Background
Marrero was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in Douglassville, Pennsylvania.
Marrero was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and raised in Douglassville, Pennsylvania.
Marrero had originally wanted to attend Rider University after graduating from high school, decided to attended Gloucester County College for two and a half years where he set multiple records.
He has competed for the UFC, the WEC, Bellator, the IFL, and the XFC.
He was diagnosed with cancer at a young age and eventually was able to overcome the illness. Marrero began wrestling for Daniel Boone High School in Berkshire County, Pennsylvania and placed sixth in the state tournament as a Heavyweight. Marrero later transferred to Rider University where he became the team captain and was a two-time national qualifier.
After college, Marrero began venturing into mixed martial arts
Early career
Marrero"s first five professional bouts were against local opponents in small fight promotions along the New Jersey shore. Ultimate Fighting Championship
Marrero made his UFC debut against a much larger and more experienced opponent in Cheick Kongo who already had two wins for the organization.
He dropped down to the Light Heavyweight division to face Wilson Gouveia at UFC 71, but was again defeated via first-round submission and was then released from the UFC. International Fight League
Marrero competed for American Top Team"s camp in the International Fight League and made his debut for the organization on April 4, 2008 at IFL: New Jersey where he faced Mike Ciesnolevicz. The fight was ruled a no-contest after an accidental headbutt in the first round.
World Extreme Cagefighting
Return to the UFC
He lost the fight via unanimous decision, and was released from the promotion once again.
Bellator
Carmelo was set to make his promotional debut with Bellator at Bellator 69 against Seth Petruzelli, however the bout was canceled the day of the event due to Petruzelli not being medically cleared to fight. Marrero made his Bellator debut on October 19, 2012 at Bellator 77 against Lew Polley and lost via unanimous decision.