Yancy Medeiros Jr. (born September 7, 1987) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division of Bellator MMA.
Medeiros grew up in Wai'anae Hawaii and at a young age began training in Karate.
[3] Medeiros began his career 4–0 before defeating EliteXC veteran Po'ai Suganuma at Destiny MMA: Pier Fighter 1.
His next fight came against Gareth Joseph which Medeiros won via first-round KO due to punches at Strikeforce: Fedor vs.
[6] On January 31, 2013, it was announced that Medeiros would be brought over to the Ultimate Fighting Championship as part of the Strikeforce transition.
[9] Medeiros was expected to face promotional newcomer Joe Ellenberger on April 26, 2014, at UFC 172.
[16] Medeiros won the fight in the first round after dropping Proctor with a spinning back kick to the body and securing a guillotine choke to earn the submission.
[30] However, in early January, Medeiros pulled out for undisclosed reasons and was replaced by promotional newcomer Bobby Nash.
[39] However, Medeiros pulled out of the fight on June 27 citing a rib injury and was replaced by Paul Felder.
[40] Medeiros faced Gregor Gillespie in a lightweight bout on January 19, 2019, at UFC Fight Night 143.
[42] Medeiros faced Lando Vannata on February 15, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Anderson vs. Błachowicz 2.
[45] However, the bout was pulled from the card just hours before taking place due to health issues with Hadžović.
[48] Subsequently, he tested positive for marijuana and was suspended for four-and-a-half months by NSAC, making him eligible to return to competition on November 9, 2021.
[54] It was later announced that the victory was overturned to a no contest after Medeiros tested positive for a banned substance.
[55] Medeiros next faced Jora Ayvazyan on September 7, 2024 at Bellator Champions Series 4, losing the fight via unanimous decision.