Fernando Esparza Gonzalez is an American mixed martial artist who most recently competed in Absolute Championship Akhmat's Welterweight division. A professional competitor since 2003, Gonzalez has also competed for the WEC, King of the Cage, Bellator MMA, and Strikeforce. Also a successful competitor in Muay Thai, Gonzalez is the former WBC National Muay Thai Cruiserweight Champion.
Gonzalez made his MMA and WEC debut against Mike Castillo on October 17, 2003, at WEC 8. He was victorious via first-round TKO. After going 7–3 in his next ten bouts, Gonzalez returned to the promotion when he faced Jimmy Dexter at WEC 20, defeating him via rear-naked choke submission. He next faced Alex Stiebling at WEC 23 on August 17, 2006. He won the fight via TKO due to a doctor stoppage in the first round. Gonzalez faced Brendan Seguin at WEC 25 on January 20, 2007. He lost the fight via unanimous decision. In what would be his last fight for the promotion, Gonzalez faced Hiromitsu Miura at WEC 29 on August 5, 2007. He lost the fight via submission due to punches in the second round.
Strikeforce
Gonzalez made his Strikeforce debut at on December 17, 2011. He faced Eddie Mendez and lost via split decision.
Bellator MMA
Gonzalez made his Bellator debut on July 25, 2014, when he faced winner Karl Amoussou at Bellator 122. Despite coming in as an underdog, Gonzalez pulled off the upset, winning via unanimous decision. In his second appearance for Bellator, Gonzalez was expected to face Justin Baesman at Bellator 127 on October 3, 2014. However, Karo Parisyan's opponent, Marius Žaromskis, was removed from their scheduled bout on the same card, so Gonzalez stepped in as a replacement. He won the fight via TKO in the first round. In his post-fight drug test, Gonzalez tested positive for Tetrahydrocannabinol. As a result, Gonzalez was suspended for 30 days in the state of California by the CSAC and fined $315. Gonzalez faced Marius Žaromskis at Bellator 132 on January 16, 2015. He won the fight by unanimous decision. Gonzalez next faced Curtis Millender at Bellator 137 on May 15, 2015. He won the fight via submission in the third round, bringing his Bellator record to 4–0. After the fight it was revealed by the CSAC that Gonzalez tested positive for marijuana; his second violation while with the promotion. On March 4, 2016, Gonzalez fought Gilbert Smith at Bellator 151. He won the fight by split decision. Gonzalez fought Michael Page on November 19, 2016, at Bellator 165. He lost the fight via split decision. After his first loss in the promotion, Gonzalez was scheduled to face former Bellator Welterweight Champion, Andrey Koreshkov, at Bellator 174 on March 3, 2017. However, an injury forced Koreshkov out of the bout. Instead, Gonzalez faced Brandon Girtz at the event and won via unanimous decision. Gonzalez faced Brennan Ward at Bellator 182 on August 25, 2017. Originally a catchweight of 178 pounds, Gonzalez missed weight and came in at 180 pounds. He won the fight via a guillotine choke submission in the third round. Gonzalez faced Lorenz Larkin in a catchweight bout at Bellator 193 on January 26, 2018. Gonzalez missed weight for the third time in a row. After surviving a late flurry of strikes in the third round, Gonzalez lost the fight via unanimous decision and was subsequently released from the promotion.
