Marvin Eastman facts for kids

Marvin Lee Eastman (born June 8, 1971) is a retired American professional mixed martial artist and kickboxer. He was also known by his nickname, "The Beastman." Marvin competed in many top fighting organizations. These included K-1, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and King of the Cage (KOTC). He even became the Super Heavyweight Champion in KOTC.

Before his fighting career, Marvin was a talented athlete. He played football for the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

About Marvin Eastman

Marvin Eastman grew up in Merced, California. He started wrestling at a young age. He also played football. In his senior year of high school, Marvin was undefeated in wrestling. He won the California State Wrestling Championship.

After high school, he played college football for Merced College. He was named an All-American player there. He then played for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Later, he joined the Calgary Stampeders in the CFL. Marvin then decided to try the exciting world of mixed martial arts. He began training in Muay Thai.

Marvin Eastman's Fighting Career

Marvin Eastman started his mixed martial arts (MMA) career in June 2000. His first fights were with King of the Cage. He won his first three fights. One of these wins was against Quinton "Rampage" Jackson, who later became a UFC champion.

Early Challenges and Big Wins

After a loss, Marvin fought Rich Franklin, another future UFC champion. Franklin won that fight. But Eastman bounced back with two wins in the World Fighting Alliance (WFA).

In August 2002, Marvin surprised many people. He defeated Duke Roufus, a four-time world champion, in a K-1 kickboxing match. Roufus was ahead in the first two rounds. But Eastman came back strong in the third round. He landed two powerful knees to Roufus's body to win the fight.

Fighting in the UFC and K-1

Marvin made his Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) debut at UFC 43. He fought Vitor Belfort. Belfort won the fight quickly in the first round. After this, Eastman returned to King of the Cage. He won a rematch against Vernon White.

He also competed again in K-1 kickboxing. In April 2004, he fought Michael McDonald. Marvin knocked McDonald down in the first round. But McDonald came back and won the fight in the second round. Later that year, Marvin fought Ray Sefo in K-1. The fight was stopped early, which Marvin disagreed with.

Marvin had another UFC fight in late 2004 at UFC 50. He lost to Travis Lutter in the second round. After this, he had a mixed record in smaller shows. He won six out of seven fights. He defeated well-known fighters like Jason MacDonald and Alan Belcher.

Championships and Later Fights

In 2006, Marvin became the Elite Fighting Championships (EFC) Light Heavyweight Champion. He won against Travis Wiuff. He also had a draw against Jorge Oliviera in the WFA.

Marvin returned to the UFC at UFC 67. He had a rematch with Quinton Jackson but lost in the second round. In July 2007, he won the IFO Middleweight title. He defeated Rob Kimmons. Marvin's last UFC fight was at UFC 81 in February 2008. He won a clear decision against Terry Martin.

After his UFC career, Marvin continued to fight in other promotions. He faced tough opponents like Denis Kang and Ricardo Arona. He won some fights and lost others. His last professional fight was in September 2013. He lost to Sean O'Connell by decision.

Life Outside the Ring

Besides fighting, Marvin Eastman also worked as a corrections officer in Las Vegas. He also owns a gym called Legends MMA.

Achievements and Awards

Marvin Eastman achieved many honors during his career:

Amateur Wrestling

• California Interscholastic Federation
  • California State Wrestling Championship (191-pound weight class)

Mixed Martial Arts

• Elite Fighting
  • Elite Fighting Light Heavyweight Championship
• International Fighting Organization
  • IFO Middleweight Championship
• King of the Cage
  • KOTC Super Heavyweight Championship
• World Extreme Fighting
  • WEF Light Heavyweight Championship
• World Fighting Alliance
  • WFA Light Heavyweight Championship

Submission Grappling

• Grapplers Quest
  • Grapplers Quest Heavyweight Championship