Career
A professional competitor since 2006, Awad has formerly competed for Strikeforce and King of the Cage. Born in San Bernardino, California and of Palestinian and Brazilian descent, Awad is the fourth eldest of twelve siblings. Growing up, Awad competed in soccer and high school wrestling.
Later, Awad stumbled upon mixed martial arts and eventually moved to Las Vegas, Nevada.
Early career
Awad started his career in 2006. He fought mainly for the Costa Rican promotion Titans of the Pentagon and for the Californian promotion Gladiator Challenge.
Foreign Titans of the Pentagon, he compiled four victories, winning a four-man tournament on the way. Foreign Gladiator Challenge, he had his first defeat against Nam Phan on February 16, 2008 at Government College 74.
Strikeforce
Awad faced Joe Duarte on April 9, 2011 at Strikeforce: Diaz versus
Daley. He lost via submission in the second round. The Ultimate Fighter
Awad appeared in the first episode of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin versus
Team Nelson. He lost via unanimous decision against Joey Rivera during the entry round.
Bellator Mobile Marketing Association
Awad made his Bellator Mobile Marketing Association debut on January 25, 2009 at Bellator 10 against Diego Garijo. He lost via submission in the first round. On January 31, 2013 at Bellator 87, Awad was expected to face Jason Fischer.
However, he had to replace Patricky Freire in the quarterfinal match of Bellator Season Eight Lightweight Tournament due to a knee injury against Guillaume DeLorenzi.
In the semifinals, Awad faced Will Brooks on February 28, 2013 at Bellator 91. In a major upset, Awad knocked out the heavily-favored Brooks via KO in under a minute once again.
This remains the only loss on Brook"s record thus far. Awad faced David Rickels in the tournament finals at Bellator 94.
He lost the fight via TKO due to a highly controversial finish.
Rickels dropped Awad with a right hand at the very end of the round, but Awad remained resting on his back instead of getting up to his corner, resulting in the referee declaring an end to the match. Awad next faced British fighter Martin Stapleton in the quarterfinal match of Bellator season nine lightweight tournament on September 27, 2013 at Bellator 101. Awad had a rematch with Will Brooks in the semifinal round on October 25, 2013 at Bellator 105.
He lost via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Awad fought Joe Duarte at Bellator 122 in a rematch from their 2011 bout. Awad faced undefeated Sergio Rios on October 3, 2014 at Bellator 127.
Awad faced Rob Sinclair at Bellator 136 on April 10, 2015. Awad faced Patricky Freire at Bellator 141 on August 28, 2014.
He lost the fight by unanimous decision.
Bellator Fighting Championships
Bellator Season 8 Lightweight Tournament Runner-Up
Gladiator Challenge
Gladiator Challenge Lightweight Championship (One time)
Titans of the Pentagon.