Jesse Juarez (born May 8, 1981) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Welterweight division of the Absolute Championship Berkut. A professional competitor since 2006, Juarez has also formerly competed for Strikeforce, Bellator MMA, the MFC, and Shark Fights. He holds a win at Welterweight over former UFC Middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. Background Originally from Torrance, California, Juarez is of French, Italian, and Tongan descent. Juarez attended North Torrance High School where he competed in wrestling, football, and track and field, earning All-American honors for wrestling. Juarez later continued his wrestling career at Golden West College where he was a JUCO All-American and California JC state champion before transferring to Montana State University-Northern. Juarez was a two-time NAIA All-American and was a 2005 NAIA National Champion at Montana State University-Northern. Juarez had been introduced to mixed martial arts while wrestling in high school and later transitioned into mixed martial arts after college. Mixed martial arts career Early career Juarez started his professional career in 2006. He fought mainly for California-based promotions as Strikeforce, Gladiator Challenge and Invincible. He faced Luke Stewart on September 20, 2008 at Strikeforce: At The Mansion II. He lost via submission due to an armbar in the first round. Bellator MMA Juarez made his promotional debut against Mikey Gomez on April 10, 2009 at Bellator 2. He won via TKO in the first round. Juarez next faced Deray Davis on May 15, 2009 at Bellator 7–8. Once again he won via TKO in round one. Juarez did a rematch against Mikey Gomez on June 5, 2009 at Bellator 10. He won via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 30–27). Maximum Fighting Championship and Cage Fighting Championship Juarez made his promotional debut in MFC against Joe Christopher on December 4, 2009 at MFC 23. He won via unanimous decision. Juarez faced Nathan Gunn on February 26, 2010 at MFC 24. He won via knockout with a head kick at 11 seconds of round one. Juarez made his promotional debut in Cage Fighting Championship against Justin Murray on April 16, 2010 at CFC 13 for the welterweight title. Juarez defeated Murray via majority decision (49–47, 48–48, 48–47) after five rounds and became the CFC welterweight title holder. Juarez faced Douglas Lima on November 12, 2010 at MFC 27 for the MFC Welterweight Championship. He lost via submission due to a triangle armbar in the third round. Juarez