Daniel Mason-Straus (born July 27, 1984), is an American former professional mixed martial artist who competed in the Featherweight division.
and in his senior year he was ruled academically ineligible and missed the second half of the season (including the state tournament).
After graduating, Straus moved to Florida and worked in maintenance, but was arrested on robbery charges and was incarcerated from 2004-2007.
[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.
[3] Straus was a late replacement for Marcus Hicks at Shark Fights 13: Jardine vs. Prangley where he beat WEC veteran Karen Darabedyan via unanimous decision.
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.
In the semifinal round, Straus faced Mike Corey at Bellator 65 and again won by unanimous decision.
In the finals, Straus faced Marlon Sandro at Bellator 68 and won via unanimous decision.
This win earned him a title shot and rematch against Featherweight Champion Pat Curran, who had previous beaten Straus in 2009.
He fought Royce Gracie black belt, Alvin Robinson, defeating him via submission in the second round.
[13] Freire won the back-and-forth fight in the fourth round via a rear-naked choke submission.
After a 17-month long layoff due to severe injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident, Straus returned to the cage on March 29, 2019 at Bellator 219 and faced Shane Krutchen.
[23] Straus faced former UFC fighter Jimmie Rivera in the main event at BKFC 61 on May 11, 2024.
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 at Bellator 219 on March 29, 2019, a bout which he won via submission.
On February 6, 2021, Straus was arrested in Broward County, Florida and was charged aggravated 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.