Cole Escovedo

Coleman Ruben Escovedo (born August 30, 1981) is an American former mixed martial artist from Fresno, California. He was the inaugural WEC Featherweight Champion.

Health issues
Escovedo was forced into a well documented semi-retirement in 2007 from a serious staph infection that left him partially paralyzed and in need of spinal surgery. Then, after a nearly three years hiatus from mixed martial arts action, he returned on May 8, 2009, at a Palace Fighting Championship event at the Tachi Palace Hotel and Casino in Lemoore, California. Escovedo's comeback to MMA was his first fight in the 135 lb Bantamweight division.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Escodevo made his UFC debut against Renan Barão on May 25, 2011, at UFC 130. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Escovedo faced Takeya Mizugaki at UFC 135. He was knocked out by Mizugaki at 4:30 in the second round, giving him two consecutive losses in the UFC.

Escovedo faced Alex Caceres on November 12, 2011, at UFC on Fox 1. Escovedo lost via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, 30–27) after losing the standing exchanges to Caceres for all three rounds.

On December 16, 2011, Escovedo announced via the UG forums that he had been released by the UFC. Author Zac Robinson has written a book titled "Through The Cage Door" about Escovedo's life and career and its expected release date was August 2014.

Championships and accomplishments

 * Tachi Palace Fights
 * TPF Bantamweight Championship (One time)
 * World Extreme Cagefighting
 * WEC Featherweight Championship (One time; First)
 * One successful title defense

IFC Champion 145

Tachi Palace Fights Native American Champion