Christian M'Pumbu (born June 2, 1977) is a French-Congolese professional mixed martial artist. He was the inaugural Bellator Light Heavyweight Champion.

Background

M'Pumbu was born in Kinshasa, Zaire (now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo). He currently resides in France.

Mixed martial arts career

M'Pumbu made his professional mixed martial arts (MMA) debut in 2004. He has fought primarily in Europe for various promotions including KSW and M-1 Global. He is currently a member of Team France in M-1 Mixfight. Before his debut in the United States, M'Pumbu amassed a record of 15 wins, 3 losses and 1 draw. A notable win from this period is over Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight contender Stefan Struve.

Bellator Fighting Championships

M'Pumbu made his U.S. MMA debut on March 26, 2011, at Bellator 38. He faced Chris Davis in the opening round of the Light Heavyweight tournament and won the fight via TKO in the third round. In the semi-finals he defeated Tim Carpenter via TKO in the first round. M'Pumbu would go on to defeat Rich Hale via TKO in the third round at the finals of the season 4 tournament, becoming the inaugural Bellator Light Heavyweight champion. He was unofficially dubbed the first African born mixed martial artist to hold a title in a major MMA organization. On October 22, 2011, at Bellator 55, M'Pumbu lost a non-title fight against Travis Wiuff via unanimous decision. On February 28, 2013, at Bellator 91 M'Pumbu faced Bellator 2012 Summer Series Light Heavyweight tournament winner Attila Vegh in his first title defense and lost via unanimous decision. On September 13, 2013, at Bellator 99, M'Pumbu was expected to face UFC veteran Vladimir Matyushenko. M'Pumbu pulled out of the fight with a hand injury and was replaced with Houston Alexander. M'Pumbu faced Quinton Jackson in the opening round of Bellator's Season 10 Light Heavyweight tournament in the main event at Bellator 110 on February 28, 2014. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round, the first knockout loss of his career. M'Pumbu made his Middleweight debut against Kendall Grove on October 3, 2014, at Bellator 127. He lost the fight via submission in the second round.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record