John Paul Alessio (born July 5, 1979) is a Canadian retired professional mixed martial artist. A former competitor in Bellator's Lightweight division. A professional competitor since 1998, Alessio has also formerly competed for the UFC where he was a former Welterweight title challenger, the WEC, PRIDE, King of the Cage, MFC and DREAM. Alessio is also the former King of the Cage Welterweight Champion and King of the Cage Superfight Champion.

Background

Alessio was born and raised Duncan, British Columbia, where he began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing, before moving to San Jose, California at the age of 19 in order to pursue his dream of becoming a professional fighter. During his professional mixed martial arts career, Alessio has also won two national BMX trick biking championships.

Mixed martial arts career

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Alessio made his UFC debut at just 20 years old at UFC 26 on June 9, 2000, when he faced Pat Miletich. He lost the fight via armbar submission in the second round.

EliteXC

Alessio then signed a three-fight contract with EliteXC. However, he did not fight for the promotion before they ceased operations in October 2008.

Ultimate Glory

Alessio faced Sergey Golyaev at Ultimate Glory 12 on October 16, 2010. He won the fight in the second round via kimura. Alessio then fought Siyar Bahadurzada in the United Glory welterweight semifinals on January 30, 2011, in Charleroi, Belgium and was beaten via TKO in the first round.

Return to UFC

On April 3, 2012, it was reported that Alessio has returned to the UFC to replace an injured Matt Wiman and face Mark Bocek at UFC 145. Alessio was defeated via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27). Alessio then faced Shane Roller on July 7, 2012, at UFC 148. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. Following his loss to Roller, Alessio was subsequently released from the UFC.

Aggression Fighting Championship

On September 13, Alessio signed with Aggression Fighting Championship. He headlined their AFC 13 show in Victoria, British Columbia on November 3. Alessio faced Dave Mazany in the main event. The bout ended in No Contest due to Mazany accidentally poking Alessio in the eye.

Bellator MMA

Alessio was scheduled to fight Tim Radcliffe at Global Warrior Challenge on June 29, 2013. However, he announced on Twitter on June 8 that a staph infection forced him to withdraw from the bout. Following that, Alessio announced that he had signed with Bellator MMA and will fight in the Lightweight tournament. Alessio was originally scheduled to face Guillaume De Lorenzi at Bellator 119 on May 9, 2014. However, De Lorenzi was forced out of the bout due to injury, and Alessio instead fought Eric Wisely at the event. He won the fight via unanimous decision. Alessio faced David Rickels at Bellator 139 on June 26, 2015. The fight was declared a no contest in the first round after Rickles landed an unintentional illegal knee rendering Alessio unable to continue.

Personal life

Alessio married Noelani Timas, an Import Tuner model known as Noelani Chase on June 9, 2010, in Las Vegas, Nevada. and he has one son prior to the relationship.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts record