Jorge Gurgel

Brazilian mixed martial arts fighter

Jorge Valente Gurgel ('/ɡ//ɜr//ɡ//əl/; ˈʒɔʁʒi ɡuʁˈʒew; born January 25, 1977) is a retired Brazilian mixed martial artist who competed in the Lightweight division. A professional competitor from 2002 to 2014, Gurgel is best known as a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter 2 and for his career with the Ultimate Fighting Championship and Strikeforce.

Gurgel is originally from Fortaleza, Brazil, where he earned a black belt in Brazilian jiu jitsu under Marcus Aurélio. Gurgel immigrated to the United States as an exchange student in high school. Remaining to attend Wright State University he soon became an American citizen. While in school, Gurgel worked full time teaching Brazilian jiu jitsu evenings, waiting and busing tables late at night/early afternoons, and going to class in the morning. Since college, Gurgel has been training and teaching full time. In the contest, Gurgel defeated Saraiva by unanimous decision, even though he was badly injured during the fight. Gurgel was heavily criticized throughout his seven fight run in the UFC for not displaying Brazilian jiu jitsu skills in his fights. A third degree Brazilian jiu jitsu black belt, the 35 year old has generally elected to slug it out on his feet.

Gurgel made his Strikeforce debut on June 19, 2009, defeating Conor Heun via unanimous decision. Gurgel faced Billy Evangelista on November 6, 2009 at Strikeforce Challengers: Gurgel vs. Evangelista losing via unanimous decision. Gurgel faced former EliteXC Lightweight Champion K. J. Noons at Strikeforce: Houston and lost by knockout 19 seconds into the second round. There was controversy surrounding this fight due to an apparent late punch by Noons at the end of the first round that dropped and stunned Gurgel and an illegal knee by Noons during the barrage of strikes prior to the referee stoppage. Gurgel submitted Billy Vaughan in just 44 seconds via guillotine choke at Strikeforce: Feijao vs. Henderson on March 5, 2011. Gurgel headlined Strikeforce Challengers 18 on August 12, 2011, against fellow Ultimate Fighter alumni Joe Duarte Gurgel lost by a unanimous decision. Gurgel faced Adriano Martins at Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine on January 12, 2013, he lost via unanimous decision.

Gurgel fought former UFC fighter Mike Ricci at Titan FC 27 on February 28, 2014. He lost by first round TKO. Gurgel has now lost 7 of his last 9 fights. On September 16, 2014, Gurgel announced his retirement from MMA competition.

Gurgel owns the JG MMA and Fitness Academy in Cincinnati, Ohio, Gurgel has trained known fighters such as Rich Franklin, Justin Edwards, Zoila Frausto, Dustin Hazelett, Jason Butcher, and Sean Salmon.

Gurgel married female MMA fighter Zoila Frausto on February 19, 2011. The two have since separated.