opened up his own gym facility in 2018, where he was coaching Felice Herrig for her comeback but was forced to close it in 2020 due to financial complications resulting from COVID-19.[27]
Championships and accomplishments
[edit]Mixed martial arts record
[edit]| 55 matches | 36 wins | 18 losses |
| By knockout | 1 | 3 |
| By submission | 21 | 3 |
| By decision | 14 | 12 |
| Draws | 1 | |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 36–18–1 | Raufeon Stots | Decision (unanimous) | VFC 53: Curran vs. Stots | November 23, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | Waterloo, Iowa, United States | |
| Loss | 36–17–1 | Melvin Blumer | KO (backfist) | RFA 24: Smith vs. Romero | March 6, 2015 | 1 | 4:58 | Prior Lake, Minnesota, United States | |
| Loss | 36–16–1 | Pedro Munhoz | Decision (split) | RFA 9: Munhoz vs. Curran | August 16, 2013 | 5 | 5:00 | Los Angeles, California, United States | For the RFA Bantamweight Championship. |
| Win | 36–15–1 | Josh Killion | Decision (unanimous) | Extreme Challenge 227 | May 3, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Bettendorf, Iowa, United States | Flyweight Debut. |
| Loss | 35–15–1 | Johnny Eduardo | Decision (unanimous) | UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier | May 15, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Fairfax, Virginia, United States | |
| Loss | 35–14–1 | Scott Jorgensen | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 137 | October 29, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 35–13–1 | Billy Vaughan | Decision (unanimous) | Xtreme Fighting Organization 39 | May 13, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Hoffman Estates, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 34–13–1 | David Love | Decision (unanimous) | Xtreme Fighting Organization 37 | December 4, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Lakemoor, Illinois, United States | |
| Loss | 33–13–1 | Bryan Goldsby | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 14 | April 15, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Chicago, Illinois, United States | Bantamweight bout. |
| Win | 33–12–1 | Tomohiko Hori | Decision (unanimous) | XFO 34: Curran vs. Hori | December 5, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Lakemoor, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 32–12–1 | Dustin Neace | Submission (rib injury) | Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers | November 7, 2009 | 1 | 1:39 | Hoffman Estates, Illinois, United States | Lightweight bout. |
| Loss | 31–12–1 | Takeya Mizugaki | Decision (split) | WEC 42 | August 9, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 31–11–1 | Joseph Benavidez | Decision (unanimous) | WEC 40 | April 5, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Chicago, Illinois, United States | Bantamweight debut. |
| Loss | 31–10–1 | Mike Brown | Decision (unanimous) | WEC 34: Faber vs. Pulver | June 1, 2008 | 3 | 5:00 | Sacramento, California, United States | |
| Loss | 31–9–1 | Urijah Faber | Submission (guillotine choke) | WEC 31 | December 12, 2007 | 2 | 4:34 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | For WEC Featherweight Championship. |
| Win | 31–8–1 | Stephen Ledbetter | Decision (unanimous) | WEC 29 | August 5, 2007 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 30–8–1 | John Mahlow | Decision (split) | KOTC: Damage Control | May 26, 2007 | 3 | 5:00 | Chicago, Illinois, United States | Lightweight bout. |
| Win | 29–8–1 | Kevin English | Submission (guillotine choke) | IFL: Moline | April 7, 2007 | 2 | 1:12 | Moline, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 28–8–1 | Donny Walker | Submission (rear-naked choke) | KOTC: Hard Knocks | January 19, 2007 | 3 | 3:23 | Rockford, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 27–8–1 | Raphael Assunção | Decision (majority) | XFO 13: Operation Beatdown | November 11, 2006 | 3 | 5:00 | Hoffman Estates, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 26–8–1 | Wagnney Fabiano | Decision (split) | APEX: A Night of Champions | October 14, 2006 | 3 | 5:00 | Gatineau, Quebec, Canada | |
| Loss | 25–8–1 | Hatsu Hioki | Decision (unanimous) | Pride - Bushido 12 | August 26, 2006 | 2 | 5:00 | Nagoya, Japan | |
| Win | 25–7–1 | Charles Bennett | Submission (armbar) | KOTC: Redemption on the River | February 17, 2006 | 1 | 3:23 | Moline, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 24–7–1 | Antonio Carvalho | Decision (majority) | IHC 9: Purgatory | November 19, 2005 | 3 | 5:00 | Hammond, Indiana, United States | Won Shooto Americas Lightweight Championship |
| Win | 23–7–1 | Steve Kinnison | Submission (rear-naked choke) | XFO 6: Judgement Day | June 25, 2005 | 3 | 1:47 | Lakemoor, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 22–7–1 | Luke Spencer | Submission (rear-naked choke) | SuperBrawl 40 | April 30, 2005 | 2 | 2:34 | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | |
| Win | 21–7–1 | David Douglas | Submission (rear-naked choke) | IFC: Eve Of Destruction | March 5, 2005 | 1 | 1:39 | Salt Lake City, Utah, United States | |
| Win | 20–7–1 | Jason Dent | Decision (unanimous) | Xtreme Fighting Organization 3 | October 2, 2004 | 3 | 5:00 | McHenry, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 19–7–1 | Masahiro Oishi | Technical Submission (guillotine choke) | Zst 6 | September 12, 2004 | 1 | 0:44 | Tokyo, Japan | |
| Win | 18–7–1 | Kimihito Nonaka | Submission (rear-naked choke) | SuperBrawl 35 | April 16, 2004 | 3 | 4:35 | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | |
| Win | 17–7–1 | Dan Swift | Submission (triangle choke) | XFO 1: The Kickoff | March 14, 2004 | 3 | 0:44 | Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, United States | |
| Loss | 16–7–1 | Matt Serra | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 46 | January 31, 2004 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Lightweight bout. |
| Loss | 16–6–1 | Norifumi Yamamoto | Decision (unanimous) | SuperBrawl 29 | May 9, 2003 | 3 | 5:00 | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | |
| Win | 16–5–1 | Todd Lally | Submission (triangle choke) | WFA 3: Level 3 | November 23, 2002 | 1 | 4:49 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 15–5–1 | Ryan Ackerman | Decision (unanimous) | IHC 5: Tribulation | October 26, 2002 | 3 | 5:00 | Hammond, Indiana, United States | Won IHC Featherweight Championship |
| Win | 14–5–1 | Baret Yoshida | KO (punch) | UCC Hawaii: Eruption in Hawaii | September 17, 2002 | 2 | 2:08 | Honolulu, Hawaii, United States | |
| Win | 13–5–1 | Bao Quach | Decision (majority) | WEC 4 | August 31, 2002 | 3 | 5:00 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | |
| Loss | 12–5–1 | Ivan Menjivar | Decision (unanimous) | UCC 10: Battle for the Belts 2002 | June 15, 2002 | 3 | 5:00 | Hull, Quebec, Canada | |
| Win | 12–4–1 | Max Marin | Submission (triangle choke) | UA 1: The Genesis | January 27, 2002 | 2 | 3:46 | Hammond, Indiana, United States | |
| Loss | 11–4–1 | Anthony Hamlett | KO (elbow) | HOOKnSHOOT: Kings 2 | November 18, 2001 | 1 | 0:11 | Evansville, Indiana, United States | For vacant HnS Featherweight Championship.[30] |
| Draw | 11–3–1 | Ryoji Yoshizawa | Draw | HOOKnSHOOT: Quake | March 10, 2001 | 2 | 5:00 | Evansville, Indiana, United States | |
| Win | 11–3 | Jamie Webb | Submission (punches) | Freestyle Combat Challenge 3 | January 6, 2001 | 1 | 2:44 | N/A | |
| Win | 10–3 | Tony DeDolph | Decision (split) | Extreme Challenge 31 | March 24, 2000 | 3 | 5:00 | Kenosha, Wisconsin, United States | |
| Win | 9–3 | Ron Matthews | Submission (triangle choke) | Bangkok Brawl | March 20, 2000 | N/A | N/A | Chicago, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 8–3 | Sam Wells | Submission (triangle choke) | Midwest Absolute Challenge | December 4, 1999 | 1 | 16:04 | McHenry, Illinois, United States | |
| Loss | 7–3 | Phil Johns | Submission (strikes) | Cage Combat 4 | September 26, 1999 | 1 | 0:31 | Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States | |
| Win | 7–2 | Jeremy Bolt | Submission (triangle choke) | ECC: Extreme Combat Challenge | August 17, 1999 | 1 | 4:30 | Illinois, United States | |
| Loss | 6–2 | Phil Johns | KO (punches) | HOOKnSHOOT: Rising | June 12, 1999 | 1 | N/A | Evansville, Indiana, United States | |
| Win | 6–1 | Charles Barron | Submission (armbar) | Chicago Challenge 6 | May 22, 1999 | 1 | N/A | Chicago, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 5–1 | Sam Wells | Decision | Freestyle Combat Challenge 1 | April 19, 1999 | 1 | 15:00 | N/A | |
| Win | 4–1 | Jeff Rick | Submission (rear-naked choke) | HOOKnSHOOT: Trial | January 30, 1999 | 1 | 0:44 | Evansville, Indiana, United States | |
| Win | 3–1 | Larry Koneizka | Submission (armbar) | Chicago Challenge 5 | November 1, 1998 | 1 | N/A | Chicago, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 2–1 | Jason Chambers | Submission (front choke) | Chicago Challenge 4 | May 30, 1998 | 1 | N/A | Chicago, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 1–1 | Mike Haltom | Submission (armbar) | Extreme Challenge 17 | April 11, 1998 | 1 | 2:58 | Indianapolis, Indiana, United States | |
| Loss | 0–1 | Henry Matamoros | Submission | Extreme Challenge 13 | January 16, 1998 | 1 | 11:13 | Kenosha, Wisconsin, United States |
Submission grappling record
[edit]| 1 Match, 1 Loss | |||||||
| Result | Rec. | Opponent | Method | Event | Division | Date | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lose | 0–1 | Points | ADCC 2009 | –66 kg | 2009 | ||
Professional boxing record
[edit]| 5 fights | 2 wins | 2 losses |
|---|---|---|
| By knockout | 2 | 0 |
| By decision | 0 | 2 |
| Draws | 1 | |
| No. | Result | Record | Opponent | Method | Round, time | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Win | 2–2–1 | TKO | 3 (4), 1:38 | Sep 19, 2008 | |||
| 4 | Loss | 1–2–1 | MD | 4 | May 11, 2007 | |||
| 3 | Loss | 1–1–1 | UD | 4 | Jul 21, 2006 | |||
| 2 | Draw | 1–0–1 | PTS | 6 | Apr 21, 2006 | |||
| 1 | Win | 1–0 | TKO | 4 (4), 2:31 | Apr 20, 2005 | Professional debut |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "Professor Jeff Curran". teamcurran.com.
- ^ "Curran works for another shot at world title". www.nwherald.com. July 19, 2012.
- ^ "Team Curran MMA - Mixed Martial Arts in Crystal Lake, IL". Team Curran MMA. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
- ^ Dave Doyle (March 1, 2009). "WEC notes: Karalexis heeds wake-up call". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved March 2, 2009.
- ^ Hunt, Kelvin (August 11, 2009). "WEC 42 Review: Jeff Curran Thinks He Was Robbed Against Takeya Mizugaki". mmaforreal.com. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
- ^ "Nothing found for Absolutenm Templates Dailynews Asp". MMAWeekly.com. Retrieved January 8, 2018.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Jeff Curran Stomps Tomohiko Hori". sherdog.com. December 8, 2009. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
- ^ "XFO 37 results – Jeff Curran picks up win & Felice Herrig vs. Amanda LaVoy fight video". ULTIMMA.com. December 6, 2010. Archived from the original on September 26, 2015. Retrieved December 6, 2010.
- ^ "Jeff Curran Headlines XFO 39". MMARecap.com. Archived from the original on March 18, 2011.
- ^ MMA Recap. "MMA Recap". Archived from the original on May 14, 2011. Retrieved May 18, 2011.
- ^ MMA Recap. "MMA Recap". MMA Recap. Archived from the original on May 15, 2011. Retrieved May 13, 2011.
- ^ "The Big Frog Is Back: Jeff Curran Signs New Deal with UFC". MMAWeekly.com. July 26, 2011.
- ^ "Scott Jorgensen Welcomes Jeff Curran Back to the Octagon at UFC 137". MMAWeekly.com. July 26, 2011.
- ^ "MMAWeekly Bantamweight MMA Top 10". MMAWeekly.com. July 26, 2011.
- ^ G.D. (October 30, 2011). "UFC 137 Results: What we Learned from Scott Jorgensen vs. Jeff Curran". bleacherreport.com. Retrieved February 19, 2022.
- ^ "UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier". ufc.com. March 12, 2012.
- ^ Anton Tabuena (June 4, 2012). "UFC Releases Several Fighters From Their Roster". bloodyelbow.com.
- ^ "Jeff Curran Out of RFA 8 Main Event; Sergio Pettis Gets New Opponent | MMAWeekly.com". June 12, 2013.
- ^ "Keoni Koch Injured, Jeff Curran Steps into RFA 9 Main Event Title Fight | MMAWeekly.com". July 20, 2013.
- ^ Archived at Ghostarchive and the Wayback Machine: "Fight of the Week: Pedro Munhoz vs. Jeff Curran RFA 9 ~~~". YouTube.
- ^ "MMA vet Jeff Curran retires following RFA 9 title loss". Archived from the original on August 20, 2013.
- ^ Jamie Penick (January 28, 2014). "UFC vets Dave Herman, Jeff Curran sign with Titan FC, debut in April on CBS Sports Network". mmatorch.com. Retrieved January 29, 2014.
- ^ Jones, Phil (March 31, 2024). "Urijah Faber And Jeff Curran Set For Combat Jiu-Jitsu Rematch". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
- ^ Blackett, Todd (April 16, 2024). "Jeff Glover Steps In To Face Urijah Faber In Combat Jiu-Jitsu Match". Jitsmagazine. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
- ^ "Ty Curran - Little Frog Born: March 19th, 2007 10:52pm". JeffCurran.tv. Retrieved January 8, 2018.[dead link]
- ^ "There must be something in the water". Suckerpunchent.com. December 27, 2008. Archived from the original on January 14, 2009. Retrieved January 1, 2009.
- ^ Martin, Damon (July 4, 2020). "UFC vet Jeff Curran brought to tears after being forced to close his gym due to coronavirus pandemic". MMA Fighting. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
- ^ Saalbach, Axel. "Wrestlingdata.com - The World's Largest Wrestling Database". WrestlingData.com. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
- ^ Saalbach, Axel. "Wrestlingdata.com - The World's Largest Wrestling Database". WrestlingData.com. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
- ^ "Gladiator Challenge #8at Saboba Casino (results)". FCFighter.com. Retrieved January 8, 2018.
External links
[edit]Jeff Curran
View on GrokipediaEarly life and background
Childhood and initial training
Jeff Curran was born on September 2, 1977, in Woodstock, Illinois, and raised in the nearby Wonder Lake area, part of the broader Crystal Lake region.[5][6] Growing up in a blue-collar family, Curran experienced a modest upbringing marked by financial challenges, including section 8 housing, in a small lake town south of the Wisconsin border. His father, a third-generation carpet installer who battled diabetes and heart disease, played a key role in encouraging his early interest in sports and martial arts, often driving him to training sessions despite his own health struggles. Curran's mother also supported his athletic pursuits, though she intervened when his maternal grandfather attempted to enroll him in competitive boxing around age 12, opting instead for safer activities like wrestling.[7][8] Around age 12, Curran briefly explored boxing under his grandfather, a former military boxer, but transitioned to wrestling at his mother's urging. He began his martial arts journey at age five with karate training through local park district programs in the Crystal Lake area, under instructors who provided affordable introductory classes. He continued this striking art with guidance from community-based coaches until around age 10. These early experiences instilled discipline and a foundation in stand-up techniques.[6][9] By middle school, Curran transitioned toward grappling, attending wrestling camps during fourth and fifth grades that exposed him to foundational takedown and ground control skills under school-affiliated coaches. This shift, supported by his parents, marked his initial foray into wrestling as a structured sport, building on his prior martial arts base before high school competitions.[7][9]Amateur wrestling and martial arts
Curran graduated from Woodstock High School in Illinois in May 1995, where he competed on the varsity wrestling team throughout his high school years.[2] His dedication to the sport earned him induction into the Woodstock High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2018, recognizing his contributions as a standout athlete.[2] Although specific tournament placements from his high school career are not widely documented, his wrestling experience laid a strong foundation in grappling techniques that influenced his subsequent pursuits in martial arts.[9] During his teenage years, Curran began exploring martial arts beyond wrestling, starting Brazilian jiu-jitsu training at age 14 in the early 1990s under instructor Pedro Sauer, a prominent figure in the Gracie lineage.[10] This early exposure to the art allowed him to progress through the initial belt ranks, achieving his blue and purple belts before turning professional in MMA.[2] By his late teens, he had deepened his involvement, opening his first gym as an affiliate instructor under Sauer at age 19 in 1996.[2] Prior to his professional debut, Curran competed in several amateur grappling and MMA events, showcasing his developing skills. In 1995, he captured the Midwest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Challenge title in both the 150-pound division and the absolute category.[2] The following year, he won the Wisconsin State Ground Fighting Championships in the lightweight division and absolute bracket.[2] In 1997, he claimed victory in the Extreme Challenge Trials amateur MMA tournament, defeating opponents including Todd Brown, Drew Irion, and Justin Wisniewski in a single-night bracket.[11][12][13] These successes highlighted how his wrestling base enhanced his ground fighting proficiency for future endeavors.Professional MMA career
Early independent promotions (1998–2006)
Jeff Curran made his professional MMA debut on January 16, 1998, at Extreme Challenge 13 in Delevan, Wisconsin, where he suffered a first-round submission loss to Henry Matamoros via rear-naked choke.[14] Just three months later, on April 11, 1998, he secured his first professional victory at Extreme Challenge 17 in Indianapolis, Indiana, submitting Mike Haltom with an armbar at 2:58 of the opening round.[1] Competing primarily in regional promotions centered in the Midwest, such as Extreme Challenge and Chicago Challenge, Curran quickly adapted his amateur wrestling background to the professional grappling demands of early MMA, transitioning to a submission-oriented approach that emphasized ground control and chokes.[5] Over the next few years, Curran built momentum through consistent appearances in independent circuits, racking up key submission victories against lesser-known regional fighters, including a rear-naked choke against Jeff Rick at HooknShoot: Trial on January 30, 1999, and a triangle choke over Jeremy Bolt at Extreme Combat Challenge on August 17, 1999.[1] These performances contributed to an early win streak of six consecutive victories from April 1998 to May 1999, showcasing his developing grappling prowess despite occasional setbacks, such as back-to-back losses to Phil Johns in 1999.[5] In 2003, Curran co-founded the Xtreme Fighting Organization (XFO) in Illinois, a promotion that became a platform for his own fights; he debuted there on March 14, 2004, submitting Dan Swift via triangle choke in the first round at XFO 1, marking the start of another significant streak.[1] This period solidified his reputation in local scenes, with over 10 wins accumulated by mid-decade, often ending bouts via submissions like armbars and rear-naked chokes against opponents including Jason Dent (unanimous decision at XFO 3 on October 2, 2004) and Steve Kinnison (rear-naked choke at XFO 6 on June 25, 2005).[5] Curran's expansion into slightly larger regional promotions included stints with Ironheart Crown (IHC) and Shooto Americas. On October 26, 2002, at IHC 5: Tribulation in Hammond, Indiana, he captured the inaugural IHC Featherweight Championship with a unanimous decision victory over Ryan Ackerman after three rounds, defending his wrestling-based grappling style against a durable striker.[15] He later added the Shooto Americas Featherweight Championship on November 19, 2005, at IHC 9 in the same venue, defeating Antonio "Charuto" Carvalho by majority decision in a high-paced bout that highlighted his endurance and ground transitions.[16] Throughout this era, Curran's fighting style remained grappling-heavy, rooted in his wrestling foundation and bolstered by Brazilian jiu-jitsu expertise, earning him the early nickname "The Big Frog" for his agile, opportunistic submissions reminiscent of a frog's strike.[1] This phase, spanning 1998 to 2006, saw him compile a record of approximately 20-7 in independent promotions, establishing a foundation of resilience and technical skill before higher-profile opportunities.[14]World Extreme Cagefighting tenure (2007–2009)
Jeff Curran signed with the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) promotion in 2007 under an exclusive four-fight contract, marking his return to the organization after a previous appearance in 2002.[17] He debuted successfully on August 5, 2007, at WEC 29 in Las Vegas, defeating Stephen Ledbetter by unanimous decision after three rounds, showcasing his grappling prowess from early training.[1] This victory earned him a featherweight title shot against champion Urijah Faber at WEC 31 on December 12, 2007, where Faber retained the belt via guillotine choke submission in the second round at 4:34.[18] Following the title loss, Curran faced Mike Brown at WEC 34 on June 1, 2008, in Sacramento, dropping a unanimous decision after three rounds in a closely contested featherweight bout.[19] Struggling to make the 145-pound limit, Curran adjusted to the bantamweight division (135 pounds) for his next fights in 2009, aiming for renewed contention.[20] He lost his bantamweight debut to Joseph Benavidez by unanimous decision at WEC 40 on April 5, 2009, in Chicago, followed by a split decision defeat to Takeya Mizugaki at WEC 42 on August 9, 2009, also in Las Vegas. These four consecutive losses in the WEC led to his release from the promotion later in 2009.[21] Curran's WEC tenure provided significant national exposure, highlighting his technical skills and resilience against top competition, though it ultimately influenced a shift toward other promotions and later career phases.[22]Strikeforce and Bellator appearances (2009–2010)
Following his release from the WEC, Curran signed with Strikeforce and made his promotional debut on November 7, 2009, at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Rogers in Chicago, Illinois. In a bantamweight bout on the preliminary card, he defeated Dustin Neace by TKO (rib injury) at 1:39 of the first round, snapping his losing streak and earning a $20,000 bonus for the performance.[1] Curran then joined Bellator Fighting Championships for their Season 2 bantamweight tournament. On April 15, 2010, at Bellator 14 in Chicago, he faced Bryan Goldsby in the opening round but lost by unanimous decision (29-28 on all cards) after three rounds, ending his brief stint with the promotion.[1]UFC appearances and returns (2004, 2011–2012)
Jeff Curran's initial foray into the Ultimate Fighting Championship occurred on January 31, 2004, at UFC 46: Supernatural in Las Vegas, Nevada, where he faced Matt Serra in a welterweight bout.[23] Curran, making his promotional debut after competing in regional promotions, was outgrappled by Serra, who secured multiple takedowns and controlled the action on the ground throughout the three rounds, leading to a unanimous decision loss for Curran (30-27 on all scorecards).[24] This marked Curran's only UFC appearance for several years, as he shifted focus to other organizations like the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC), where his experience against high-level competition helped prepare him for a return to the UFC's unified bantamweight division.[25] After signing a multi-fight contract in July 2011, Curran returned to the UFC on October 29, 2011, at UFC 137: Penn vs. Diaz, dropping to bantamweight (135 pounds) to face Scott Jorgensen on the main card.[26] The fight saw Jorgensen utilize superior wrestling to take Curran down repeatedly, landing significant ground strikes and thwarting submission attempts, including a guillotine choke from Curran in the first round.[27] Judges scored the bout 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27 in favor of Jorgensen, resulting in a unanimous decision loss for Curran and extending his Octagon record to 0-2.[28] Curran later noted that the weight cut to 135 pounds was relatively straightforward for his frame, allowing him to maintain energy, though adapting to the UFC's five-round format potential and stricter judging criteria from his WEC tenure proved challenging. Curran's final UFC outing came on May 15, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV 3: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier in Fairfax, Virginia, against Brazilian veteran Johnny Eduardo in another bantamweight matchup. Eduardo dominated with precise leg kicks that visibly damaged Curran's lead leg over the first two rounds, limiting his mobility and striking output, while Curran struggled to close the distance for takedowns.[29] Despite a late push in the third round, the judges awarded Eduardo a unanimous decision victory (29-28 on all cards), dropping Curran's UFC record to 0-3 and leading to his release from the promotion.[30] These returns highlighted Curran's resilience in transitioning from lighter regional bouts to the UFC's intense pace, though recurring issues with opponents' grappling and striking volume underscored the difficulties of re-establishing himself at the elite level after a seven-year Octagon hiatus.[31]Later promotions and retirement (2013–2016)
Following his departures from major promotions, Curran competed in regional circuits, leveraging his extensive experience from over a decade in the sport to pursue opportunities in bantamweight title contention. On May 3, 2013, he secured a unanimous decision victory over Joshua Killion at Extreme Challenge 227 in Hammond, Indiana, marking a strong start to the year with his grappling prowess controlling the bout over three rounds.[1] This win positioned him for a high-profile opportunity later that summer. On August 16, 2013, Curran challenged for the inaugural Resurrection Fighting Alliance (RFA) bantamweight championship against undefeated prospect Pedro Munhoz at RFA 9 in Carson, California. In a closely contested five-round main event, Munhoz edged out Curran via split decision (47-48 Curran, 49-46 Munhoz, 50-45 Munhoz), capturing the vacant title in Curran's 50th professional bout.[32] The loss prompted an initial retirement announcement, as Curran reflected on nearly 16 years of competition.[33] Curran briefly returned in 2015, facing Melvin Blumer at RFA 24 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on March 6. Despite his veteran status, Blumer stunned Curran with a first-round knockout via backfist at 4:58, ending the comeback attempt abruptly.[1] After another hiatus, Curran made a final appearance on November 23, 2016, against Raufeon Stots at Victory Fighting Championship 53 in Waterloo, Iowa. Stots dominated with striking and takedown defense, winning a unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) over three rounds.[34] Immediately following the defeat, the 39-year-old Curran delivered an emotional in-cage speech announcing his definitive retirement, concluding a 18-year career that began in 1998. His final professional MMA record stood at 36-18-1, with 19 submission victories highlighting his Brazilian jiu-jitsu expertise.[35]Grappling and coaching career
Competitive submission grappling
After retiring from mixed martial arts, Jeff Curran transitioned to competitive submission grappling, leveraging his extensive experience with submissions—where he secured 19 victories during his MMA career—to focus on pure no-gi and Brazilian jiu-jitsu techniques without strikes.[1] This shift allowed him to emphasize ground control, positional dominance, and joint locks in a ruleset that highlighted technical grappling over hybrid combat.[36] Curran, a fifth-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu awarded under Master Pedro Sauer, continued to compete in high-profile no-gi events into his later career.[2] In 2024, he was scheduled for a rematch against Urijah Faber under Combat Jiu-Jitsu rules at A1 Combat 21 on May 25, but withdrew due to undisclosed circumstances, with Jeff Glover stepping in as his replacement.[37] Demonstrating his enduring competitiveness, Curran achieved a victory in a no-gi super fight in May 2025, underscoring his sustained proficiency in submission-only formats after decades in the sport.[10] His participation in invitational tournaments up to 2025 further showcased this evolution, where he applied refined grappling strategies honed from his black belt progression and early MMA groundwork to excel in environments prioritizing chokes, armbars, and leg locks.[38]Academy ownership and event promotion
Following his retirement from professional mixed martial arts in 2016, Jeff Curran shifted his focus to leading the Curran Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Crystal Lake, Illinois, which he originally founded in the summer of 1997 as an affiliate of Master Pedro Sauer. The academy, emphasizing practical self-defense, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and ethical development, has served as a cornerstone for martial arts training in the region, with Curran serving as head instructor and promoting a "jiu-jitsu for life" philosophy inspired by his mentor.[2][39] In July 2020, Curran was forced to close the academy indefinitely due to financial strains from the COVID-19 pandemic, an emotional decision that highlighted the gym's role in his life and community.[40] The facility reopened in the months following, resuming classes and rebuilding its programs to continue fostering student growth and consistency on the mats.[6] Curran has also been deeply involved in event promotion, co-founding the Xtreme Fighting Organization (XFO) in 2003 as a premier Midwest MMA promotion that served as a stepping stone for emerging fighters. He co-owned and co-promoted XFO events through approximately 2015, hosting numerous cards that drew thousands of fans and showcased regional talent. The promotion has continued to host events, including outdoor spectacles like the "Return of the Outdoor War" in August 2025.[3][41] His experience balancing promotion with his own fighting career underscored the organization's impact on the local MMA scene. In 2025, Curran launched the JC Invitational, a professional jiu-jitsu event series aimed at elevating athlete respect and accessibility, with the inaugural "The Inception" held on September 6 at the MAC Sports Center in Crystal Lake, which attracted approximately 600 live attendees and 5,000 online viewers. Featuring high-profile super fights streamed on YouTube for global reach, the event prioritized fair competition and athlete stories, setting the stage for future installments like JC Invitational 2 in January 2026.[3][4][6] Through these ventures, Curran has significantly influenced the local jiu-jitsu community, creating a supportive environment at his academy that develops champions and promotes lifelong engagement with the art, drawing students from diverse backgrounds to train under his guidance. His personal grappling achievements inform a structured curriculum focused on fundamentals and empathy, helping to build a resilient network of practitioners in McHenry County and beyond.[3][39]Boxing career
Professional bouts
Jeff Curran ventured into professional boxing in 2005 as a means to diversify his skill set and enhance his striking abilities, complementing his grappling-centric MMA career.[20] He competed in the light division across five bouts between 2005 and 2008, primarily in Illinois venues, before stepping away from the sport.[42] His overall record stood at 2 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with both victories coming via stoppage or decision.[42][2] Curran's debut occurred on April 20, 2005, at Bourbon Street in Merrionette Park, Illinois, where he defeated Alexis Rubin by TKO in the fourth round.[42] He followed this with a draw against Emanuel Hernandez on April 21, 2006, at Cicero Stadium in Cicero, Illinois.[42] Later that year, on July 21, Curran suffered his first loss, falling to Raul Gracia by unanimous decision at the Aragon Ballroom in Chicago.[42] In his next outing on May 11, 2007, Curran faced Guadalupe Diaz at Cicero Stadium and lost by majority decision after four rounds, with judges' scores of 39-37 twice and 38-38.[42] He rebounded in his final bout on September 19, 2008, against Miguel Angel Figueroa, earning a third-round TKO victory at Cicero Stadium to close out his boxing tenure on a high note.[42][20]| Date | Opponent | Result | Method/Decision | Rounds | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005-04-20 | Alexis Rubin | Win | TKO | 4 | Merrionette Park, IL |
| 2006-04-21 | Emanuel Hernandez | Draw | PTS | 6 | Cicero, IL |
| 2006-07-21 | Raul Gracia | Loss | UD | 4 | Chicago, IL |
| 2007-05-11 | Guadalupe Diaz | Loss | Majority (39-37, 39-37, 38-38) | 4 | Cicero, IL |
| 2008-09-19 | Miguel Angel Figueroa | Win | TKO | 3 | Cicero, IL |
Notable fights and outcomes
One of Curran's notable boxing matches occurred on April 21, 2006, at Cicero Stadium in Cicero, Illinois, where he faced regional super lightweight contender Emanuel Hernandez, who entered with a 5-2 record. The six-round bout ended in a points draw after a competitive exchange of punches, with Curran pressing forward aggressively but unable to land a decisive blow against Hernandez's counterpunching and movement. This result demonstrated Curran's raw power from his debut TKO victory but highlighted challenges in sustaining pressure without the grappling options available in MMA, forcing him to rely solely on stand-up range management and combination punching. In May 2007, Curran suffered a majority decision loss (39-37, 39-37, 38-38) to Guadalupe Diaz over four rounds at the same venue, in a light division matchup. Diaz, a more experienced boxer, utilized superior jab control and footwork to outpoint Curran, who absorbed punishment while attempting to close distance for hooks and body shots. The defeat by decision emphasized strategic contrasts between boxing's emphasis on pure striking precision and distance control versus the clinch integrations and takedown threats Curran favored in MMA, where transitions often neutralized stand-up deficits. These experiences refined Curran's footwork, enabling quicker lateral shifts and better evasion that translated to enhanced mobility in his subsequent MMA competitions at bantamweight and featherweight, contributing to his overall combat sports adaptability. Curran's professional boxing activity ceased after a 2008 win, allowing him to prioritize MMA pursuits before shifting focus to grappling instruction post-2015.[42]Personal life
Family and residence
Jeff Curran has been married to Sarah Curran since 2004, and together they have raised two sons, Ty and Jacob, in Illinois.[43][3] The family has maintained a long-term residence in the Crystal Lake area, where Curran established his martial arts academy.[3] Throughout his career, Curran balanced family life with extensive travel for MMA fights and coaching commitments, supported by Sarah's encouragement since his debut in 1997, while continuing to manage events like the 2025 Jeff Curran Invitational from their Illinois base.[3] Sarah Curran has personal involvement in martial arts, having trained in Thaiboxing for five years, and the couple's sons have shown interest in their father's pursuits, with Ty and Jacob motivating his recent event promotions.[43][3]Philanthropy and community involvement
Jeff Curran has shown dedication to community support through his Curran Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Crystal Lake, Illinois, which acts as a central hub for martial arts training and youth development in the local area.[44] Curran has also raised awareness for diabetes through the American Diabetes Association, motivated by his father's death from the disease when Curran was 18 years old.[45] In 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Curran faced the heartbreaking closure of his gym, an experience that left him in tears as he reflected on the personal and financial toll after years of building the facility. To aid his affected students, he quickly arranged to resume classes in a temporary space offered by a local church pastor, allowing the community to continue training despite the shutdown.[40] The academy's Junior Jiu-Jitsu program targets youth aged 7-12 with a curriculum designed to address anti-bullying through practical self-defense skills, teaching children how to defuse conflicts, escape holds, and build confidence against common bullying scenarios using Gracie Jiu-Jitsu techniques.[46] In 2025, Curran's JC Invitational furthered community ties by hosting professional grappling super fights in McHenry County, drawing national competitors and spotlighting local talent to foster excitement and accessibility in the sport.[6]Championships and accomplishments
MMA titles
Jeff Curran won the Ironheart Crown (IHC) Featherweight Championship on October 26, 2002, defeating Ryan Ackerman by unanimous decision after three rounds at IHC 5: Tribulation in Hammond, Indiana.[15] This victory marked his first major regional title in mixed martial arts, showcasing his grappling expertise in a closely contested bout that went the full distance.[47] In 2005, Curran captured the Shooto Americas Lightweight Championship by majority decision over Antonio Carvalho on November 19 at IHC 9: Purgatory, also in Hammond, Indiana.[16] The fight, contested at 145 pounds, highlighted Curran's technical striking and takedown defense against the undefeated Brazilian black belt, solidifying his status as a top contender in North American Shooto circuits.[48] Curran also held the SuperBrawl Featherweight Championship and the Apex World Featherweight Championship during his early career.[2] Curran did not record any successful defenses of either title, with the IHC belt likely vacated following his move to higher-profile promotions and the Shooto title remaining a one-time reign amid his busy schedule.[1] These accomplishments were significant in the regional MMA landscape of the early to mid-2000s, where IHC and Shooto Americas served as key proving grounds for featherweight and lightweight talents seeking entry into organizations like the WEC and UFC; however, Curran never captured a championship in those major leagues despite challenging for the WEC Featherweight title in 2007.[22]Grappling achievements
Jeff Curran's grappling expertise, honed through his MMA career where he recorded 19 submission victories, laid the foundation for his post-retirement focus on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu instruction and competition.[5][1] Early in his career, Curran achieved success in submission grappling tournaments, winning two Midwest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Challenge titles in 1995 (150 lbs and absolute division), a gold medal at the 2001 Gracie Nationals, and the ADCC Americas Superfight Championship.[2] In recognition of his long-standing contributions to the art, Curran was awarded the rank of fifth-degree black belt by Master Pedro Sauer, a prestigious honor reflecting over two decades of dedicated practice and teaching under the Pedro Sauer BJJ Association.[38] This promotion, noted as early as 2022, underscores Curran's evolution from competitor to a high-level instructor within the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu lineage.[2] Curran has continued to compete successfully in no-gi formats, securing notable wins in super fights that highlight his enduring skill at age 48. A key achievement came in May 2025, when he emerged victorious in a no-gi super fight at the Nitro Grappling Expo in Chicago.[10] This bout, part of a series of invitationals, demonstrated Curran's technical proficiency in submission-only grappling, drawing on his experience from 55 professional MMA fights.[36][1] As head instructor at Team Curran Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Curran has mentored numerous students who have achieved competitive success in regional and invitational tournaments, fostering a pipeline of skilled grapplers through rigorous training in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu principles.[2] His coaching milestones include guiding affiliates to victories in events like the inaugural Jeff Curran Invitational in September 2025, where participants from associated academies, such as Cedar Valley BJJ, claimed wins in submission-only matches, exemplifying the academy's emphasis on practical application and athlete development.[49] The JC Invitational, launched by Curran in 2025, serves as a premier platform for emerging grapplers, featuring over 25 no-gi submission-only super fights that prioritize athlete welfare and technical excellence over spectacle.[50] The event's debut at the McHenry County Athletic Complex in Crystal Lake, Illinois, attracted top regional talent and set a standard for respectful competition, with plans for expansion including the second edition in January 2026 at The Vixen in McHenry.[3][6] Through this initiative, Curran has elevated opportunities for up-and-coming athletes, aligning with his mission to preserve the core values of jiu-jitsu amid the sport's growing commercialization.[10]Mixed martial arts record
| Result | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | Raufeon Stots | Decision (Unanimous) | VFC 53 - Curran vs. Stots | Nov 23, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Melvin Blumer | KO (Backfist) | RFA 24 - Smith vs. Romero | Mar 06, 2015 | 1 | 4:58 |
| Loss | Pedro Munhoz | Decision (Split) | RFA 9 - Munhoz vs. Curran | Aug 16, 2013 | 5 | 5:00 |
| Win | Joshua Killion | Decision (Unanimous) | EC - Extreme Challenge 227 | May 03, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Johnny Eduardo | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC on Fuel TV 3 - Korean Zombie vs. Poirier | May 15, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Scott Jorgensen | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC 137 - Penn vs. Diaz | Oct 29, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Billy Vaughan | Decision (Unanimous) | XFO - Xtreme Fighting Organization 39 | May 13, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | David Love | Decision (Unanimous) | XFO - Xtreme Fighting Organization 37 | Dec 04, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Bryan Goldsby | Decision (Unanimous) | BFC - Bellator Fighting Championships 14 | Apr 15, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Tomohiko Hori | Decision (Unanimous) | XFO 34 - Curran vs. Hori | Dec 05, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Dustin Neace | TKO (Rib Injury) | Strikeforce / M-1 Global - Fedor vs. Rogers | Nov 07, 2009 | 1 | 1:39 |
| Loss | Takeya Mizugaki | Decision (Split) | WEC 42 - Torres vs. Bowles | Aug 09, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Joseph Benavidez | Decision (Unanimous) | WEC 40 - Torres vs. Mizugaki | Apr 05, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Mike Thomas Brown | Decision (Unanimous) | WEC 34 - Sacramento | Jun 01, 2008 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Urijah Faber | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | WEC 31 - Faber vs. Curran | Dec 12, 2007 | 2 | 4:34 |
| Win | Stephen Ledbetter | Decision (Unanimous) | WEC 29 - Las Vegas | Aug 05, 2007 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | John Mahlow | Decision (Split) | KOTC - Damage Control | May 26, 2007 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Kevin English | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | IFL - Moline | Apr 07, 2007 | 2 | 1:12 |
| Win | Donny Walker | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | KOTC - Hard Knocks | Jan 19, 2007 | 3 | 3:23 |
| Win | Raphael Assuncao | Decision (Majority) | XFO 13 - Operation Beatdown | Nov 11, 2006 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Wagnney Fabiano | Decision (Split) | APEX - A Night of Champions | Oct 14, 2006 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Hatsu Hioki | Decision (Unanimous) | Pride - Bushido 12 | Aug 26, 2006 | 2 | 5:00 |
| Win | Charles Bennett | Submission (Armbar) | KOTC - Redemption on the River | Feb 17, 2006 | 1 | 3:23 |
| Win | Antonio Carvalho | Decision (Majority) | IHC 9 - Purgatory | Nov 19, 2005 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Steve Kinnison | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | XFO 6 - Judgement Day | Jun 25, 2005 | 3 | 1:47 |
| Win | Luke Spencer | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | SB 40 - SuperBrawl 40 | Apr 30, 2005 | 2 | 2:34 |
| Win | David Douglas | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | IFC - Eve Of Destruction | Mar 05, 2005 | 1 | 1:39 |
| Win | Jason Dent | Decision (Unanimous) | XFO - Xtreme Fighting Organization 3 | Oct 02, 2004 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Masahiro Oishi | Technical Submission (Guillotine Choke) | Zst - Zst 6 | Sep 12, 2004 | 1 | 0:44 |
| Win | Kimihito Nonaka | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | SB 35 - SuperBrawl 35 | Apr 16, 2004 | 3 | 4:35 |
| Win | Dan Swift | Submission (Triangle Choke) | XFO 1 - The Kickoff | Mar 14, 2004 | 3 | 0:44 |
| Loss | Matt Serra | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC 46 - Supernatural | Jan 31, 2004 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Norifumi Yamamoto | Decision (Unanimous) | SB 29 - SuperBrawl 29 | May 09, 2003 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Todd Lally | Submission (Triangle Choke) | WFA 3 - Level 3 | Nov 23, 2002 | 1 | 4:49 |
| Win | Ryan Ackerman | Decision (Unanimous) | IHC 5 - Tribulation | Oct 26, 2002 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Baret Yoshida | KO (Punch) | UCC Hawaii - Eruption in Hawaii | Sep 17, 2002 | 2 | 2:08 |
| Win | Bao Quach | Decision (Majority) | WEC 4 - Rumble Under The Sun | Aug 31, 2002 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Loss | Ivan Menjivar | Decision (Unanimous) | UCC 10 - Battle for the Belts 2002 | Jun 15, 2002 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Max Marin | Submission (Triangle Choke) | UA 1 - The Genesis | Jan 27, 2002 | 2 | 3:46 |
| Loss | Anthony Hamlett | KO (Elbow) | HOOKnSHOOT - Kings 2 | Nov 18, 2001 | 1 | 0:11 |
| Draw | Ryoji Yoshizawa | Draw | HOOKnSHOOT - Quake | Mar 10, 2001 | 2 | 5:00 |
| Win | Jamie Webb | TKO (Submission to Punches) | FCC 3 - Freestyle Combat Challenge 3 | Jan 06, 2001 | 1 | 2:44 |
| Win | Tony DeDolph | Decision (Split) | EC 31 - Extreme Challenge 31 | Mar 24, 2000 | 3 | 5:00 |
| Win | Ron Matthews | Submission (Triangle Choke) | BB - Bangkok Brawl | Mar 20, 2000 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Win | Sam Wells | Submission (Triangle Choke) | MAC - Midwest Absolute Challenge | Dec 04, 1999 | 1 | 16:04 |
| Loss | Phil Johns | TKO (Submission to Strikes) | CC 4 - Cage Combat 4 | Sep 26, 1999 | 1 | 0:31 |
| Win | Jeremy Bolt | Submission (Triangle Choke) | ECC - Extreme Combat Challenge | Aug 17, 1999 | 1 | 4:30 |
| Loss | Phil Johns | KO (Punches) | HOOKnSHOOT - Rising | Jun 12, 1999 | 1 | N/A |
| Win | Charles Barron | Submission (Armbar) | CC 6 - Chicago Challenge 6 | May 22, 1999 | 1 | N/A |
| Win | Sam Wells | Decision | FCC 1 - Freestyle Combat Challenge 1 | Apr 19, 1999 | 1 | 15:00 |
| Win | Jeff Rick | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | HOOKnSHOOT - Trial | Jan 30, 1999 | 1 | 0:44 |
| Win | Larry Koneizka | Submission (Armbar) | CC 5 - Chicago Challenge 5 | Nov 01, 1998 | 1 | N/A |
| Win | Jason Chambers | Submission (Front Choke) | CC 4 - Chicago Challenge 4 | May 30, 1998 | 1 | N/A |
| Win | Mike Haltom | Submission (Armbar) | EC 17 - Extreme Challenge 17 | Apr 11, 1998 | 1 | 2:58 |
| Loss | Henry Matamoros | Submission | EC 13 - Extreme Challenge 13 | Jan 16, 1998 | 1 | 11:13 |
Submission grappling record
Jeff Curran's submission grappling record is not exhaustively documented in public sources, with focus primarily on his MMA career. Below is a summary of notable achievements and known competitive results as of November 2025.[2]Notable achievements
- 1994: 1st Place, Judo/Open Belt Division, Flagstaff, AZ
- 1995: Champion, Midwest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Challenge (150 lbs)
- 1995: Champion, Midwest Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Challenge Absolute Division
- 1996: Champion, Wisconsin State Ground Fighting Lightweight
- 1996: Champion, Wisconsin State Ground Fighting Absolute Division
- 1999: Silver Medal, International Pro-Am (purple belt)
- 2001: Gold Medal, Gracie Nationals (purple belt)
- 2007: Champion, Greater Midwest Submission Hunt Super Fight
- ADCC Americas Superfight Champion (date unspecified)
- 2-Time Chicago Challenge Champion (dates unspecified)
- 2-Time Midwest Jiu-Jitsu Champion (including 1995 events)
Known matches
| Result | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | Ryan Hall | Points | 2009 ADCC World Championship | September 2009 | Barcelona, Spain | -1st round |
| Win | Omar Choudhury | Unknown | ADCC Chicago Superfight | June 21, 2014 | Chicago, IL | Regional superfight |
Professional boxing record
| Result | Record | Opponent | Type | Rd. | Date | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 2–2–1 | Miguel Angel Figueroa | KO | – | 2008-09-08 | Cicero Stadium, Cicero, Illinois | |
| Loss | 1–2–1 | Guadalupe Diaz | Decision (unanimous) | 4 | 2007-05-07 | Cicero Stadium, Cicero, Illinois | |
| Loss | 1–1–1 | Raul Gracia | Decision (unanimous) | 4 | 2006-07-06 | Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, Illinois | |
| Draw | 1–1 | Emanuel Hernandez | Decision (split) | 4 | 2006-04-06 | Cicero Stadium, Cicero, Illinois | |
| Win | 1–0 | Alexis Rubin | KO | 1 | 2005-04-20 | Bourbon Street, Merrionette Park, Illinois |
