| Daniel Mason-Straus | |
|---|---|
| Born | Daniel Mason-Straus (1984-07-27)July 27, 1984 (age 41) Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) |
| Weight | 145 lb (66 kg; 10.4 st) |
| Division | Featherweight |
| Reach | 67 in (170 cm) |
| Fighting out of | Cincinnati, Ohio, United States |
| Team | American Top Team Vision MMA |
| Years active | 2009–2021 |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 36 |
| Wins | 26 |
| By knockout | 7 |
| By submission | 4 |
| By decision | 15 |
| Losses | 10 |
| By knockout | 3 |
| By submission | 5 |
| By decision | 2 |
| Other information | |
| Notable school | Sycamore High School |
| Mixed martial arts record fromSherdog | |
Daniel Mason-Straus (born July 27, 1984), is an American former professionalmixed martial artist who competed in theFeatherweight division. He previously competed inBellator MMA, where he is the former two-timeBellator Featherweight Champion. A professional competitor since 2009, Straus has also formerly competed forShark Fights.
Straus was born inCincinnati, Ohio, and grew up in the nearby suburb of Sycamore Township. Straus came from a troubled household and by the time he was a junior in high school he was living on his own and supporting himself, which included involvement in criminal activities. Straus was a highly successful and highly controversialhigh school wrestling|high school wrestler atSycamore High School. As a freshman in the (112 lbs.) weight class, Straus was an alternate for the state tournament and in his sophomore season he went 2–2 in the state tournament. In his junior season, Straus finished third in the state in Division I (135 lbs.) and in his senior year he was ruled academically ineligible and missed the second half of the season (including the state tournament). However, he was given a wild card berth into the NHSCA Senior Nationals (high school senior national championship) and won the tournament. Straus is considered by some in the Ohio wrestling media to be one of the best Ohio wrestlers of the decade (2001–2010) and one of the greatest Ohio high school wrestlers to never win a state title. In addition to wrestling, Straus also played soccer and ran for the track and field team in high school. After graduating, Straus moved to Florida and worked in maintenance, but was arrested on robbery charges and was incarcerated from 2004 to 2007.[1][2][3]
Straus returned to Cincinnati after his release from prison and was introduced to mixed martial arts by a friend who was a former high school wrestling opponent. He invited Straus to come train with him at Team Vision and Straus made his professional debut in February 2009.[3]
Straus was a late replacement forMarcus Hicks atShark Fights 13: Jardine vs. Prangley where he beatWEC veteranKaren Darabedyan via unanimous decision.[4]
Straus made his Bellator debut on June 24, 2010, atBellator 23 where he defeated Chad Hinton via unanimous decision.
In January 2011, Bellator announced that Straus would be part of theBellator Season Four Featherweight Tournament. In the quarter-finals, Straus foughtNazareno Malegarie.[5] Straus defeated Malegarie via unanimous decision to move on to the semifinals and give Malegarie the first loss of his career. The fight won Fight of the Night honors.
AtBellator 41, Straus competed in the semifinals of the Season Four Tournament againstKenny Foster. Straus controlled the fight for the first two rounds before he finished Foster via guillotine choke submission and moved on to the finals of the tournament. Straus metPatricio Freire in the Season Four Tournament Final atBellator 45. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Straus returned in the Bellator Season Six Featherweight Tournament that started on March 9, 2012. He defeatedJeremy Spoon via unanimous decision in the opening round atBellator 60. In the semifinal round, Straus faced Mike Corey atBellator 65 and again won by unanimous decision. In the finals, Straus facedMarlon Sandro atBellator 68 and won via unanimous decision. This win earned him a title shot and rematch against Featherweight ChampionPat Curran, who had previous beaten Straus in 2009.
AtBellator 78, Straus took a fight to keep himself busy while waiting for his title shot. He foughtRoyce Gracie black belt,Alvin Robinson, defeating him via submission in the second round.
Straus was scheduled to facePat Curran on April 4, 2013, for theFeatherweight Title atBellator 95.[6] However, on February 26, it was announced that Straus had broken his hand and had to pull out of the fight.[7]
The Featherweight Championship fight between Curran and Straus took place on November 2, 2013, atBellator 106.[8] Straus won the fight by unanimous decision to become the newBellator Featherweight Champion.
Straus is scheduled to facePat Curran for the third time at Bellator 112 on March 14, 2014.[9] Straus publicly expressed his displeasure in having to face Curran again so soon after beating him, going so far as to say he believes Bellator wants Curran as champion.[10] However, he also stated it is his job to fight and he welcomed the bout. At the weigh ins for Bellator 112, Straus had to cut his hair to make weight.[11] He lost the bout via rear naked choke in the fifth round.
Straus facedJustin Wilcox in the main event atBellator 127 on October 3, 2014.[12] He won the fight via knockout in the first round.
Straus challengedPatrício Freire for theBellator Featherweight Championship in a rematch atBellator 132 on January 16, 2015.[13] Freire won the back-and-forth fight in the fourth round via a rear-naked choke submission.
Straus faced undefeated prospectHenry Corrales atBellator 138 on June 19, 2015.[14] He won the fight via submission in the second round.
Straus had a third fight with Freire on November 6, 2015, atBellator 145.[15] He won the fight via unanimous decision to reclaim theBellator Featherweight Championship.
Over a year since his last fight, Straus returned to defend his title against Freire in a fourth fight in the main event atBellator 178 on April 21, 2017. After a back-and-forth first round, Straus lost the bout via a submission due to a guillotine choke early in the second round.[16]
Straus facedEmmanuel Sanchez atBellator 184 on October 6, 2017.[17] He lost the fight via triangle choke submission in the third round.
After a 17-month long layoff due to severe injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident, Straus returned to the cage on March 29, 2019, atBellator 219 and faced Shane Krutchen. He was victorious by way of first round submission.[18]
Straus next facedDerek Campos in the opening round of the Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix atBellator 226 on September 7, 2019. He lost the bout via unanimous decision.[19]
On July 10, 2021, it was announced that he was no longer under contract with Bellator.[20]
Straus facedKeith Richardson on October 23, 2021, in the co-main event of XMMA 3.[21] He lost the bout via TKO due to ground and pound.[22]
Straus made his debut against boxerDat Nguyen atBKFC 38 in the main event and lost by unanimous decision in the sixth round after the first five rounds were ruled a draw.[23]
Straus faced formerUFC fighterJimmie Rivera in the main event atBKFC 61 on May 11, 2024.[24] He lost the fight by unanimous decision.[25]
Straus has a daughter.[26]
On March 1, 2013, Straus was arrested inFort Lauderdale, Florida after his vehicle was pulled over. He faced charges of driving with a suspended license, possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana, more than three grams of synthetic cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession ofMDMA.[27]
In the early morning hours of December 17, 2017, Straus was involved in an accident while riding hisSuzuki GSX-R1000 motorcycle on State Road 7 inDade County, Florida. He was unconscious for an unknown amount of time, and was unable to move his extremities upon regaining consciousness. His passenger was able to get help and Straus was transported to hospital. Although no alcohol was involved, it is still unknown what caused the accident. His passenger was unharmed. It would take eight months and extreme physical therapy before Straus could walk again on his own. Once able to move again without assistance, Daniel Straus made the decision to get back into physical shape and continue his professional MMA career. His long journey back culminated with his comeback fight atBellator 219 on March 29, 2019, a bout which he won via submission.
On February 6, 2021, Straus was arrested inBroward County, Florida and was chargedaggravated domestic battery with a weapon after he allegedly stabbed his ex-girlfriend with a sharp object. According to the affidavit, Straus showed up to the alleged victim's place of work after the two argued over text message. Once he arrived, the two allegedly got into a verbal dispute. Straus followed the alleged victim as she walked to her car, at which point the victim claimed Straus pushed and struck her, knocking her to the ground. She then stated that Straus left the scene and later called her, informing her he was at her apartment. Fearing Straus would destroy her property, she drove to his apartment to retrieve a spare key to her own apartment. In the interim, Straus would arrive back at his home, where he would attack the alleged victim with a sharp object, creating multiple stab wounds. The victim fled the scene and went to a neighbor's home, and from there she was taken to a nearby hospital for examination. An arrest warrant for Straus was issued, and he was booked into the Broward County jail. He was released on $100,000bail.[28]
| 36 matches | 26 wins | 10 losses |
| By knockout | 7 | 3 |
| By submission | 4 | 5 |
| By decision | 15 | 2 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 26–10 | Keith Richardson | TKO (punches) | XMMA 3: Vice City | October 23, 2021 | 2 | 1:54 | Miami, Florida, United States | Lightweight bout. |
| Loss | 26–9 | Derek Campos | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 226 | September 7, 2019 | 3 | 5:00 | San Jose, California, United States | Bellator Featherweight World Grand Prix Opening Round. |
| Win | 26–8 | Shane Kruchten | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Bellator 219 | March 29, 2019 | 1 | 3:53 | Temecula, California, United States | Lightweight bout. |
| Loss | 25–8 | Emmanuel Sanchez | Submission (triangle choke) | Bellator 184 | October 6, 2017 | 3 | 1:56 | Thackerville, Oklahoma, United States | |
| Loss | 25–7 | Patricio Freire | Submission (guillotine choke) | Bellator 178 | April 21, 2017 | 2 | 0:37 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | Lost theBellator Featherweight World Championship. |
| Win | 25–6 | Patricio Freire | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 145 | November 6, 2015 | 5 | 5:00 | St. Louis, Missouri, United States | Won theBellator Featherweight World Championship. |
| Win | 24–6 | Henry Corrales | Submission (guillotine choke) | Bellator 138 | June 19, 2015 | 2 | 3:47 | St. Louis, Missouri, United States | |
| Loss | 23–6 | Patricio Freire | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Bellator 132 | January 16, 2015 | 4 | 4:49 | Temecula, California, United States | For theBellator Featherweight World Championship. |
| Win | 23–5 | Justin Wilcox | KO (punches) | Bellator 127 | October 3, 2014 | 1 | 0:50 | Temecula, California, United States | |
| Loss | 22–5 | Pat Curran | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Bellator 112 | March 14, 2014 | 5 | 4:46 | Hammond, Indiana, United States | Lost theBellator Featherweight World Championship |
| Win | 22–4 | Pat Curran | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 106 | November 2, 2013 | 5 | 5:00 | Long Beach, California, United States | Won theBellator Featherweight Championship |
| Win | 21–4 | Alvin Robinson | Submission (rear-naked choke) | Bellator 78 | October 26, 2012 | 2 | 4:51 | Dayton, Ohio, United States | |
| Win | 20–4 | Marlon Sandro | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 68 | May 11, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Bellator Season Six Featherweight Tournament Final |
| Win | 19–4 | Mike Corey | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 65 | April 13, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | Bellator Season Six Featherweight Tournament Semifinal |
| Win | 18–4 | Jeremy Spoon | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 60 | March 9, 2012 | 3 | 5:00 | Hammond, Indiana, United States | Bellator Season Six Featherweight Tournament Quarterfinal |
| Win | 17–4 | Jason Dent | Decision (unanimous) | NAAFS: Caged Fury 15 | October 15, 2011 | 5 | 5:00 | Cleveland, Ohio, United States | Won and unified NAAFS Pro Series Lightweight Championship |
| Loss | 16–4 | Patricio Freire | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 45 | May 21, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Lake Charles, Louisiana, United States | Bellator Season Four Featherweight Tournament Final |
| Win | 16–3 | Kenny Foster | Submission (guillotine choke) | Bellator 41 | April 16, 2011 | 3 | 3:48 | Yuma, Arizona, United States | Bellator Season Four Featherweight Tournament Semifinal |
| Win | 15–3 | Nazareno Malegarie | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 37 | March 19, 2011 | 3 | 5:00 | Concho, Oklahoma, United States | Bellator Season Four Featherweight Tournament Quarterfinal |
| Win | 14–3 | Karen Darabedyan | Decision (unanimous) | Shark Fights 13: Jardine vs Prangley | September 11, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Amarillo, Texas, United States | |
| Win | 13–3 | Joe Pearson | TKO (punches) | XFO 36: Outdoor War 6 | August 14, 2010 | 2 | 4:04 | Island Lake, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 12–3 | Chad Hinton | Decision (unanimous) | Bellator 23 | June 24, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Louisville, Kentucky, United States | |
| Win | 11–3 | Travis Perzynski | Decision (unanimous) | ICE: International Combat Events 45 | March 13, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Forest Park, Ohio, United States | |
| Win | 10–3 | Frank Caraballo | TKO (punches) | NAAFS: Caged Fury 9 | February 20, 2010 | 5 | 3:57 | Cleveland, Ohio, United States | Won NAAFS Interim Pro Series Lightweight Championship. |
| Win | 9–3 | Gideon Ray | Decision (unanimous) | XFO 33 | January 23, 2010 | 3 | 5:00 | Chicago, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 8–3 | Joe Heiland | Decision (unanimous) | NAAFS: Night of Champions 2009 | December 5, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Akron, Ohio, United States | |
| Win | 7–3 | Patrick Ferm | TKO (punches) | XFO 32 | October 10, 2009 | 1 | 1:50 | New Munster, Wisconsin, United States | |
| Win | 6–3 | Tim Troxell | TKO (elbows and punches) | Xtreme Caged Combat: Cops vs. Cons | October 3, 2009 | 1 | 3:51 | Reading, Pennsylvania, United States | |
| Win | 5–3 | Mitch Lyons | TKO (punches) | Indiana Xtreme Fighting 1: Wildcard | June 26, 2009 | 3 | 2:13 | Rising Sun, Indiana, United States | |
| Loss | 4–3 | Pat Curran | KO (punches) | XFO 29 | April 17, 2009 | 2 | 1:31 | Lakemoor, Illinois, United States | |
| Win | 4–2 | Mike Baskis | Decision (unanimous) | ICF: Breakout | April 11, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Cincinnati, Ohio, United States | |
| Win | 3–2 | Lester Caslow | Decision (split) | Extreme Challenge: Mayhem at the Marina | March 28, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States | |
| Win | 2–2 | Tim Cook | TKO (punches) | ICF: Turfwar | March 14, 2009 | 2 | 0:11 | Florence, Kentucky, United States | |
| Loss | 1–2 | Scott Bickerstaff | TKO (punches) | MMA Big Show: Retribution | March 7, 2009 | 1 | N/A | Switzerland County, Indiana, United States | |
| Win | 1–1 | David Silva | Decision (unanimous) | XFO 28 | February 27, 2009 | 3 | 5:00 | Lakemoor, Illinois, United States | |
| Loss | 0–1 | Jay Ellis | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | XFO: New Blood | February 7, 2009 | 2 | 2:46 | Delray Beach, Florida, United States |
| 2 matches | 0 wins | 2 losses |
| By decision | 0 | 2 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loss | 0–2 | Jimmie Rivera | Decision (unanimous) | BKFC 61 | May 11, 2024 | 5 | 2:00 | Uncasville, Connecticut, United States | |
| Loss | 0–1 | Dat Nguyen | Decision (unanimous) | BKFC 38: Nguyen vs. Straus | April 21, 2023 | 6 | 2:00 | Delray Beach, Florida, United States | Fight went to a sixth round after the first five rounds were ruled a draw. |
