Brad Lavale Blackburn Jr. (born May 25, 1977) is a retired American mixed martial artist. A professional from 2000 until 2011, he fought for the UFC, Bellator, the Maximum Fighting Championship, and the Seattle Tiger Sharks of the now defunct International Fight League.

Background

At the age of 22 Blackburn began boxing but soon transitioned to MMA after being persuaded to do so by his friends who trained. A "late bloomer," Blackburn stood only 4'10 as a high school sophomore.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Blackburn was a contender on the now defunct IFL before signing on to the UFC. He held a record of 15 wins, 9 losses, 1 draw, and 1 no contest before joining the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Blackburn made his UFC debut against James Giboo winning by TKO due to strikes on UFC Fight Night 14. He would later go on to defeat Ryo Chonan by unanimous decision and Edgar García by split decision. He then fought TUF 7 winner Amir Sadollah at UFC Fight Night 20 on January 11, 2010. In this fight, Blackburn was rocked badly once in the first round and would go on to get rocked again in the third round by a knee. Blackburn survived Sadollah's attacks going on to lose by unanimous decision. Blackburn lost to DaMarques Johnson at UFC 112, and was subsequently released from the organization.

Personal life

Blackburn has two children, a son and a daughter.

Mixed martial arts record