John Salter

For other people named John Salter, see John Salter (disambiguation).

John Salter
Born	(1985-03-21) March 21, 1985 (age 39) Gardendale, Alabama, United States
Nickname	Salty
Height	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight	185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb)
Division	Middleweight
Reach	74 in (188 cm)
Stance	Orthodox
Fighting out of	Wilmington, North Carolina, United States Nashville, Tennessee, United States Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Team	Gym-O Dethrone Base Camp (2012–2016) SaltyDog Jiu Jitsu (2016–2023)[1]
Rank	Second degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Shawn Hammonds[2]
Wrestling	NAIA Wrestling[3]
Years active	2007–2023
Mixed martial arts record
Total	25
Wins	19
By knockout	7
By submission	10
By decision	2
Losses	6
By knockout	2
By submission	3
By decision	1
University	Gardendale High School Lindenwood University
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Medal record Representing  United States Men's Submission Wrestling ADCC North American Championships 2017 Anaheim -88kg

John Salter (born March 21, 1985) is an American retired mixed martial artist, he competed in the Middleweight division of Bellator MMA. A professional competitor since 2007, he has also competed for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Strikeforce, King of the Cage, and the Aggression Fighting Championship (AFC).

Background

John Salter began training in wrestling at age 12, going on to win a 2002 Alabama state title while in high school. He went on to attend Lindenwood University in St. Louis, Missouri, where he won the 2007 NAIA National Wrestling Championship at 174 lbs. Following college, Salter won various national grappling tournaments, including the 2007 NAGA Nationals (No-Gi, middleweight) Expert Division, as well as the 2007 Casca Grossa (No-Gi, 175 lb and up) Professional Division. In addition, Salter began training kickboxing and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.^[4][5]

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Salter made his amateur MMA debut in 2007 and compiled an undefeated record of 7–0. He made his professional debut in March 2009 at middleweight and has maintained a record of 17–4.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

On January 11, 2010, Salter made his UFC debut, stepping in as a last-minute replacement for Mike Massenzio against Gerald Harris at UFC Fight Night 20. Salter lost the fight due to TKO (strikes) in the third round.

Salter was scheduled to face Nick Catone on May 8, 2010, at UFC 113,^[6] but Catone was forced off the card with an injury and instead faced UFC veteran, Jason MacDonald.^[7] After 2:42 of the first round, MacDonald suffered a suspected broken ankle and Salter was declared the winner by TKO (injury).

Salter was expected to face Phil Baroni on August 28, 2010, at UFC 118,^[8] however Baroni was forced off the card with an injury.^[9] Late replacement Dan Miller defeated Salter via guillotine choke in the 2nd round.

Salter was released from the UFC with a 1–2 record.

Strikeforce

Salter was expected to make his Strikeforce debut against undefeated Yancy Medeiros at Strikeforce Challengers: Woodley vs. Saffiedine on January 7, 2011, but Medeiros was forced from the bout with an injury.^[10] As a result, Salter was pulled from the card, but later re-added, fighting Casey Huffman who he defeated via TKO due to strikes in the 1st round.^[11]

Armageddon

Salter defeated former UFC fighter Kalib Starnes in the main event of AFC 6: Conviction for Armageddon FC in Victoria, BC, Canada, on June 18. This fight was for the AFC middleweight title belt.

Bellator MMA

In his Bellator MMA debut, Salter faced Dustin Jacoby on January 16, 2015, at Bellator 132.^[12] He won the fight via submission in the second round. On June 17, 2016, John faced the former Middle Weight title holder Brandon Halsey on the main card for Bellator 156. Salter won via submission by triangle choke.

Salter faced Kendall Grove at Bellator 181 on July 14, 2017. He won the fight via technical submission in the first round.^[13]

Salter was expected to face Anatoly Tokov at Bellator 188 on November 16, 2017.^[14] However, Tokov pulled out of the bout due to an ACL injury and was replaced by Jason Radcliffe. Salter won the fight via submission in the first round.

Salter was expected to face Rafael Lovato Jr. at Bellator 198 on April 28, 2018. However, Salter was pulled by the Illinois Athletic Commission due to an eye issue on April 24 and replaced by Gerald Harris.^[15]

Salter faced Rafael Lovato Jr. on September 21, 2018, at Bellator 205.^[16] He lost the fight via a submission.^[17]

Salter stepped in to replace Melvin Manhoef against Chidi Njokuani on November 30, 2018, at Bellator 210.^[18] He won the fight via submission in the first round.^[19]

Salter faced Costello van Steenis on November 8, 2019, at Bellator 233. Salter outlasted van Steenis and won the bout unanimous decision, becoming the first time that Salter went to the judges.^[20]

Salter faced Andrew Kapel on August 21, 2020, at Bellator 244. Salter won the bout via arm-triangle choke in the third round.^[21]

Salter faced Gegard Mousasi for the Bellator Middleweight Championship on August 13, 2021, at Bellator 264.^[22] After having success with his takedowns in the first two rounds, Salter ultimately lost the bout via TKO in round three.^[23]

Salter faced Johnny Eblen on March 12, 2022, at Bellator 276.^[24] He lost the bout via unanimous decision.^[25]

Salter faced Aaron Jeffrey on March 31, 2023, at Bellator 293.^[26] He won the fight via unanimous decision and announced his retirement during the post-fight interview.^[27]

Championships and accomplishments

Brazilian Ju-jitsu

• 2017 ADCC West Coast Trials Winner

Mixed martial arts

• Bellator MMA
  • Most submission wins in Bellator Middleweight division history (six)^[28]
• Aggression Fighting Championship
  • AFC Middleweight Championship (One time)

Wrestling/Grappling

• 2017 ADCC West Coast Trials Winner
• 2007 NAIA National Champion Wrestler for Lindenwood University, MO
• 2007 All American Wrestler for Lindenwood University, MO
• NAGA (North American Grappling Association) National Champion
  • Casca-Grossa Champion in professional division
• UEP Professional Middle Weight Title Holder - 2009
• 2002 State Champion Wrestler for Gardendale High School, Alabama

Mixed martial arts record

Professional record breakdown

25 matches	19 wins	6 losses
By knockout	7	2
By submission	10	3
By decision	2	1

Res.	Record	Opponent	Method	Event	Date	Round	Time	Location	Notes
Win	19–6	Aaron Jeffery	Decision (unanimous)	Bellator 293	March 31, 2023	3	5:00	Temecula, California, United States
Loss	18–6	Johnny Eblen	Decision (unanimous)	Bellator 276	March 12, 2022	3	5:00	St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Loss	18–5	Gegard Mousasi	TKO (punches)	Bellator 264	August 13, 2021	3	2:07	Uncasville, Connecticut, United States	For the Bellator Middleweight World Championship.
Win	18–4	Andrew Kapel	Submission (arm-triangle choke)	Bellator 244	August 21, 2020	3	3:11	Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Win	17–4	Costello van Steenis	Decision (unanimous)	Bellator 233	November 8, 2019	3	5:00	Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States
Win	16–4	Chidi Njokuani	Submission (rear-naked choke)	Bellator 210	November 30, 2018	1	4:32	Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States
Loss	15–4	Rafael Lovato Jr.	Submission (rear-naked choke)	Bellator 205	September 21, 2018	3	4:27	Boise, Idaho, United States
Win	15–3	Jason Radcliffe	Submission (rear-naked choke)	Bellator 188	November 16, 2017	1	1:55	Tel Aviv, Israel
Win	14–3	Kendall Grove	Technical Submission (rear-naked choke)	Bellator 181	July 14, 2017	1	4:37	Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States
Win	13–3	Claudio Annicchiarico	TKO (punches)	Bellator 168	December 10, 2016	1	1:40	Florence, Italy
Win	12–3	Brandon Halsey	Submission (triangle choke)	Bellator 156	June 17, 2016	1	4:03	Fresno, California, United States
Win	11–3	Dustin Jacoby	Submission (rear-naked choke)	Bellator 132	January 16, 2015	2	3:33	Temecula, California, United States
Win	10–3	Jaime Jara	Submission (triangle choke)	TWC 18: Halloween Havoc 3	October 25, 2013	1	2:20	Porterville, California, United States
Win	9–3	Fred Weaver	TKO (punches)	Strikehard 23	April 27, 2013	1	2:58	Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States
Loss	8–3	Reggie Peña	Submission (guillotine choke)	XFC 18: Music City Mayhem	June 22, 2012	2	0:36	Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Win	8–2	Ryan Machan	Submission (rear-naked choke)	PFC 8	December 9, 2011	1	2:47	Red Deer, Alberta, Canada
Win	7–2	Kalib Starnes	KO (punches)	AFC 6: Conviction	June 18, 2011	2	4:13	Victoria, British Columbia, Canada	Won AFC Middleweight Championship.
Win	6–2	Casey Huffman	TKO (punches)	Strikeforce Challengers: Woodley vs. Saffiedine	January 7, 2011	1	2:59	Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Loss	5–2	Dan Miller	Submission (guillotine choke)	UFC 118	August 28, 2010	2	1:53	Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Win	5–1	Jason MacDonald	TKO (leg injury)	UFC 113	May 8, 2010	1	2:42	Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Loss	4–1	Gerald Harris	TKO (punches)	UFC Fight Night: Maynard vs. Diaz	January 11, 2010	3	3:24	Fairfax, Virginia, United States
Win	4–0	Jeremiah Riggs	TKO (punches)	CCCW: The 3rd Degree	October 17, 2009	1	4:44	Springfield, Illinois, United States
Win	3–0	James Hammortree	Submission (arm-triangle choke)	Ultimate Event Promotions: Vendetta	July 27, 2009	3	1:58	Daphne, Alabama, United States
Win	2–0	Roberto Traven	KO (punches)	Adrenaline MMA 3: Bragging Rights	June 11, 2009	1	2:15	Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Win	1–0	Patrick Mandio	Submission (armbar)	KOTC: Invincible	March 27, 2009	1	4:35	Atlanta, Georgia, United States

^[29]

See also

• List of male mixed martial artists

References

1. "John Salter". bjjheroes.com.
2. "Black Belt promotion held in MTSU". fox34.com. February 25, 2020.^{[permanent dead link]}
3. Bellator MMA | John Salter. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
4. "John Salter | BJJ Heroes". Retrieved 2023-09-15.
5. News, Steve Irvine-- The Birmingham (2010-07-19). "John Salter looking to make a splash in the UFC". al. Retrieved 2023-09-15. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
6. Dann Stupp. "Nick Catone vs. John Salter on tap for UFC 113 prelims in Montreal". MMAjunkie. Archived from the original on 2010-03-23.
7. Steven Marrocco. "Source: Jason MacDonald will face John Salter at UFC 113 in May". MMAjunkie. Archived from the original on 2010-04-30.
8. "Pearson-Miller at UFN 22; Baroni-Salter at UFC 118". MMAFighting.com. 2010-05-29.
9. "Phil Baroni off UFC 118 card due to collarbone injury". mmajunkie.com. July 27, 2010. Archived from the original on July 30, 2010. Retrieved July 27, 2010.
10. Dann Stupp. "St. Preux-Humphrey replaces Medeiros-Salter at Strikeforce Challengers 13". MMAjunkie. Archived from the original on 2010-12-18. Retrieved 2010-12-14.
11. Dann Stupp. "Massive 13-fight preliminary card set for Strikeforce Challengers 13". MMAjunkie. Archived from the original on 2011-01-06.
12. MMAjunkie Staff (January 8, 2015). "Bellator 132 complete with seven prelims, including Dustin Jacoby vs. John Salter". mmajunkie.com.
13. John Morgan (July 14, 2017). "Bellator 181 results: Derek Campos scores trilogy win over Brandon Girtz in blood-soaked instant classic". mmajunkie.com.
14. Steven Marrocco (August 23, 2017). "Bellator 188 features title rematch between champ Patricio Freire, Daniel Weichel". mmajunkie.com.
15. Steve Juon (April 25, 2018). "Bellator 198 fight card shakeup: Gerald Harris vs Rafael Lovato Jr. booked with John Salter scratched". mmamania.com.
16. "John Salter ready for both he and Rafael Lovato Jr. to be 'carried out of the cage' at Bellator 205". MMAjunkie. 2018-09-18. Retrieved 2018-09-22.
17. "Bellator 205 results: Rafael Lovato Jr. stays perfect, taps out gritty John Salter". MMAjunkie. 2018-09-22. Retrieved 2018-09-22.
18. Sherdog.com. "Melvin Manhoef Out, John Salter in Against Chidi Njokuani at Bellator 210". Sherdog. Retrieved 2018-11-02.
19. Meshew, Jed (2018-11-30). "Bellator 210 Results: John Salter makes quick work of Chidi Njokuani with first-round submission". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2021-06-26.
20. "Bellator 233 results: John Salter earns unanimous nod over Costello van Steenis". MMA Junkie. 2019-11-09. Retrieved 2021-06-26.
21. "Bellator 233 results: John Salter earns unanimous nod over Costello van Steenis". MMA Junkie. 2019-11-09. Retrieved 2021-06-26.
22. "Gegard Mousasi to defend title vs. John Salter at Bellator 264 in Connecticut". MMA Junkie. 2021-06-25. Retrieved 2021-06-25.
23. Anderson, Jay (2021-08-13). "Bellator 264 Results: Gegard Mousasi Finishes John Salter, Austin Vanderford Up Next". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2021-08-14.
24. Heck, Mike (2022-02-15). "Cat Zingano vs. Pam Sorenson, John Salter vs. Johnny Eblen among additions to Bellator 276 lineup". MMA Fighting. Retrieved 2022-02-15.
25. Sherdog.com. "Bellator 276 'Borics vs. Burnell' Play-by-Play, Results & Round Scoring". Sherdog. Retrieved 2022-03-13.
26. "Marcelo Golm vs. Daniel James, Cat Zingano vs. Leah McCourt headline Bellator 293 on March 31". MMA Junkie. 2023-01-23. Retrieved 2023-01-23.
27. Jay Anderson (2023-03-31). "UFC vet, Bellator title challenger John Salter announces retirement following win over Aaron Jeffery". Cageside Press. Retrieved 2023-03-31.
28. Mike Bohn (November 5, 2019). "Bellator 233 pre-event facts: 'King Mo' Lawal drops weight for retirement fight". mmajunkie.com.
29. Sherdog.com. "John Salter MMA Stats, Pictures, News, Videos, Biography - Sherdog.com". Sherdog. Retrieved 2018-11-02.

External links

• Official Website
• Professional MMA record for John Salter from Sherdog
• John Salter at UFC