Joshua Martin Neer (born March 24, 1983) is an American bare-knuckle boxer and former mixed martial artist. A professional competitor since 2003, he has competed for the UFC, Bellator, the Quad Cities Silverbacks of the IFL, and Shark Fights. Neer is the former Shark Fights Interim Welterweight Champion.

Josh Neer
BornJoshua Martin Neer
(1983-03-24) March 24, 1983 (age 41)
Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Other namesThe Dentist
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight183.8 lb (83.4 kg; 13.13 st)
DivisionMiddleweight
Welterweight
Lightweight
Reach72 in (180 cm)
StanceOrthodox
TeamMiletich Martial Arts (2004–2009)[1]
Des Moines MMA (2009–present)[1]
Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (2011–present)[2]
RankBlack belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Years active2003–present
Professional boxing record
Total1
Wins1
By knockout1
Mixed martial arts record
Total53
Wins36
By knockout21
By submission11
By decision4
Losses16
By knockout3
By submission5
By decision8
Draws1
Other information
Websitehttp://www.joshneer.tv/
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog
Last updated on: September 29, 2009

Background

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Neer is from Des Moines, Iowa, and began wrestling when he was six years old. In high school, he played football, was an All-Conference baseball player, and in wrestling, he finished fourth in the state for his senior season. Neer continued wrestling at Waldorf College, but got injured and dropped out after only a year. Neer began boxing when he was 18 years old.[3]

Mixed martial arts career

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Early career

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Neer went 89–1 as an amateur, sometimes fighting two to three times in one night.[4] He received his nickname "The Dentist", by knocking the teeth out of two consecutive opponents during his amateur career.

Neer began his professional career on March 15, 2003, by knocking out Josh Kennedy. He proceeded to win twice, and draw once, before losing to Spencer "The King" Fisher by split decision. After losing to Fisher, Neer won each of his next ten fights.

Neer signed with the UFC and lost his first fight to Drew Fickett by submission at the inaugural UFC Ultimate Fight Night.

Neer fought his next three fights outside the UFC and went 2–1 before going back to the UFC. He submitted Melvin Guillard at Ultimate Fight Night 2 and beat Joe Stevenson, who won the Welterweight division of The Ultimate Fighter 2, at Ultimate Fight Night 3. Neer then lost his next two fights, to Josh Burkman at UFC 61 and by submission to Nick Diaz at UFC 62.

Again out of the UFC, Neer went 6–1 in his next seven fights before returning to defeat Din Thomas at UFC Fight Night: Florian vs Lauzon. He lost to Nate Diaz in the main event at UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs Neer, but followed that defeat with a win at UFC Fight Night: Lauzon vs Stephens over The Ultimate Fighter: Team Hughes vs Team Serra winner, Mac Danzig, by triangle choke in the second round.

Neer lost a unanimous decision over Kurt Pellegrino. Throughout the fight Neer made signals that Pellegrino was not doing anything, and was visibly upset at the end of the third round. Neer fought Gleison Tibau as a late replacement for injured Sean Sherk at UFC 104 on October 24, 2009, and lost the fight due to a unanimous decision. Neer was subsequently released from the UFC with a record of 2–3 since his return to the organization.[5]

Post-UFC

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In his first fight following his latest UFC release, Neer defeated Matt Delanoit by TKO at MAX Fights DM Ballroom Brawl IV in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 8. He followed up with another win at Shark Fights 8, winning the Interim Welterweight Championship, which he also successfully defended once.

UFC return

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Neer returned to the UFC to defeat Keith Wisniewski by TKO (cut) at the end of the second round on October 1, 2011, at UFC on Versus 6.[6]

Neer next faced Duane Ludwig on January 20, 2012, at UFC on FX: Guillard vs. Miller.[7] Despite being hurt on several occasions via Ludwig's punches, Neer persevered and won the fight via technical submission in the first round.

Neer faced Mike Pyle on June 8, 2012, at UFC on FX 3.[8] Pyle defeated Neer via first-round knockout.

Neer fought Justin Edwards on October 5, 2012, at UFC on FX 5.[9] He lost the fight via guillotine choke 45 seconds into the first round.

Neer faced Ultimate Fighter Season 11 winner Court McGee on February 23, 2013, at UFC 157.[10] Neer lost the bout via unanimous decision. He was subsequently released from the UFC again after his loss to McGee.[11]

Independent circuit

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On December 14, 2013, Neer faced former UFC veteran Anthony Smith at VFC 41. Neer won via submission (rear-naked choke).[12] Neer then faced Ron Jackson at MCC 54: Grigsby vs. Morrow on June 27, 2014. He won the fight via first round TKO.[13]

Bellator

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At Bellator 17, Neer was defeated by Bellator Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez via rear-naked choke at 2:08 in the second round. Alvarez gained control of Neer's back in the standing position. Neer refused to tap, and was rendered unconscious as a result.

Neer returned to the promotion to face Paul Bradley on October 17, 2014, at Bellator 129.[14] He lost the fight by unanimous decision and left frustrated by the repeated ground attack by Bradley.

Neer was scheduled to face Matt Secor at Bellator 140 on July 17, 2015.[15] However, this fight did not happen.

Neer eventually made his return against André Santos at Bellator 146 on November 20, 2015. He lost the fight by unanimous decision.

Post-Bellator

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After the second, two-fight stint in Bellator, Neer faced Anthony Smith in a rematch at VFC 47 on January 14, 2016. He lost the fight via first-round knockout.[16]

Personal life

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Neer has a daughter. Before he was fighting professionally, Neer worked in construction.[17]

On New Year's Eve 2008 Neer was involved in a high-speed chase with law enforcement in Des Moines, Iowa, after reportedly hitting a squad car before fleeing the scene. He faced charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, eluding police, hit-and-run, and various other traffic violations. He pleaded guilty to two charges and did not receive jail time but instead received a suspended sentence.[18][19][20]

Bare-knuckle boxing

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Neer competed in a bare-knuckle boxing match at 200 lbs. for the World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation on November 9, 2018. He won after his opponent retired two minutes into the third round.[citation needed]

Championships and accomplishments

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Mixed martial arts record

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Professional record breakdown
55 matches 36 wins 18 losses
By knockout 21 3
By submission 11 5
By decision 4 10
Draws 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 36–16–1 Anthony Smith TKO (elbows) VFC 47 January 14, 2016 1 3:27 Omaha, Nebraska, United States Middleweight debut.
Loss 36–15–1 André Santos Decision (unanimous) Bellator 146 November 20, 2015 3 5:00 Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States
Loss 36–14–1 Paul Bradley Decision (unanimous) Bellator 129 October 17, 2014 3 5:00 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Win 36–13–1 Travis Coyle Submission (armbar) VFC 43 August 2, 2014 1 1:37 Ralston, Nebraska, United States Won the vacant VFC Welterweight Championship.[22]
Win 35–13–1 Ron Jackson TKO (punches) MCC 54: Grigsby vs. Morrow June 27, 2014 1 4:20 Des Moines, Iowa, United States 180 lb. Catchweight bout.
Win 34–13–1 Anthony Smith Submission (rear-naked choke) VFC 41 December 14, 2013 3 3:48 Ralston, Nebraska, United States 175 lb. Catchweight bout.
Loss 33–13–1 Court McGee Decision (unanimous) UFC 157 February 23, 2013 3 5:00 Anaheim, California, United States
Loss 33–12–1 Justin Edwards Technical Submission (guillotine choke) UFC on FX: Browne vs. Bigfoot October 5, 2012 1 0:45 Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
Loss 33–11–1 Mike Pyle KO (punch) UFC on FX: Johnson vs. McCall June 8, 2012 1 4:56 Sunrise, Florida, United States
Win 33–10–1 Duane Ludwig Technical Submission (guillotine choke) UFC on FX: Guillard vs. Miller January 20, 2012 1 3:04 Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Win 32–10–1 Keith Wisniewski TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC Live: Cruz vs. Johnson October 1, 2011 2 5:00 Washington, D.C., United States
Win 31–10–1 Blas Avena TKO (punches and elbows) Superior Cage Combat 2 August 20, 2011 1 2:54 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 30–10–1 Jesse Juarez TKO (doctor stoppage) Shark Fights 16: Neer vs. Juarez June 25, 2011 1 4:57 Odessa, Texas, United States Defended the interim Shark Fights Welterweight Championship.
Win 29–10–1 Andre Kase TKO (punches) WWFC 2: Neer vs. Kase April 9, 2011 1 0:20 Clive, Iowa, United States
Win 28–10–1 Jesse Finney Submission (guillotine choke) Fight Me MMA 1: The Battle Begins August 14, 2010 1 4:09 St. Louis, Missouri, United States 175 lb. Catchweight bout.
Loss 27–10–1 Eddie Alvarez Technical Submission (standing rear-naked choke) Bellator 17 May 6, 2010 2 2:08 Boston, Massachusetts, United States 160 lb. Catchweight bout.
Win 27–9–1 Anselmo Martinez Submission (rear-naked choke) Shark Fights 8: Super Brawl February 5, 2010 1 3:05 Lubbock, Texas, United States Won the interim Shark Fights Welterweight Championship.
Win 26–9–1 Matt Delanoit KO (punches) Max Fights DM: Ballroom Brawl 4 January 8, 2010 1 3:48 Des Moines, Iowa, United States Return to Welterweight.
Loss 25–9–1 Gleison Tibau Decision (unanimous) UFC 104 October 24, 2009 3 5:00 Los Angeles, California, United States 157 lb. Catchweight bout.
Loss 25–8–1 Kurt Pellegrino Decision (unanimous) UFC 101 August 8, 2009 3 5:00 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
Win 25–7–1 Mac Danzig Submission (triangle choke) UFC Fight Night: Lauzon vs. Stephens February 7, 2009 2 3:36 Tampa, Florida, United States Fight of the Night.
Loss 24–7–1 Nate Diaz Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs Neer September 17, 2008 3 5:00 Omaha, Nebraska, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 24–6–1 Din Thomas Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Florian vs. Lauzon April 2, 2008 3 5:00 Broomfield, Colorado, United States Lightweight debut.
Win 23–6–1 Nick Sorg Submission (armbar) C3: Smokey Mountain Showdown October 27, 2007 1 2:16 Cherokee, North Carolina, United States
Win 22–6–1 Paul Rodriguez TKO (punches) Greensparks: Full Contact Fighting 5 July 27, 2007 1 1:39 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Loss 21–6–1 Mark Miller KO (punch) IFL: Chicago May 19, 2007 1 0:54 Chicago, Illinois, United States
Win 21–5–1 Tyson Burris TKO (submission to punches) FSG: Coliseum Carnage April 8, 2007 1 2:31 Ames, Iowa, United States
Win 20–5–1 Mark Gearhart TKO (punches) Greensparks: Full Contact Fighting 3 March 17, 2007 1 0:21 Iowa, United States
Win 19–5–1 TJ Waldburger TKO (punches) IFC: Road to Global Domination March 4, 2007 1 0:24 Belton, Texas, United States
Win 18–5–1 Wayne Hajicek TKO (submission to punches) MCC 5: Thanksgiving Throwdown November 22, 2006 1 2:30 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Loss 17–5–1 Nick Diaz Submission (kimura) UFC 62: Liddell vs. Sobral August 26, 2006 3 1:42 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 17–4–1 Josh Burkman Decision (unanimous) UFC 61: Bitter Rivals July 8, 2006 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 17–3–1 Joe Stevenson Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night 4 April 6, 2006 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 16–3–1 Melvin Guillard Submission (triangle choke) UFC Fight Night 3 January 16, 2006 1 4:20 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night. Submission of the Year.
Win 15–3–1 Alex Carter TKO (punches) XKK: Des Moines November 23, 2005 1 3:43 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Loss 14–3–1 Nick Thompson Submission (rear-naked choke) Extreme Challenge 64 October 15, 2005 2 2:19 Osceola, Iowa, United States
Win 14–2–1 Forrest Petz Submission (triangle choke) FFC 15: Fiesta Las Vegas September 14, 2005 1 3:25 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 13–2–1 Drew Fickett Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Ultimate Fight Night August 6, 2005 1 1:35 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 13–1–1 Todd Kiser TKO (submission to punches) Extreme Challenge 62 June 18, 2005 1 1:41 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Win 12–1–1 Mark Long KO (punch) XKK: Des Moines May 20, 2005 1 0:54 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Win 11–1–1 Jay Jack Decision (unanimous) Extreme Challenge 61 April 22, 2005 3 5:00 Medina, Minnesota, United States
Win 10–1–1 Derrick Noble Submission (triangle choke) XKK: Des Moines March 19, 2005 1 3:22 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Win 9–1–1 Terrance Reasby TKO (punches) Downtown Destruction 2 February 2, 2005 2 0:52 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Win 8–1–1 Mark Bear KO (knees) VFC 8: Fallout November 27, 2004 3 3:40 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Win 7–1–1 David Gardner TKO (punches) XKK: Des Moines October 30, 2004 1 1:55 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Win 6–1–1 Anthony Macias TKO (punches) FFC 11: Explosion September 10, 2004 1 0:41 Biloxi, Mississippi, United States
Win 5–1–1 Fred Leavy TKO (punches) Xtreme Kage Kombat August 7, 2004 1 3:44 Des Moines, Iowa, United States
Win 4–1–1 Kyle Jensen Submission (armbar) Extreme Challenge 57 May 6, 2004 3 1:04 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Loss 3–1–1 Spencer Fisher Decision (split) VFC 7: Showdown March 6, 2004 5 5:00 Council Bluffs, Iowa, United States
Win 3–0–1 Joe Chacon Decision (unanimous) XKK: Clash in Curtiss 4 February 7, 2004 3 3:00 Curtiss, Wisconsin, United States
Draw 2–0–1 Joe Jordan Draw AFA: Judgment Night January 17, 2004 3 3:00 Fort Dodge, Iowa, United States
Win 2–0 Royce Louck TKO (punches) Absolute Ada Fights 4 September 13, 2003 1 1:43 Ada, Minnesota, United States
Win 1–0 Josh Kennedy KO (slam) Gladiators 20 March 15, 2003 1 3:41 Des Moines, Iowa, United States

Professional boxing record

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1 fight 1 win 0 losses
By knockout 1 0
By decision 0 0
No. Result Record Opponent Method Round, time Date Location Notes
1 Win 1–0   Ron Krull TKO 1 (4), 2:09 Dec 17, 2004   Clive, Iowa, U.S.

Bare knuckle record

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Professional record breakdown
1 match 1 win 0 losses
By knockout 1 0
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 1–0 Mike Alderete TKO (retirement) World Bare Knuckle Fighting Federation November 9, 2018 3 2:00 Casper, Wyoming, United States

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b Mike Russell (October 14, 2009). "Ne'er a dull moment for 'The Dentist'". militarynews.com.
  2. ^ Dallas Winston (October 3, 2012). "UFC on FX 5: Josh Neer vs. Justin Edwards Dissection". bloodyelbow.com.
  3. ^ "Josh Neer: The Dentist is In | FIGHT! Magazine NewsFIGHT! Magazine News". www.fightmagazine.com. Archived from the original on 2015-02-25.
  4. ^ Hunter Homistek. "Bellator 129's Josh Neer Talks Bonkers Amateur Record, Paul Bradley, Diaz Bros". Bleacher Report.
  5. ^ Exclusive: Josh Neer released by UFC
  6. ^ "Josh Neer vs. Keith Wisniewski targeted for UFC on Versus 6 on Oct. 1". mmajunkie.com. 2011-08-23. Archived from the original on 2011-09-30. Retrieved 2011-08-23.
  7. ^ "FX airs first UFC event in January with Neer vs. Ludwig". MMAJunkie.com. November 16, 2011. Archived from the original on November 17, 2011. Retrieved November 16, 2011.
  8. ^ "Mike Pyle: I'm fighting Josh Neer at UFC on FX 3 on June 8". mmamania.com. March 22, 2012.
  9. ^ "Neer-Edwards added to UFC on FX 5". mmajunkie.com. August 1, 2012. Archived from the original on August 4, 2012.
  10. ^ Ariel Helwani (December 13, 2012). "Court McGee drops to welterweight, scheduled to fight Josh Neer at UFC 157". MMAFighting.com.
  11. ^ "UFC cuts continue with Josh Neer, Brock Jardine, Caros Fodor, Jon Manley let go". mmajunkie.com. March 30, 2013.
  12. ^ "VFC 41 Results: Roberts Ekes Past Davis, Neer Submits Smith". themmacorner.com. December 14, 2013.
  13. ^ "Beyond the Octagon: UFC vet Josh Neer, Valentijn Overeem top light weekend in the regionals". bloodyelbow.com. July 8, 2014.
  14. ^ "Bellator 129 Headlined by Neer vs. Bradley". Archived from the original on 2018-10-17. Retrieved 2014-09-25.
  15. ^ Staff (June 9, 2015). "Josh Neer vs. Matt Secor added to Bellator 140". themmareport.com.
  16. ^ Steven Marrocco (January 30, 2016). "Victory FC 47 results: Anthony Smith avenges loss to Josh Neer, claims 185 title". MMAjunkie.com.
  17. ^ "Josh Neer – Welcome to the Dentist's Office". UFC.com. 2009-08-05. Archived from the original on 2009-08-08. Retrieved 2009-08-05.
  18. ^ "Josh Neer arrested in Iowa after New Years Eve high-speed police chase". January 2009.
  19. ^ "MMA".
  20. ^ "UFC's Josh Neer gets suspended sentence for January arrest, UFC 101 bout will go on | News – MMAjunkie.com". Archived from the original on 2013-10-22. Retrieved 2013-10-22.
  21. ^ Thomas Gerbasi (January 4, 2013). "Ten Best - 2012 Submissions of the Year (and before)". Ultimate Fighting Championship.
  22. ^ "VFC 43: Neer vs. Coyle". tapology.com. August 2, 2014.
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