Paul "The Headhunter" Buentello
Record: 27-11-0 (Win-Loss-Draw)
17 (T)KO's
9 Submissions
1 Decisions


Paul Anthony Buentello (born January 16, 1974) is an American professional mixed martial arts fighter.

Mixed martial arts career

In his debut in the UFC, he had an impressive win over the late Justin Eilers with a KO in 3:34 of the first round for his debut fight in UFC 51: Super Saturday on February 2, 2005. His next fight was against UFC veteran Kevin "The Shaman" Jordan on UFC 53: Heavy Hitters on June 4, 2005 where Buentello won with a guillotine choke submission at 4:00 of the first round. He lost a title shot against heavily-touted Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Andrei "The Pitbull" Arlovski at UFC 55: Fury on October 7, 2005, Arlovski defeating Buentello in a record 15 second knock-out. Following his loss to Arlovski, he faced off against Gilbert Aldana at UFC 57 where he won via TKO due to strikes.

After leaving the UFC Buentello fought for Strikeforce, winning 3 straight against lesser competition, before losing to Alistair Overeem for the right to become the first Strikeforce heavyweight champion.

Buentello's next fight was set to be against Gilbert Yvel at Affliction: Trilogy scheduled on August 1, 2009, but the entire event was ultimately cancelled due to complications arising from heavyweight Josh Barnett's denial of a California State Athletic Commission licence. Affliction Entertainment became defunct as a Mixed Martial Arts promoter shortly after on July 24, 2009.

At a press conference held July 31, 2009, it was announced that Buentello was one of several former Affliction fighters to sign with UFC.

Buentello was expected to face Todd Duffee at UFC 107, but Duffee was forced off the card with an undisclosed injury. Buentello instead faced Stefan Struve and lost a majority decision.

Buentello is scheduled to face Cheick Kongo on March 21, 2010 at UFC LIVE: Vera vs. Jones.

Paul "The Headhunter" Buentello Highlights
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp5pHUPTujw][/youtube]