Rob McCullough

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Robert Alexander McCullough IV (born May 26, 1977) is a retired American Muay Thai kickboxer and professional mixed martial artist. A professional from 2001-2011 in MMA, McCullough has formerly competed for the WEC, Bellator, DREAM, the World Fighting Alliance, the Palace Fighting Championship, and King of the Cage. In professional kickboxing, McCullough has competed for K-1.

Video Rob McCullough

Mixed martial arts career

World Extreme Cagefighting

McCullough began his mixed martial arts career with a first-round TKO victory at the Palace Casino in Lemoore, California, in 2001. Between 2003 and 2007, "Razor Rob" went 10-1 with nine stoppage victories and only a split-decision loss to Harris Sarmiento, which he later avenged.

McCullough defeated Muay Thai fighter Kit Cope at WEC 25 to win the vacant WEC Lightweight Championship. He defended the title once by defeating Richard Crunkilton by first-round TKO. On February 13, 2008, he lost his title to Jamie Varner when Varner defeated him by TKO due to strikes in the third round.

After losing his title, McCullough struggled over his next four fights in the now-defunct WEC. He defeated Kenneth Alexander by split decision but then lost to Donald Cerrone. He defeated Marcus Hicks by majority decision, but he fractured his right hand and received minor damage to his ankle and subsequently underwent surgery to repair his hand. McCullough was expected to return to the cage against Anthony Pettis on November 18, 2009, at WEC 44; but Pettis had to pull out of the bout with an undisclosed injury. McCullough instead faced WEC newcomer Karen Darabedyan. McCullough lost to Darabedyan via split decision.

With three losses in his last five fights, McCullough released by the WEC and would eventually join Tachi Palace Fights, returning to the venue where his career began, and had somewhat of a resurgence. McCullough defeated Isaac de Jesus by first-round TKO on July 9, 2010, at Tachi Palace Fight 5. He then defeated UFC veteran Corey Hill by unanimous decision on September 9, 2010, at Tachi Palace Fight 6.

Bellator MMA

On October 14, 2010, McCullough signed with Bellator to compete in the promotion's upcoming Season Four Lightweight Tournament. He was knocked out by a counter right by Patricky "The Pitbull" Freire.