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Shawn Jordan
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Shawn Martin Jordan (born October 24, 1984) is an American professional mixed martial artist who last competed in the Professional Fighters League's Heavyweight division. A professional competitor since 2009, Jordan has also formerly competed for Strikeforce, Bellator MMA and the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Key Information
Background
[edit]Jordan was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, attending Riverside High School where he excelled in football, basketball, wrestling, and track and field. Jordan was a two-time state champion in wrestling, was ranked as one of the top ten fullbacks in the country for football, and was the starting center on the basketball team for his freshman, sophomore, and junior seasons. Jordan continued his football career with a scholarship to Louisiana State University (LSU) under coach Nick Saban and then coach Les Miles where he was a member of LSU's 2003 BCS National Championship and 2007 BCS National Championship teams.[2]
Jordan also had a cameo appearance in the film Philly Kid where he portrayed a Russian fighter by the name of Andres Titov.
Mixed martial arts career
[edit]Early career
[edit]Jordan made his amateur mixed martial arts debut in February 2008, which he lost. He rebounded in January 2009 with a TKO victory.
He made his professional mixed martial arts debut in May 2009 for Bellator and won via submission. Jordan then competed in various promotions over the next three years, amassing a record of 11–2 before joining Strikeforce.
Strikeforce
[edit]Jordan debuted for the promotion on June 22, 2011, where he lost a unanimous decision to Devin Cole. Three months later Jordan fought Lavar Johnson, whom he defeated via submission in the second round.
With the dissolution of the Strikeforce Heavyweight division, Jordan was one of the first announced Heavyweight fighters to make the transition to the UFC.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
[edit]Jordan made his official debut against UFC newcomer Oli Thompson at UFC on FX 2. He won the fight via TKO in the second round after dominating the fight with his striking.[3]
In his second UFC fight, Jordan replaced an injured Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira to face Cheick Kongo on July 21, 2012, at UFC 149.[4] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Jordan faced Mike Russow on January 26, 2013, at UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Dodson.[5] Despite losing the first round to Russow, Jordan was able to mount a comeback in the second round and won via TKO.
Jordan faced Pat Barry on June 15, 2013, at UFC 161.[6] Jordan defeated Barry via first-round TKO. The win also delivered Jordan his first Knockout of the Night bonus award.[7]
Jordan faced Gabriel Gonzaga on October 19, 2013, at UFC 166.[8] He lost the fight via knockout at 1:33 of the first round.
Jordan faced Matt Mitrione on March 1, 2014, at UFC Fight Night: Kim vs. Hathaway.[9] He lost the fight via knockout at 4:59 of the first round.
Jordan next faced Jack May at UFC Fight Night 47 on August 16, 2014. He won the back-and-forth fight via TKO in the third round.
Jordan faced UFC newcomer Jared Cannonier at UFC 182 on January 3, 2015. He won the fight via knockout in the first round. The win also earned Jordan his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[10]
Jordan had a rematch with Derrick Lewis on June 6, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 68.[11] In their first encounter on the regional circuit in 2010, Jordan won by unanimous decision.[12][13] He won the fight by technical knockout in the second round.[14] The win also earned Jordan his second consecutive Performance of the Night bonus award.[15]
Jordan faced Ruslan Magomedov in the last fight of his contract on October 3, 2015, at UFC 192.[16][17] He lost the fight via unanimous decision.[18]
World Series of Fighting
[edit]On April 28, 2016, it was announced that Jordan had signed a contract with World Series of Fighting.[19]
Jordan faced Ashley Gooch on October 7, 2016, at WSOF 33.[20] He won the fight via TKO in the first round.
On January 1, 2017, it was announced that Jordan would face reigning heavyweight champion Blagoy Ivanov for the title at WSOF 35.[21] The event was originally scheduled for February 28 (incorrectly reported as Feb 25) but was rescheduled to March 18.[22][23] Jordan lost the fight via TKO in the first round.
Jordan faced Josh Copeland on July 19, 2018, at PFL 4. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Championships and accomplishments
[edit]- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Knockout of the Night (One time) vs. Pat Barry
- Performance of the Night (Two times) vs. Jared Cannonier and Derrick Lewis
Mixed martial arts record
[edit]| 28 matches | 19 wins | 9 losses |
| By knockout | 15 | 5 |
| By submission | 3 | 0 |
| By decision | 1 | 4 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 19–9 | Josh Copeland | Decision (unanimous) | PFL 4 | July 19, 2018 | 3 | 5:00 | Uniondale, New York, United States | |
| Loss | 19–8 | Blagoy Ivanov | TKO (punches) | WSOF 35 | March 18, 2017 | 1 | 1:43 | Verona, New York, United States | For the WSOF Heavyweight Championship. |
| Win | 19–7 | Ashley Gooch | TKO (punches) | WSOF 33 | October 7, 2016 | 1 | 4:40 | Kansas City, Missouri, United States | |
| Loss | 18–7 | Ruslan Magomedov | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 192 | October 3, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Houston, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 18–6 | Derrick Lewis | TKO (hook kick and punches) | UFC Fight Night: Boetsch vs. Henderson | June 6, 2015 | 2 | 0:48 | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States | Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 17–6 | Jared Cannonier | KO (punches) | UFC 182 | January 3, 2015 | 1 | 2:57 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 16–6 | Jack May | TKO (punches) | UFC Fight Night: Bader vs. St. Preux | August 16, 2014 | 3 | 2:55 | Bangor, Maine, United States | |
| Loss | 15–6 | Matt Mitrione | KO (punches) | The Ultimate Fighter China Finale: Kim vs. Hathaway | March 1, 2014 | 1 | 4:59 | Macau, SAR, China | |
| Loss | 15–5 | Gabriel Gonzaga | KO (punches) | UFC 166 | October 19, 2013 | 1 | 1:33 | Houston, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 15–4 | Pat Barry | TKO (punches) | UFC 161 | June 15, 2013 | 1 | 0:59 | Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada | Knockout of the Night. |
| Win | 14–4 | Mike Russow | TKO (punches) | UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Dodson | January 26, 2013 | 2 | 3:48 | Chicago, Illinois, United States | |
| Loss | 13–4 | Cheick Kongo | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 149 | July 21, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Calgary, Alberta, Canada | |
| Win | 13–3 | Oli Thompson | TKO (knee and punches) | UFC on FX: Alves vs. Kampmann | March 3, 2012 | 2 | 1:07 | Sydney, Australia | |
| Win | 12–3 | Lavar Johnson | Submission (americana) | Strikeforce Challengers: Larkin vs. Rossborough | September 23, 2011 | 2 | 3:08 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Loss | 11–3 | Devin Cole | Decision (unanimous) | Strikeforce Challengers: Voelker vs. Bowling III | July 22, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 11–2 | Kendrick Watkins | TKO (punches) | Gladiator Promotions: Summer Knockouts | July 16, 2011 | 1 | 0:19 | Denham Springs, Louisiana, United States | |
| Win | 10–2 | John Hill | TKO (punches and elbows) | Bellator 45 | May 21, 2011 | 1 | 1:56 | Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States | |
| Loss | 9–2 | Mark Holata | KO (punch) | Bellator 31 | September 30, 2010 | 1 | 1:13 | Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States | |
| Win | 9–1 | James Hall | Submission (rear-naked choke) | USA MMA: Stacked | July 31, 2010 | 1 | 0:45 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States | |
| Win | 8–1 | Derrick Lewis | Decision (unanimous) | Cajun Fighting Championships: Full Force | June 25, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Lafayette, Louisiana, United States | |
| Win | 7–1 | Kendrick Watkins | KO (punches) | MMA Fight Force: The Final Chapter | May 28, 2010 | 1 | 0:37 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States | |
| Win | 6–1 | Doug Williams | TKO (punches) | Bellator 18 | May 13, 2010 | 1 | 0:19 | Monroe, Louisiana, United States | |
| Win | 5–1 | Marcus Kaiser | TKO (punches) | No Love Entertainment: War and Wheels | January 23, 2010 | 1 | 0:54 | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States | |
| Win | 4–1 | Corey Salter | TKO (punches) | USA MMA: Louisiana vs. Florida | October 9, 2009 | 1 | 3:18 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States | |
| Loss | 3–1 | Kenny Garner | KO (punches) | Atlas Fights: Cage Rage 2 | September 6, 2009 | 1 | 0:51 | Biloxi, Mississippi, United States | |
| Win | 3–0 | Carlton Haselrig | TKO (punches) | UCFC: Rumble on the Rivers | June 27, 2009 | 1 | 2:57 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States | |
| Win | 2–0 | Mahsea Bolea | KO (punch) | Raging Wolf 4: Defiance | June 13, 2009 | 2 | 1:02 | Irving, New York, United States | |
| Win | 1–0 | Jayme Mckinney | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | Bellator 9 | May 29, 2009 | 2 | 1:39 | Monroe, Louisiana, United States |
Amateur mixed martial arts record
[edit]| 2 matches | 1 win | 1 loss |
| By knockout | 1 | 1 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 1–1 | Chris Kissam | TKO (punches) | No Love Entertainment: Full Throttle | January 24, 2009 | 1 | 1:02 | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States | |
| Loss | 0–1 | Scott Barrett | TKO (punches) | RMMA: Renaissance MMA 5 | February 9, 2008 | 1 | N/A | Mandeville, Louisiana, United States |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Fight Card - UFC Fight Night Boetsch vs. Henderson". UFC. Retrieved June 5, 2014.
- ^ "Shawn Jordan Bio - LSUsports.net - The Official Web Site of LSU Tigers Athletics". www.lsusports.net. Archived from the original on November 3, 2013.
- ^ "UFC on FX 2:Alves vs. Kampmann". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on July 10, 2012. Retrieved February 2, 2012.
- ^ "Shawn Jordan replaces 'Big Nog,' meets Cheick Kongo at UFC 149 | MMAjunkie.com". mmajunkie.com. Archived from the original on June 19, 2012.
- ^ "Mike Russow-Shawn Jordan added to UFC on FOX 6 in Chicago". mmajunkie.com. November 7, 2012. Archived from the original on January 3, 2013.
- ^ "Pat Barry (8-5) vs. Shawn Jordan (14-4)". June 15, 2013. Archived from the original on March 7, 2013. Retrieved June 22, 2023.
- ^ "UFC 161 bonuses: James Krause earn $100K; Sam Stout, Shawn Jordan pocket $50K". sherdog.com. June 15, 2013.
- ^ Brian Hemminger (July 24, 2013). "Heavyweight bout Shawn Jordan vs Gabriel Gonzaga slated for UFC 166 in Houston". mmamania.com. Retrieved July 24, 2013.
- ^ Staff (January 4, 2014). "Shawn Jordan vs. Matt Mitrione confirmed for TUF China Finale". uk.eurosport.yahoo.com. Retrieved January 4, 2014.
- ^ Staff (January 4, 2015). "UFC 182 bonuses: Paul Felder (of course) wins one of four $50K awards". mmajunkie.com.
- ^ Staff (March 3, 2015). "Derrick Lewis vs. Shawn Jordan added to UFC Fight Night 68". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved March 3, 2015.
- ^ Brant Brookhouse (March 30, 2015). "UFC heavyweight Shawn Jordan says Derrick Lewis attacked him after bell in first meeting". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved March 30, 2015.
- ^ "Cajun FC - Full Force, fight card". sherdog.com.
- ^ "UFC Fight Night 68 results: Shawn Jordan pounds out Derrick Lewis in rematch". mmajunkie.com. June 6, 2015.
- ^ Matt Erickson (June 7, 2015). "UFC Fight Night 68 bonuses: Dustin Poirier gets $50,000 in front of home fans". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved June 7, 2015.
- ^ Jeremy Botter (July 29, 2015). "Heavyweights Jordan, Magomedov meet at Houston's UFC 192". blog.chron.com. Retrieved July 29, 2015.
- ^ Mike Bohn (October 21, 2015). "With UFC contract complete, Shawn Jordan wants to fight Fedor Emelianenko". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved October 26, 2015.
- ^ Brent Brookhouse (October 3, 2015). "UFC 192 results: Ruslan Magomedov outslugs Shawn Jordan in heavyweight tussle". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved October 3, 2015.
- ^ "Heavyweight UFC veteran Shawn Jordan, Lorenzo Hood sign deals with WSOF". mmajunkie.com. April 28, 2016.
- ^ "Shawn Jordan's WSOF debut, two other bouts round out WSOF 33 six-fight main card". August 30, 2016.
- ^ "Champ Blagoy Ivanov vs. Shawn Jordan slated for WSOF 35 on Feb. 25". Retrieved February 28, 2017.
- ^ Helwani, Ariel. "World Series of Fighting postpones its next event". Retrieved February 28, 2017.
- ^ Guillen, Adam (January 27, 2017). "World Series of Fighting (WSOF) postpones upcoming WSOF 35 event (again)". Retrieved February 28, 2017.
External links
[edit]Shawn Jordan
View on GrokipediaEarly life and background
High school athletics
Shawn Jordan was born on October 21, 1984, in El Paso, Texas.[3] He attended Riverside High School, where he demonstrated multi-sport excellence that formed the basis of his athletic development.[5] At Riverside, Jordan competed in football as a standout fullback, earning recognition as one of the top ten high school fullbacks in the country.[5] He also played basketball, serving as the starting center on the varsity team, which honed his agility and teamwork under pressure.[5] In wrestling, Jordan achieved significant success as a two-time state champion, building exceptional strength, discipline, and a resilient competitive mindset through intense one-on-one matches.[3] Additionally, he participated in track and field events, further developing his speed and endurance to complement his overall physical conditioning.[5] These high school accomplishments across diverse sports established a robust physical foundation and instilled a drive for excellence that propelled Jordan toward collegiate opportunities.[6]College football career
Jordan earned a scholarship to Louisiana State University (LSU), where he joined the football program under head coach Nick Saban in 2003.[5] He remained with the team through the transition to coach Les Miles, contributing as a scholarship player during his collegiate tenure from 2003 to 2007.[7][8] Primarily positioned as a fullback, Jordan focused on blocking assignments to support the running game, while also seeing action on special teams, including kickoff returns. Over his career, he appeared in 40 games, with notable participation in the 2007 season, where he played all 14 contests en route to LSU's BCS National Championship victory that year. His limited offensive statistics reflect his role as a blocker: 4 rushing attempts for 32 yards, 1 reception for 2 yards and 1 touchdown, and 4 kickoff returns for 35 yards. Jordan also contributed to the 2003 BCS National Championship team as a freshman, earning rings from both title-winning seasons under Saban and Miles.[7][3][9][10][8] Following the conclusion of his college football eligibility in 2007, Jordan began transitioning to mixed martial arts around 2008, training initially in Baton Rouge before turning professional in 2009.[11][12]Amateur and early professional career
Amateur wrestling and MMA
Shawn Jordan's athletic foundation in combat sports stemmed from his high school wrestling career at Riverside High School in Louisiana, where he won two state championships over two years, establishing a strong base in grappling and physical conditioning.[13] His success in wrestling, starting as early as age nine and competing against older opponents, honed the toughness and technique that later influenced his MMA pursuits.[7] Following his college football tenure, which built exceptional physicality and mental resilience, Jordan transitioned to MMA training around 2008, motivated by the sport's demanding physicality akin to football's intensity.[14] He began preparing under local guidance in Louisiana, encouraged by friends who recognized his raw athletic potential from gridiron experience.[12] This period marked his entry into mixed martial arts, blending wrestling fundamentals with striking and endurance training to adapt to the cage environment. Jordan's amateur MMA career commenced with a debut loss via TKO (punches) to Scott Barrett on February 9, 2008, in a regional Louisiana event, shortly after his LSU football days.[2] He quickly rebounded with a TKO victory in January 2009 against an unspecified opponent in another local bout, demonstrating improved aggression and finishing ability.[15] Over the subsequent months, he accumulated experience through multiple amateur fights in regional promotions like ISCF-sanctioned events, facing opponents such as James Roden (TKO win) and Melvin Henry (TKO win), which helped refine his heavyweight style before advancing further.[1] By mid-2009, he had established a competitive amateur record through several bouts, primarily through knockouts that showcased his football-honed power.[8]Professional debut and initial fights
Shawn Jordan made his professional mixed martial arts debut on May 29, 2009, at Bellator Fighting Championships 9 in Corpus Christi, Texas, defeating Jayme McKinney by submission via arm-triangle choke in the second round at 1:39.[16] Fighting out of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and training at local gyms, Jordan quickly established himself as a heavyweight prospect with a foundation in amateur wrestling that aided his grappling transitions.[17] Over the next two years, Jordan competed frequently in regional promotions, amassing an 11-2 record before entering major leagues. His early victories often showcased his striking power, including a second-round knockout of Mahsea Bolea on June 13, 2009, at RW 4: Defiance via punches at 1:02, and a first-round TKO of Carlton Haselrig on June 27, 2009, at UCFC: Rumble on the Rivers with punches at 2:57.[16] He rebounded from his debut-year setback—a first-round knockout loss to Kenny Garner on September 6, 2009, at Atlas Fights: Cage Rage 2—with a TKO win over Corey Salter on October 9, 2009, at USA MMA: Louisiana vs. Florida.[2] In 2010, Jordan fought six times, securing five wins that highlighted his finishing ability, with 15 of his career knockouts/TKOs originating from this aggressive style. Notable successes included first-round TKOs against Marcus Kaiser on January 23 at No Love Entertainment: War and Wheels (0:54 via punches), Doug Williams on May 13 at Bellator Fighting Championships 18 (0:19 via punches), and Kendrick Watkins on May 28 at MMA Fight Force: The Final Chapter (0:37 via punches), a first-round submission of James Hall on July 31 at USA MMA: Stacked (0:45 via rear-naked choke), alongside a rare unanimous decision victory over future UFC contender Derrick Lewis on June 25 at GFA 7: Full Force.[16] His lone defeat that year came via first-round knockout against Mark Holata on September 30 at Bellator Fighting Championships 31.[2] These initial bouts, primarily in Louisiana-based events, built Jordan's reputation for explosive finishes while exposing areas for defensive improvement.[1]MMA career in major promotions
Strikeforce tenure
Jordan made his Strikeforce debut on July 22, 2011, at Strikeforce Challengers 17 against Devin Cole, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss after three rounds.[2] This fight, taken on short notice, marked Jordan's entry into a major promotion and tested his adaptability against a seasoned opponent.[18] In his follow-up bout on September 23, 2011, at Strikeforce Challengers 19, Jordan rebounded with a submission victory over Lavar Johnson via keylock in the second round at 3:08.[2] This win highlighted his grappling prowess, contrasting his earlier knockout-heavy style from regional promotions.[16] Jordan's overall record in Strikeforce stood at 1-1, a brief tenure that exposed him to elite competition and built momentum for his professional growth.[2] The experience positioned him for a seamless transition to the Ultimate Fighting Championship following Strikeforce's absorption by Zuffa, accelerating his path to the heavyweight division's premier stage.Ultimate Fighting Championship
Shawn Jordan made his Ultimate Fighting Championship debut on March 3, 2012, at UFC on FX 2 against Oli Thompson. Jordan secured a victory via TKO (punches) at 1:07 of the second round, earning his first win in the promotion.[2] In his next bout on July 21, 2012, at UFC 149, Jordan faced Cheick Kongo and lost by unanimous decision after three rounds, marking his first defeat in the UFC.[2] Jordan rebounded on January 26, 2013, at UFC on Fox 6 against Mike Russow, winning by TKO (punches and elbows) at 3:48 of the second round.[2] He followed this with another knockout victory on June 15, 2013, at UFC 161 over Pat Barry, finishing the fight with punches at just 0:59 of the first round.[2] Jordan's momentum halted on October 19, 2013, at UFC 166, where he was knocked out by Gabriel Gonzaga with punches at 1:33 of the first round.[2] He suffered another first-round knockout loss on March 1, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 37 to Matt Mitrione via punches at 4:59.[2] Jordan then won his subsequent three fights: a third-round TKO (punches) against Jack May on August 16, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 47; a first-round KO (punches) over Jared Cannonier on January 3, 2015, at UFC 182; and a second-round TKO (hook kick and punches) against Derrick Lewis on June 6, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 68.[2] Jordan's UFC tenure concluded on October 3, 2015, at UFC 192 with a unanimous decision loss to Ruslan Magomedov after three rounds.[2] Over ten appearances in the promotion from 2012 to 2015, Jordan compiled a record of 6 wins and 4 losses, all six victories coming by knockout or TKO.[16] Following this final defeat, Jordan was released from the UFC in early 2016.[19]World Series of Fighting and PFL
Following his departure from the UFC, Shawn Jordan signed a multi-fight contract with the World Series of Fighting (WSOF) on April 28, 2016.[19] The deal marked a new chapter for the heavyweight, who brought his knockout-heavy background from the UFC into the promotion. Jordan made his WSOF debut on October 7, 2016, at WSOF 33 in Kansas City, Missouri, where he faced Ashley Gooch in a heavyweight bout.[2] He secured a victory via TKO (strikes) at 4:40 of the first round, overwhelming Gooch with ground-and-pound after a takedown.[16] This win demonstrated Jordan's continued reliance on his power-based striking and wrestling transitions, reminiscent of his UFC knockouts.[2] On March 18, 2017, at WSOF 35 in Verona, New York, Jordan challenged for the WSOF Heavyweight Championship against defending champion Blagoy Ivanov.[2] The fight ended quickly, with Ivanov retaining the title via TKO (punches) at 1:43 of the first round after reversing an early takedown attempt and landing decisive ground strikes.[16] This loss halted Jordan's momentum in the promotion. WSOF rebranded as the Professional Fighters League (PFL) ahead of its 2018 season, and Jordan competed in the heavyweight division's regular season.[2] His only PFL bout occurred on July 19, 2018, at PFL 4 in Uniondale, New York, against Josh Copeland.[2] Jordan lost via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) after three rounds, with Copeland controlling the pace through clinch work and takedowns.[16] This defeat served as Jordan's final professional fight in the organization and marked the end of his active MMA career in major promotions. Over four bouts in WSOF and PFL combined, Jordan compiled a record of 1-3.[2]Fighting style and accomplishments
Fighting approach
Shawn Jordan competed primarily as a heavyweight striker renowned for his knockout power, securing 15 of his 19 professional victories by KO or TKO.[2] His punching force was often described as devastating, likened to sledgehammers due to his explosive athleticism and ability to deliver heavy shots in close range.[20] This striking prowess drew from his background as a college football fullback at Louisiana State University, where he developed a robust physicality suited for colliding with opponents and maintaining drive in high-impact exchanges.[7] Complementing his stand-up game, Jordan possessed a solid grappling foundation from his high school wrestling career, where he earned two Texas state championships, enabling him to secure three submission wins and defend takedowns effectively in many bouts.[7] However, his overall approach emphasized aggressive forward pressure, pushing the pace with relentless striking advances to overwhelm foes early, a tactic that aligned with his "Savage" moniker but occasionally left openings for counters.[21] This high-output style, while effective against slower heavyweights, highlighted vulnerabilities in cardio endurance during prolonged engagements and grappling defense against skilled wrestlers, as seen in several career setbacks.[21] Jordan honed his skills at prominent training camps, including American Top Team in Florida for periods focused on well-rounded development and striking refinement, and Jackson Wink MMA Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he benefited from the gym's emphasis on strategic fight IQ and heavyweight-specific drills.[22] These affiliations helped integrate his football-derived toughness and wrestling base into a cohesive MMA framework, exemplified by highlight-reel knockouts in the UFC such as his hook kick finish against Derrick Lewis.[22]Key achievements and records
Shawn Jordan compiled a professional MMA record of 19 wins and 9 losses over his career, with no draws.[2] Of his victories, 15 came by knockout or technical knockout, 3 by submission, and 1 by decision, while his defeats consisted of 5 knockouts or TKOs and 4 decisions.[23] His aggressive striking style was a key factor in achieving this high knockout rate, establishing him as a power puncher in the heavyweight division.[24] Although Jordan never captured a major MMA championship, he secured several significant victories in the Ultimate Fighting Championship against ranked or notable opponents.[2] Notable among these was his first-round TKO win over Pat Barry, a former top-15 heavyweight, at UFC on FX 8 in 2013, which highlighted his knockout prowess. Another key achievement was his second-round TKO (punches) victory over Derrick Lewis at UFC Fight Night 68 in 2015, following a hook kick—a bout against an emerging contender who later became UFC Heavyweight Champion.[25] Early in his career, Jordan went on an impressive 9–2 run over 11 fights from 2009 to 2010, during which he finished 8 of those wins inside the distance, building momentum toward his entry into major promotions.[2] His overall career included shorter streaks, such as a three-fight winning run in 2014-2015 within the UFC, but no extended title contention followed. Jordan's last professional fight occurred in July 2018, after which he retired from active competition with no further bouts recorded.Personal life and retirement
Family and post-MMA activities
Jordan resides in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, having made the city his home after playing college football at Louisiana State University.[17] Jordan grew up with three brothers—Joshua, Jamie, and Jeremy—who shared his early interest in mixed martial arts as fans of the sport.[18] Jordan is married to Bee Jordan and has children.[26] Following the conclusion of his MMA career in 2018, Jordan has remained inactive from competition without issuing a formal retirement announcement.[2] A 2024 retrospective praised Jordan's enduring legacy in the heavyweight division, describing him as "the most exciting man in MMA's plodding heavyweight division" during his peak years for his explosive knockouts and distinctive style.[20]Retirement from competition
Shawn Jordan's final professional MMA bout took place on July 19, 2018, at PFL 4, where he lost to Josh Copeland via unanimous decision after three rounds, capping a two-fight losing streak that included a prior defeat to Blagoy Ivanov.[2] Since that event, Jordan has not participated in any further competitions, marking an implicit retirement from the sport at age 33.[1] By November 2025, now 41 years old, he continues to hold an inactive status across major MMA databases.[23] No official announcement of retirement was made, though Jordan had expressed openness to stepping away as early as 2016, citing inadequate pay offers as a key concern amid his free agency following the expiration of his UFC contract.[27] Retrospective coverage in 2024 describes his exit as a quiet fade from the heavyweight landscape, potentially influenced by the division's growing depth and his recent setbacks, without indications of injuries or other personal factors detailed in public records.[20] As of 2025, Jordan remains listed on the Professional Fighters League's outdated roster but is designated as not fighting, with no reported negotiations, training updates, or rumors of a return in the MMA community.[28]Professional MMA record
| Result | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 19–9 | Josh Copeland | Decision (unanimous) | PFL 4 | July 19, 2018 | 3 | 5:00 | Uniondale, New York, U.S. | |
| Loss | 19–8 | Blagoy Ivanov | TKO (punches) | WSOF 35 | March 18, 2017 | 1 | 1:43 | Verona, New York, U.S. | |
| Win | 19–7 | Ashley Gooch | TKO (punches) | WSOF 33 | October 7, 2016 | 1 | 4:40 | Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. | |
| Loss | 18–7 | Ruslan Magomedov | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 192 | October 3, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Houston, Texas, U.S. | |
| Win | 18–6 | Derrick Lewis | TKO (hook kick and punches) | UFC Fight Night: Boetsch vs. Henderson | June 6, 2015 | 2 | 0:48 | New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| Win | 17–6 | Jared Cannonier | KO (punches) | UFC 182 | January 3, 2015 | 1 | 2:57 | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. | |
| Win | 16–6 | Jack May | TKO (punches) | UFC Fight Night: Bader vs. Saint Preux | August 16, 2014 | 3 | 2:03 | Bangor, Maine, U.S. | |
| Loss | 15–6 | Matt Mitrione | KO (punch) | UFC Fight Night: Henderson vs. Khabilov | March 1, 2014 | 1 | 4:59 | Macau | |
| Loss | 15–5 | Gabriel Gonzaga | KO (punch) | UFC 166 | October 19, 2013 | 1 | 1:33 | Houston, Texas, U.S. | |
| Win | 15–4 | Pat Barry | TKO (punches) | UFC 161 | June 15, 2013 | 1 | 0:59 | Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada | |
| Win | 14–4 | Mike Russow | TKO (punches and elbows) | UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Dodson | January 26, 2013 | 2 | 3:48 | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. | |
| Loss | 13–4 | Cheick Kongo | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 149 | July 21, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Calgary, Alberta, Canada | |
| Win | 13–3 | Oli Thompson | TKO (punches) | UFC on FX: Alves vs. Kampmann | March 3, 2012 | 2 | 3:53 | Sydney, New South Wales, Australia | |
| Win | 12–3 | Lavar Johnson | Submission (keylock) | Strikeforce Challengers: Villasenor vs. Cyborg | September 23, 2011 | 2 | 3:08 | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. | |
| Loss | 11–3 | Devin Cole | Decision (unanimous) | Strikeforce Challengers: del Rosario vs. Jouban | July 22, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. | |
| Win | 11–2 | Kendrick Watkins | TKO (punches) | Gladiator Challenge: Summer Knockouts | July 16, 2011 | 1 | 0:19 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| Win | 10–2 | Jon Hill | TKO (punches and elbows) | Bellator 45 | May 21, 2011 | 1 | 1:56 | Lake Charles, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| Loss | 9–2 | Mark Holata | KO (punch) | Bellator 31 | September 30, 2010 | 1 | 1:13 | Lake Charles, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| Win | 9–1 | James Hall | Submission (anaconda choke) | USA MMA: Stacked | July 31, 2010 | 1 | 0:45 | Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S. | |
| Win | 8–1 | Derrick Lewis | Decision (unanimous) | GFA 7 | June 25, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Lafayette, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| Win | 7–1 | Kendrick Watkins | KO (punches) | MMA Fight Force: The Final Chapter | May 28, 2010 | 1 | 0:37 | Southaven, Mississippi, U.S. | |
| Win | 6–1 | Doug Williams | TKO (punches) | Bellator 18 | May 13, 2010 | 1 | 0:19 | Monroe, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| Win | 5–1 | Marcus Kaiser | TKO (punches) | No Love Entertainment: War and Wheels | January 23, 2010 | 1 | 0:54 | Springfield, Illinois, U.S. | |
| Win | 4–1 | Corey Salter | TKO (punches) | USA MMA: Louisiana vs. Florida | October 9, 2009 | 1 | 3:18 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana, U.S. | |
| Loss | 3–1 | Kenny Garner | KO (punches) | Atlas Fights: Cage Rage 2 | September 6, 2009 | 1 | 0:51 | Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S. | |
| Win | 3–0 | Carlton Haselrig | TKO (punches) | UCFC: Rumble on the Rivers | June 27, 2009 | 1 | 2:57 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. | |
| Win | 2–0 | Mahsea Bolea | KO (punch) | RW 4: Defiance | June 13, 2009 | 2 | 1:02 | Evansville, Indiana, U.S. | |
| Win | 1–0 | Jayme McKinney | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | Bellator 9 | May 29, 2009 | 2 | 1:39 | Biloxi, Mississippi, U.S. |
