Tony Kelley

Tony Kelley is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Bantamweight division. A professional since 2012, he most notably competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background

As he entered his teen years, Kelley described his life as diverging into questionable decisions made to impress others while trying to be like others. After a while, friends and family members became concerned, and a friend encouraged the then-19-year-old Kelley to get involved in a local jiu-jitsu class to provide some structure.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

In 2012, Kelley was one of the young MMA fighters featured in Caged - an MTV reality television series. The show focused on four prospective MMA fighters in small-town Louisiana. Kelley was one of the two fighters on the show, alongside Matt Schnell, to later fight professionally.
After going professional in September 2012, Kelley would go on to have a 6–1 record on the regional scene, losing his only bout in a close split decision to fellow future UFC fighter Kevin Aguilar.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Kelley made his UFC debut against Kai Kamaka III at UFC 252 on. He lost the bout via unanimous decision. This bout earned him a Fight of the Night bonus award
Kelley faced Ali AlQaisi on October 11, 2020, at UFC Fight Night: Moraes vs. Sandhagen. He won the bout via unanimous decision.
Kelley was scheduled to face Trevin Jones on July 24, 2021, at UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Dillashaw. However, on July 4, Kelly withdrew from the bout for unknown reasons.
Kelley faced Randy Costa on December 11, 2021, at UFC 269. He won the fight via TKO in the second round.
Kelley faced Adrian Yañez on June 18, 2022 at UFC on ESPN 37. At the weigh-ins on June 17, Kelley weighed in at 137.5 pounds, one-and-a-half pounds over the non-title bantamweight limit. As a result, the bout proceeded as a catchweight and Kelley forfeited 20% of his purse to Yañez. He lost the bout in the first round via TKO stoppage.
On July 7, 2022, it was announced that Kelley was no longer on the roster.

Championships and accomplishments

Ultimate Fighting Championship
* Fight of the Night
Legal troubles

In March 2012, Kelley was charged with simple battery due to a nightclub scuffle in which he allegedly choked a woman for not wanting to dance with him. He was eventually found not guilty.

Controversies

Kelley caused controversy at UFC on ESPN: Błachowicz vs. Rakić on May 14, 2022 while cornering Andrea Lee in her fight against Brazilian opponent Viviane Araújo. Referring to an alleged eye poke by Araújo, Kelley said: "That’s what they’re going to do, they’re dirty fucking Brazilians, they’re going to fucking cheat like that." In response to criticism of the comment, Kelley released a statement on Twitter denying any "racist connotations" and claiming to be a victim of "cancel culture".