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Jeff Curran
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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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  • Ironheart Crown
    • IHC Featherweight Championship (1 Time, First, Last)[28]
  • Shooto
    • Shooto Americas Lightweight Championship (1 Time)[29]

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
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 United States Ryan Hall Points ADCC 2009 –66 kg 2009 Spain Spain

Professional boxing record

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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 Mexico Miguel Angel Figueroa TKO 3 (4), 1:38 Sep 19, 2008 United States Cicero Stadium, Cicero, Illinois
4 Loss 1–2–1 United States Guadalupe Diaz MD 4 May 11, 2007 United States Cicero Stadium, Cicero, Illinois
3 Loss 1–1–1 United States Raul García UD 4 Jul 21, 2006 United States Aragon Ballroom, Chicago, Illinois
2 Draw 1–0–1 Mexico Emanuel Hernandez PTS 6 Apr 21, 2006 United States Cicero Stadium, Cicero, Illinois
1 Win 1–0 United States Alexis Rubin TKO 4 (4), 2:31 Apr 20, 2005 United States Bourbon Street, Merrionette Park, Illinois Professional debut

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jeff Curran (born September 2, 1977) is an American retired mixed martial artist (MMA) and (BJJ) black belt, renowned for his pioneering role in lighter weight classes during the early . Competing primarily as a and , he amassed a professional MMA record of 36 wins, 18 losses, and 1 draw across promotions including the (UFC), (WEC), , , and Strikeforce. His career, spanning from 1998 to 2016, featured 19 submission victories, highlighting his grappling expertise, and included notable bouts against top contenders like and Mike Thomas Brown. He also competed professionally in , compiling a 2-2-1 record. Curran's early success came in 1997 when he won the Extreme Challenge 8-man amateur tournament at , launching a trajectory that saw him capture multiple regional titles, such as the Ironheart Crown Championship and Americas Championship. In the UFC, he competed three times, including a loss to at in 2004, while his six WEC appearances featured a high-profile submission defeat to Faber for the title at WEC 31 in 2007. Transitioning to coaching and BJJ instruction post his MMA prime, Curran earned a fifth-degree black belt under Pedro Sauer. He founded the Curran Jiu-Jitsu Academy in 1997 and co-founded the Xtreme Fighting Organization (XFO), emphasizing self-defense and competition curricula. In retirement, Curran has focused on promoting BJJ through the Jeff Curran Invitational (JCI), a premier no-gi, submission-only competition series he launched in 2025, featuring superfights with regional and rising talents. The inaugural event, "The Inception," took place on September 6, 2025, at the McHenry County College McAlister Campus in , prioritizing athlete experience and high-production values. A 2018 inductee into the Woodstock High School Sports Hall of Fame, he resides in with his wife Sarah and their two sons.

Early 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. 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. Around age 12, Curran briefly explored 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 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. By middle school, Curran transitioned toward , attending wrestling camps during fourth and fifth grades that exposed him to foundational and ground control skills under school-affiliated coaches. This shift, supported by his parents, marked his initial foray into wrestling as a structured , building on his prior base before high school competitions.

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. 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. Although specific tournament placements from his high school career are not widely documented, his wrestling experience laid a strong foundation in techniques that influenced his subsequent pursuits in . During his teenage years, Curran began exploring beyond wrestling, starting training at age 14 in the early 1990s under instructor Pedro Sauer, a prominent figure in the Gracie lineage. This early exposure to the art allowed him to progress through the initial belt ranks, achieving his and belts before turning professional in MMA. By his late teens, he had deepened his involvement, opening his first gym as an affiliate instructor under Sauer at age 19 in 1996. 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. The following year, he won the Wisconsin State Ground Fighting Championships in the lightweight division and absolute bracket. 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. 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 , where he suffered a first-round submission loss to Henry Matamoros via rear-naked choke. Just three months later, on April 11, 1998, he secured his first professional victory at Extreme Challenge 17 in , submitting Mike Haltom with an armbar at 2:58 of the opening round. Competing primarily in regional promotions centered in the Midwest, such as Extreme Challenge and Chicago Challenge, Curran quickly adapted his background to the professional demands of early MMA, transitioning to a submission-oriented approach that emphasized ground control and chokes. 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 over Jeremy Bolt at Extreme Combat Challenge on August 17, 1999. These performances contributed to an early win streak of six consecutive victories from April 1998 to May 1999, showcasing his developing prowess despite occasional setbacks, such as back-to-back losses to Phil Johns in 1999. In 2003, Curran co-founded the Xtreme Fighting Organization (XFO) in , a promotion that became a platform for his own fights; he debuted there on March 14, 2004, submitting Dan Swift via in the first round at XFO 1, marking the start of another significant streak. 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). 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. 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. 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. 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.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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 , . In a bout on the preliminary card, he defeated Dustin Neace by TKO (rib injury) at 1:39 of the first round, snapping his and earning a $20,000 bonus for the performance. Curran then joined Bellator Fighting Championships for their Season 2 tournament. On April 15, 2010, at Bellator 14 in , he faced Bryan Goldsby in the opening round but lost by (29-28 on all cards) after three rounds, ending his brief stint with the promotion.

UFC appearances and returns (2004, 2011–2012)

Jeff Curran's initial foray into the occurred on January 31, 2004, at in , , where he faced in a bout. 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 loss for Curran (30-27 on all scorecards). This marked Curran's only UFC appearance for several years, as he shifted focus to other organizations like the (WEC), where his experience against high-level competition helped prepare him for a return to the UFC's unified division. 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 (135 pounds) to face Scott Jorgensen on the main card. The fight saw Jorgensen utilize superior wrestling to take Curran down repeatedly, landing significant ground strikes and thwarting submission attempts, including a from Curran in the first round. Judges scored the bout 29-28, 29-28, and 30-27 in favor of Jorgensen, resulting in a loss for Curran and extending his record to 0-2. 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: vs. Poirier in , against Brazilian veteran in another 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. Despite a late push in the third round, the judges awarded Eduardo a victory (29-28 on all cards), dropping Curran's UFC record to 0-3 and leading to his release from the promotion. These returns highlighted Curran's resilience in transitioning from lighter regional bouts to the UFC's intense pace, though recurring issues with opponents' and striking volume underscored the difficulties of re-establishing himself at the elite level after a seven-year hiatus.

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. 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) championship against undefeated prospect at RFA 9 in . In a closely contested five-round main event, Munhoz edged out Curran via (47-48 Curran, 49-46 Munhoz, 50-45 Munhoz), capturing the vacant title in Curran's 50th professional bout. The loss prompted an initial announcement, as Curran reflected on nearly 16 years of competition. 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 via backfist at 4:58, ending the comeback attempt abruptly. After another hiatus, Curran made a final appearance on November 23, 2016, against Raufeon Stots at Victory Fighting Championship 53 in . Stots dominated with striking and takedown defense, winning a (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) over three rounds. Immediately following the defeat, the 39-year-old Curran delivered an emotional in-cage speech announcing his definitive , concluding a 18-year that began in 1998. His final professional MMA record stood at 36-18-1, with 19 submission victories highlighting his expertise.

Grappling and coaching

Competitive submission

After retiring from , Jeff Curran transitioned to competitive submission , leveraging his extensive experience with submissions—where he secured 19 victories during his MMA career—to focus on pure no-gi and techniques without strikes. This shift allowed him to emphasize ground control, positional dominance, and joint locks in a ruleset that highlighted technical over hybrid combat. Curran, a fifth-degree black belt in awarded under Master Pedro Sauer, continued to compete in high-profile no-gi events into his later career. In 2024, he was scheduled for a rematch against under Combat Jiu-Jitsu rules at A1 Combat 21 on May 25, but withdrew due to undisclosed circumstances, with stepping in as his replacement. 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. 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.

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. 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. The facility reopened in the months following, resuming classes and rebuilding its programs to continue fostering student growth and consistency on the mats. 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 through approximately 2015, hosting numerous cards that drew thousands of fans and showcased regional talent. The promotion has continued to host , including outdoor spectacles like the "Return of the Outdoor War" in August 2025. 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 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 for global reach, the event prioritized fair competition and athlete stories, setting the stage for future installments like JC Invitational 2 in January 2026. Through these ventures, Curran has significantly influenced the local jiu-jitsu community, creating a supportive environment at his that develops and promotes lifelong engagement with the , drawing students from diverse backgrounds to train under his guidance. His personal achievements inform a structured focused on fundamentals and , helping to build a resilient network of practitioners in McHenry County and beyond.

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 . He competed in the light division across five bouts between 2005 and 2008, primarily in venues, before stepping away from the sport. His overall record stood at 2 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw, with both victories coming via stoppage or decision. Curran's debut occurred on April 20, 2005, at in Merrionette Park, , where he defeated Alexis Rubin by TKO in the fourth round. He followed this with a draw against Emanuel Hernandez on April 21, 2006, at in . Later that year, on July 21, Curran suffered his first loss, falling to Raul Gracia by at the Aragon Ballroom in . In his next outing on May 11, 2007, Curran faced Guadalupe Diaz at and lost by after four rounds, with judges' scores of 39-37 twice and 38-38. He rebounded in his final bout on September 19, 2008, against Miguel Angel Figueroa, earning a third-round TKO victory at to close out his boxing tenure on a high note.
DateOpponentResultMethod/DecisionRoundsLocation
2005-04-20Alexis RubinWinTKO4Merrionette Park, IL
2006-04-21Emanuel HernandezDrawPTS6, IL
2006-07-21Raul GraciaLossUD4, IL
2007-05-11Guadalupe DiazLossMajority (39-37, 39-37, 38-38)4, IL
2008-09-19Miguel Angel FigueroaWinTKO3, IL
This foray into boxing served primarily as a training outlet to test his standup under pure rules, helping refine techniques transferable to MMA.

Notable fights and outcomes

One of Curran's notable boxing matches occurred on April 21, 2006, at Cicero Stadium in , where he faced regional super lightweight contender Emanuel Hernandez, who entered with a 5-2 record. The six-round bout ended in a points 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 options available in MMA, forcing him to rely solely on stand-up range management and combination punching. In May 2007, Curran suffered a 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 and , contributing to his overall combat sports adaptability. Curran's professional boxing activity ceased after a win, allowing him to prioritize MMA pursuits before shifting focus to grappling instruction post-2015.

Personal life

Family and residence

Jeff Curran has been married to Sarah Curran since 2004, and together they have raised two sons, Ty and , in . The has maintained a long-term residence in the Crystal Lake area, where Curran established his . Throughout his career, Curran balanced 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 base. Sarah Curran has personal involvement in , having trained in Thaiboxing for five years, and the couple's sons have shown interest in their father's pursuits, with Ty and motivating his recent event promotions.

Philanthropy and community involvement

Jeff Curran has shown dedication to community support through his Curran Jiu-Jitsu Academy in , which acts as a central hub for and youth development in the local area. Curran has also raised awareness for through the , motivated by his father's death from the disease when Curran was 18 years old. In 2020, amid the , 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. 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. 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.

Championships and accomplishments

MMA titles

Jeff Curran won the Ironheart Crown (IHC) Featherweight Championship on October 26, 2002, defeating Ryan Ackerman by after three rounds at IHC 5: Tribulation in . This victory marked his first major regional title in , showcasing his expertise in a closely contested bout that went the full distance. In 2005, Curran captured the Shooto Americas Lightweight Championship by majority decision over Antonio Carvalho on November 19 at IHC 9: , also in . 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 circuits. Curran also held the SuperBrawl Featherweight Championship and the Apex World Featherweight Championship during his early career. 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. 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.

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 instruction and competition. Early in his career, Curran achieved success in submission tournaments, winning two Midwest Challenge titles in 1995 (150 lbs and absolute division), a at the 2001 Gracie Nationals, and the ADCC Americas Superfight Championship. 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. This promotion, noted as early as 2022, underscores Curran's evolution from competitor to a high-level instructor within the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu lineage. 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 . This bout, part of a series of invitationals, demonstrated Curran's technical proficiency in submission-only , drawing on his experience from 55 MMA fights. 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. 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. 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. The event's debut at the McHenry County Athletic Complex in , 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. 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.

Mixed martial arts record

ResultOpponentMethodEventDateRoundTime
LossRaufeon StotsDecision (Unanimous)VFC 53 - Curran vs. StotsNov 23, 201635:00
LossMelvin BlumerKO (Backfist)RFA 24 - Smith vs. RomeroMar 06, 201514:58
LossPedro MunhozDecision (Split)RFA 9 - Munhoz vs. CurranAug 16, 201355:00
WinJoshua KillionDecision (Unanimous)EC - Extreme Challenge 227May 03, 201335:00
LossJohnny EduardoDecision (Unanimous)UFC on Fuel TV 3 - Korean Zombie vs. PoirierMay 15, 201235:00
LossScott JorgensenDecision (Unanimous)UFC 137 - Penn vs. DiazOct 29, 201135:00
WinBilly VaughanDecision (Unanimous)XFO - Xtreme Fighting Organization 39May 13, 201135:00
WinDavid LoveDecision (Unanimous)XFO - Xtreme Fighting Organization 37Dec 04, 201035:00
LossBryan GoldsbyDecision (Unanimous)BFC - Bellator Fighting Championships 14Apr 15, 201035:00
WinTomohiko HoriDecision (Unanimous)XFO 34 - Curran vs. HoriDec 05, 200935:00
WinDustin NeaceTKO (Rib Injury)Strikeforce / M-1 Global - Fedor vs. RogersNov 07, 200911:39
LossTakeya MizugakiDecision (Split)WEC 42 - Torres vs. BowlesAug 09, 200935:00
LossJoseph BenavidezDecision (Unanimous)WEC 40 - Torres vs. MizugakiApr 05, 200935:00
LossMike Thomas BrownDecision (Unanimous)WEC 34 - SacramentoJun 01, 200835:00
LossUrijah FaberSubmission (Guillotine Choke)WEC 31 - Faber vs. CurranDec 12, 200724:34
WinStephen LedbetterDecision (Unanimous)WEC 29 - Las VegasAug 05, 200735:00
WinJohn MahlowDecision (Split)KOTC - Damage ControlMay 26, 200735:00
WinKevin EnglishSubmission (Guillotine Choke)IFL - MolineApr 07, 200721:12
WinDonny WalkerSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)KOTC - Hard KnocksJan 19, 200733:23
WinRaphael AssuncaoDecision (Majority)XFO 13 - Operation BeatdownNov 11, 200635:00
WinWagnney FabianoDecision (Split)APEX - A Night of ChampionsOct 14, 200635:00
LossHatsu HiokiDecision (Unanimous)Pride - Bushido 12Aug 26, 200625:00
WinCharles BennettSubmission (Armbar)KOTC - Redemption on the RiverFeb 17, 200613:23
WinAntonio CarvalhoDecision (Majority)IHC 9 - PurgatoryNov 19, 200535:00
WinSteve KinnisonSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)XFO 6 - Judgement DayJun 25, 200531:47
WinLuke SpencerSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)SB 40 - SuperBrawl 40Apr 30, 200522:34
WinDavid DouglasSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)IFC - Eve Of DestructionMar 05, 200511:39
WinJason DentDecision (Unanimous)XFO - Xtreme Fighting Organization 3Oct 02, 200435:00
WinMasahiro OishiTechnical Submission (Guillotine Choke)Zst - Zst 6Sep 12, 200410:44
WinKimihito NonakaSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)SB 35 - SuperBrawl 35Apr 16, 200434:35
WinDan SwiftSubmission (Triangle Choke)XFO 1 - The KickoffMar 14, 200430:44
LossMatt SerraDecision (Unanimous)UFC 46 - SupernaturalJan 31, 200435:00
LossNorifumi YamamotoDecision (Unanimous)SB 29 - SuperBrawl 29May 09, 200335:00
WinTodd LallySubmission (Triangle Choke)WFA 3 - Level 3Nov 23, 200214:49
WinRyan AckermanDecision (Unanimous)IHC 5 - TribulationOct 26, 200235:00
WinBaret YoshidaKO (Punch)UCC Hawaii - Eruption in HawaiiSep 17, 200222:08
WinBao QuachDecision (Majority)WEC 4 - Rumble Under The SunAug 31, 200235:00
LossIvan MenjivarDecision (Unanimous)UCC 10 - Battle for the Belts 2002Jun 15, 200235:00
WinMax MarinSubmission (Triangle Choke)UA 1 - The GenesisJan 27, 200223:46
LossAnthony HamlettKO (Elbow)HOOKnSHOOT - Kings 2Nov 18, 200110:11
DrawRyoji YoshizawaDrawHOOKnSHOOT - QuakeMar 10, 200125:00
WinJamie WebbTKO (Submission to Punches)FCC 3 - Freestyle Combat Challenge 3Jan 06, 200112:44
WinTony DeDolphDecision (Split)EC 31 - Extreme Challenge 31Mar 24, 200035:00
WinRon MatthewsSubmission (Triangle Choke)BB - Bangkok BrawlMar 20, 200000:00
WinSam WellsSubmission (Triangle Choke)MAC - Midwest Absolute ChallengeDec 04, 1999116:04
LossPhil JohnsTKO (Submission to Strikes)CC 4 - Cage Combat 4Sep 26, 199910:31
WinJeremy BoltSubmission (Triangle Choke)ECC - Extreme Combat ChallengeAug 17, 199914:30
LossPhil JohnsKO (Punches)HOOKnSHOOT - RisingJun 12, 19991N/A
WinCharles BarronSubmission (Armbar)CC 6 - Chicago Challenge 6May 22, 19991N/A
WinSam WellsDecisionFCC 1 - Freestyle Combat Challenge 1Apr 19, 1999115:00
WinJeff RickSubmission (Rear-Naked Choke)HOOKnSHOOT - TrialJan 30, 199910:44
WinLarry KoneizkaSubmission (Armbar)CC 5 - Chicago Challenge 5Nov 01, 19981N/A
WinJason ChambersSubmission (Front Choke)CC 4 - Chicago Challenge 4May 30, 19981N/A
WinMike HaltomSubmission (Armbar)EC 17 - Extreme Challenge 17Apr 11, 199812:58
LossHenry MatamorosSubmissionEC 13 - Extreme Challenge 13Jan 16, 1998111:13

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.

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

ResultOpponentMethodEventDateLocationNotes
LossRyan HallPoints2009 ADCC World ChampionshipSeptember 2009, -1st round
WinOmar ChoudhuryUnknownADCC Chicago SuperfightJune 21, 2014, ILRegional superfight
Additional matches may exist in regional tournaments and superfights, particularly post-2016 retirement, but detailed records are limited. Curran continues to compete occasionally in no-gi submission-only events as of 2025.

Professional boxing record

ResultRecordOpponentTypeRd.DateLocationNotes
Win2–2–1Miguel Angel FigueroaKO2008-09-08,
Loss1–2–1Guadalupe DiazDecision (unanimous)42007-05-07,
Loss1–1–1Raul GraciaDecision (unanimous)42006-07-06Aragon Ballroom, Chicago,
Draw1–1Emanuel HernandezDecision (split)42006-04-06,
Win1–0Alexis RubinKO12005-04-20, Merrionette Park,
Overall record: 2–2–1 (2 KOs), spanning 2005–2008.

References

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