Houston Alexander facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Houston Alexander |
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Houston Alexander in 2007
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| Born | March 22, 1972 East St. Louis, Illinois, United States |
| Other names | We Have A Problem |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 203 lb (92 kg; 14 st 7 lb) |
| Division | Heavyweight Light Heavyweight Middleweight |
| Reach | 72 in (183 cm) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Fighting out of | Omaha, Nebraska, United States |
| Team | Grudge Training Center Finney's HIT Squad |
| Years active | 2001–2017 (MMA) 2021–present (Bare-knuckle boxing) |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 36 |
| Wins | 17 |
| By knockout | 14 |
| By decision | 3 |
| Losses | 16 |
| By knockout | 10 |
| By submission | 2 |
| By decision | 4 |
| Draws | 1 |
| No contests | 2 |
Houston Alexander (born March 22, 1972) is an American athlete who used to compete in mixed martial arts (MMA). He started his professional career in 2001 and fought for big organizations like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Bellator MMA. He stopped competing in MMA in 2017.
More recently, Alexander has been competing in bare-knuckle boxing for the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship. He has a perfect record of 4 wins and no losses in this sport. As of July 2024, he was ranked among the top bare-knuckle boxers.
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About Houston Alexander
Houston Alexander was born in East St. Louis, Illinois. He lived there until he was eight years old. Growing up in a close-knit neighborhood, he quickly learned how to protect himself. Later, his family moved to Omaha, Nebraska.
Alexander was a very athletic kid. He went to Omaha North High School, where he played football and was a talented wrestler. He also started boxing when he was a teenager. After high school, he was accepted into the Savannah College of Art & Design in Georgia. However, he decided to stay in Omaha to be with his daughter. Before becoming a professional fighter, Alexander worked as a machine operator at an asphalt company.
Mixed Martial Arts Career
Houston Alexander had an exciting career in mixed martial arts. He fought in many different promotions, including some of the biggest in the world.
Fighting in the UFC
Alexander made his first appearance in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) at UFC 71 on May 26, 2007. He fought against Keith Jardine and surprised everyone by knocking him out in just 49 seconds of the first round. This was a huge upset!
After this big win, Alexander started training full-time. He trained three times a day, seven days a week. He then signed a new contract to fight three more times in the UFC.
At UFC 75, Alexander defeated Alessio Sakara from Italy. He was good at countering his opponent's early attacks with close-range punches. Alexander explained that his strength came from his "short strikes," which he developed by lifting weights.
His next fight was at UFC 78 against Thiago Silva, who had never lost a fight before. Silva won the match by TKO (Technical Knockout) in the first round. Silva got on top of Alexander and landed punches until the referee stopped the fight.
On April 2, 2008, Alexander fought James Irvin at UFC Fight Night: Kenny Florian vs Joe Lauzon. Irvin landed a powerful punch that knocked Alexander down. He followed up with more punches, and the referee stopped the fight after only eight seconds. Alexander protested the quick stop, but the loss was official. This eight-second knockout tied the record for the fastest knockout in UFC history at the time.
Alexander then fought Eric "Red" Schafer at UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Neer in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska. After landing some good knee strikes early on, Alexander lost the fight in the first round by an arm triangle submission.
He was supposed to fight Andre Gusmão at UFC 98, but he had to pull out because he broke his hand during training.
With permission from the UFC, Alexander fought Sherman Pendergarst in a Heavyweight match. Alexander won this fight by TKO after landing leg kicks that dropped his opponent, followed by punches on the ground.
Alexander returned to the UFC at The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale. He fought against Kimbo Slice in a special catchweight bout. Alexander lost this fight by a unanimous decision. Many people thought the fight wouldn't last long, but it went all three rounds. Alexander mostly moved away from Kimbo and used quick leg kicks. In the second round, Kimbo Slice performed a suplex that shook Alexander. After this loss, Alexander was released from the UFC.
Fighting in Other Promotions
After leaving the UFC, Alexander continued his fighting career in other organizations.
On January 16, 2010, he fought Joey Beltran. Alexander controlled the first round with his movement and leg kicks. In the second round, Beltran landed a strong combination of punches that knocked Alexander out.
Alexander then faced Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou on September 11, 2010, at Shark Fights 13: Jardine vs. Prangley. After a tough first round where he was knocked down, Alexander came back strong in the second round. He won by TKO (punches) and earned both "Knockout of the Night" and "Fight of the Night" awards.
He was scheduled for a rematch with James Irvin, but the fight was canceled due to an injury Alexander suffered and a failed drug test by Irvin.
Alexander fought Razak Al-Hassan at MMA Fight Pit: Genesis. He won the fight by TKO when the doctor stopped the match due to a cut on his opponent.
He later faced Canadian fighter Steve Bosse and was knocked out in the second round by an elbow strike.
On March 30, 2012, Alexander fought Gilbert Yvel. Houston lost this fight by a single punch knockout in the first round.
On September 15, 2012, Alexander faced Jan Błachowicz in Poland. Błachowicz controlled Alexander on the ground for most of the fight, and Alexander lost by unanimous decision.
On March 30, 2013, Alexander defeated Dennis Reed by TKO (submission to punches).
On July 27, 2013, Alexander won the VFC Light Heavyweight Championship by defeating Chuck Grigsby with a knockout in the fourth round at Victory Fighting Championship 40.
Fighting in Bellator MMA
Alexander joined Bellator MMA and faced Vladimir Matyushenko on September 13, 2013. He lost this fight by unanimous decision.
On April 18, 2014, Alexander fought Matt Uhde at Bellator 117. He won the fight by TKO after the doctor stopped the match at the end of the second round.
Alexander was set to fight James Thompson, but Thompson got injured. Instead, Alexander fought Virgil Zwicker. Their fight ended in a majority draw because Alexander had a point deducted for repeated illegal headbutting.
A rematch with Zwicker happened at Bellator 132. Zwicker won this second fight by a split decision.
Achievements and Awards
Houston Alexander has earned several awards and championships throughout his career:
- Shark Fights
- Fight of the Night (One time)
- Knockout of the Night (One time)
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Knockout of the Night (One time)
- UFC.com Awards
- 2007: Ranked #3 Knockout of the Year (vs. Keith Jardine), Ranked #5 Upset of the Year (vs. Keith Jardine) & Ranked #10 Knockout of the Year (vs. Alessio Sakara)
- Victory Fighting Championship
- VFC Light Heavyweight Championship (One time)
Mixed Martial Arts Record
Here is a summary of Houston Alexander's mixed martial arts fights:
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 36 matches | 17 wins | 16 losses |
| By knockout | 14 | 10 |
| By submission | 0 | 2 |
| By decision | 3 | 4 |
| Draws | 1 | |
| No contests | 2 | |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 17–16–1 (2) | Rakim Cleveland | TKO (punches) | Primus FC: Cleveland vs. Alexander 2 | December 9, 2017 | 3 | 3:04 | Woodward, Oklahoma, United States | |
| Loss | 17–15–1 (2) | Rakim Cleveland | TKO (knees and punches) | Extreme Challenge 234 | April 15, 2017 | 1 | 4:45 | Jefferson, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 17–14–1 (2) | Brian Green | Decision (unanimous) | MMA Fight Series: Alexander vs. Green | October 9, 2016 | 3 | 5:00 | West Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Loss | 16–14–1 (2) | Evan Nedd | TKO (punches) | Redemption Fighting Championship 2 | April 29, 2016 | 3 | 4:57 | Oranjestad, Aruba | |
| Loss | 16–13–1 (2) | Guilherme Viana | TKO (doctor stoppage) | Bellator 146 | November 20, 2015 | 2 | 5:00 | Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States | |
| Loss | 16–12–1 (2) | Tony Lopez | TKO (punches) | Legend Fights: Lopez vs. Alexander | July 24, 2015 | 3 | 4:35 | Shawnee, Oklahoma, United States | |
| Loss | 16–11–1 (2) | Virgil Zwicker | Decision (split) | Bellator 132 | January 16, 2015 | 3 | 5:00 | Temecula, California, United States | Catchweight (215 lbs) bout. |
| Draw | 16–10–1 (2) | Virgil Zwicker | Draw (majority) | Bellator 129 | October 17, 2014 | 3 | 5:00 | Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States | Alexander was deducted one point for headbutting. |
| Win | 16–10 (2) | Matt Uhde | TKO (doctor stoppage) | Bellator 117 | April 18, 2014 | 2 | 5:00 | Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States | |
| Loss | 15–10 (2) | Vladimir Matyushenko | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 99 | September 13, 2013 | 3 | 5:00 | Temecula, California, United States | |
| Win | 15–9 (2) | Chuck Grigsby | KO (punch) | Victory Fighting Championship 40 | July 27, 2013 | 4 | 1:39 | Ralston, Nebraska, United States | Won the VFC Light Heavyweight Championship. |
| Win | 14–9 (2) | Dennis Reed | TKO (submission to punches) | Victory Fighting Championship 39 | March 30, 2013 | 1 | 1:01 | Ralston, Nebraska, United States | |
| Loss | 13–9 (2) | Jan Błachowicz | Decision (unanimous) | KSW 20: Fighting Symphonies | September 15, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Gdańsk, Poland | For the KSW Light Heavyweight Championship. |
| Loss | 13–8 (2) | Gilbert Yvel | KO (punch) | RFA 2: Yvel vs. Alexander | March 30, 2012 | 1 | 3:59 | Kearney, Nebraska, United States | |
| Loss | 13–7 (2) | Steve Bossé | KO (elbow) | Instinct MMA 1 | October 7, 2011 | 2 | 4:11 | Montreal, Quebec, Canada | |
| Win | 13–6 (2) | Razak Al-Hassan | TKO (doctor stoppage) | MMA Fight Pit: Genesis | August 13, 2011 | 2 | 5:00 | Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States | |
| Win | 12–6 (2) | Brian Albin | TKO (punches) | Caged In The Coliseum: Albin vs Alexander | June 25, 2011 | 3 | 0:26 | Jackson, Mississippi, United States | |
| Win | 11–6 (2) | Rameau Thierry Sokoudjou | TKO (punches) | Shark Fights 13: Jardine vs Prangley | September 11, 2010 | 2 | 1:31 | Amarillo, Texas, United States | Fight of the Night. Knockout of the Night. |
| Win | 10–6 (2) | David Griffin | Decision (unanimous) | UFA 1: The Clash at the Coliseum | June 11, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Charleston, South Carolina, United States | |
| NC | 9–6 (2) | Justin Grizzard | NC (eye poke) | Extreme Challenge: The Aftermath | March 27, 2010 | 2 | N/A | Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States | Alexander landed an accidental eye poke which rendered Grizzard unable to continue. |
| Loss | 9–6 (1) | Joey Beltran | TKO (punches) | 5150 Combat League/XFL: New Year's Revolution | January 16, 2010 | 2 | 3:49 | Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States | For the 5150 Combat League Heavyweight Championship. |
| Loss | 9–5 (1) | Kimbo Slice | Decision (unanimous) | The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights Finale | December 5, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Catchweight (215 lbs) bout. |
| Win | 9–4 (1) | Sherman Pendergarst | TKO (leg kicks and punches) | Adrenaline MMA IV: Sylvia vs. Riley | September 18, 2009 | 1 | 1:51 | Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States | Heavyweight bout. |
| Loss | 8–4 (1) | Eric Schafer | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs. Neer | September 17, 2008 | 1 | 4:53 | Omaha, Nebraska, United States | |
| Loss | 8–3 (1) | James Irvin | KO (superman punch) | UFC Fight Night 13 | April 2, 2008 | 1 | 0:08 | Broomfield, Colorado, United States | |
| Loss | 8–2 (1) | Thiago Silva | TKO (punches) | UFC 78 | November 17, 2007 | 1 | 3:25 | Newark, New Jersey, United States | |
| Win | 8–1 (1) | Alessio Sakara | TKO (knee and punches) | UFC 75 | September 8, 2007 | 1 | 1:01 | London, England, United Kingdom | Knockout of the Night. |
| Win | 7–1 (1) | Keith Jardine | KO (punches) | UFC 71 | May 26, 2007 | 1 | 0:48 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | Light Heavyweight debut. |
| NC | 6–1 (1) | Todd Allee | NC (illegal knees) | Extreme Challenge 76 | March 31, 2007 | 1 | 3:23 | Sloan, Iowa, United States | Alexander delivered knees to Allee who was a grounded opponent. |
| Win | 6–1 | Jon Murphy | TKO (punches) | Extreme Challenge 76 | March 31, 2007 | 1 | 0:56 | Sloan, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 5–1 | Demian Decorah | Decision (unanimous) | Downtown Destruction 1 | January 12, 2005 | 5 | 3:00 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 4–1 | Brandon Quigley | TKO (punches) | Judgment Night 2 | November 3, 2004 | 1 | 0:41 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | Heavyweight debut. |
| Win | 3–1 | Justin Butler | KO (punches) | Gladiators 20 | March 15, 2003 | 1 | 0:38 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Win | 2–1 | Chuck Purdow | TKO (submission to punches) | Gladiators 17 | August 18, 2001 | 1 | 0:58 | Hastings, Nebraska, United States | |
| Win | 1–1 | Jamie Webb | TKO (submission to punches) | Gladiators 16 | June 30, 2001 | 1 | 2:18 | Des Moines, Iowa, United States | |
| Loss | 0–1 | Jason Medina | Submission (arm-triangle choke) | Extreme Challenge 40 | June 16, 2001 | 2 | 0:47 | Springfield, Illinois, United States |
Bare-Knuckle Boxing Record
Houston Alexander also competes in bare-knuckle boxing. Here is his record in that sport:
| Professional record breakdown | ||
| 4 matches | 4 wins | 0 losses |
| By knockout | 3 | 0 |
| By decision | 1 | 0 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 4–0 | Jeremy Smith | Decision (unanimous) | BKFC 43 | May 19, 2023 | 5 | 2:00 | Omaha, Nebraska, United States | |
| Win | 3–0 | Joey Beltran | KO (punches) | BKFC 33 | November 18, 2022 | 2 | 0:38 | Omaha, Nebraska, United States | |
| Win | 2–0 | Jay Fish | TKO (punches) | BKFC Fight Night: Omaha | May 13, 2022 | 1 | 1:41 | Omaha, Nebraska, United States | |
| Win | 1–0 | Wes Combs | KO (punch) | BKFC 21 | September 10, 2021 | 1 | 0:34 | Omaha, Nebraska, United States |
Television Appearances
In 2009, Houston Alexander appeared on the Fox Sports Network show "Sport Science". This show explores the science behind athletic abilities.
Music Career
Besides fighting, Houston Alexander is also known for his music. He goes by the names "Scrib", "Cone-Dome", or "FAS/ONE". He has been a big part of the underground hip hop music scene in Omaha for a long time.
In the 1980s, he led a hip hop group in North Omaha called the Scribble Crew. They were known as top graffiti artists in the area. Their art can still be seen today in North Omaha and is respected by the community. His group, Midwest Alliance, was active through the 1990s and into the 2000s. They were very important to the Omaha music scene.
Today, Alexander works as a DJ on KOPW 106.9, a local radio station in Omaha. He hosts a show that features independent hip hop music. He also runs a program for elementary school students called the "Culture Shock School Tour," which teaches kids about hip hop. Alexander has often spoken about how Omaha needs to support its hip hop artists more.
Personal Life
In 2000, Houston Alexander showed his love for his family by donating one of his kidneys to his oldest daughter.
See also
- List of Bellator MMA alumni
- List of male mixed martial artists
- Hip hop in Omaha
