27 Facts About Mike Rio

Michael Alexander Rio was born on July 6,1981 and is an American mixed martial artist who last competed in 2014.

Mike Rio was introduced to wrestling at Cutler Ridge Middle School, but truly began competing at Miami Southridge High School, where he went on to win two Florida state championships under high school wrestling coach Jim Husk and assistant coach Kenny Johnson.

Mike Rio was named to the Wrestling USA Magazine National All-American High School Team as an honorable mention in 2000 and Wrestler of the Year by Florida Dairy Farmers, Inc.

Mike Rio was the only NAIA wrestler that year to defend his back-to-back title.

Mike Rio finished his college career by being named Most Outstanding Wrestler of the 2006 national championship tournament.

Mike Rio began his MMA training at Freestyle Fighting Academy in Westchester, Florida, under the tutelage of brothers Marcos and David Avellan.

Mike Rio is nicknamed "The Wolverine" after the Marvel Comics character for having a similar look.

Mike Rio continued on his winning streak besting his next five opponents via submissions and knockouts between 2008 and 2011, with one fight ending in a unanimous decision against Mike Rio Bruno.

Mike Rio formally trained in Miami at gyms Zen Ju-Jitsu with Coach Enrico Cocco, the Health Joint with Ulises Garcia and Young Tigers with Manuel "Manolo" Lopez and Ultimate Fighter alum Alex Caceres.

Mike Rio has trained at the Jaco Hybrid Training Center in Delray Beach, Florida, best known for their team, the Blackzilians and has traveled to Texas to train with The Ultimate Fighter 16 winner Colton Smith and his boxing coach.

Mike Rio made his Championship Fighting Alliance debut against opponent and former Ultimate Fighter champion Efrain Escudero, but suffered his first loss via decision against the fighter.

Mike Rio rebounded by winning his next two contests, prior to being chosen to participate on The Ultimate Fighter: Live.

Mike Rio was then chosen by current UFC bantamweight champion Cruz along with seven other fighters to represent his "Team Cruz" on the show.

The injury to Mike Rio being two broken ribs he suffered during his fight with Ogle.

Mike Rio made his official UFC debut when he faced fellow TUF: Live alumnus John Cofer on December 15,2012, at The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs Team Nelson Finale.

Months later, Mike Rio faced and was defeated by Francisco Trinaldo via arm triangle choke on May 18,2013, at UFC on FX 8.

Mike Rio then faced The Ultimate Fighter 13 winner Tony Ferguson on October 19,2013 at UFC 166.

Mike Rio lost via D'arce choke submission in the first round.

Finally, Mike Rio faced Daron Cruickshank on January 25,2014, at UFC on Fox 10.

Mike Rio lost the fight when he was stunned due to a wheel kick and finally TKOed by punches at 4:56 of round two.

In late March 2014, Mike Rio signed with Olympic gold medalist boxer Howard Davis Jr.

In 2011, during the fifth season of Miami-based show Burn Notice, Mike Rio appeared in several scenes in an uncredited mercenary role, even sharing one scene with show star Jeffrey Donovan.

Mike Rio appeared in a music video in 2012 entitled "The Crown" by Miami hip-hop, funk and soul fusion band Dangerflow.

Mike Rio's mother being born in Miami, his father emigrating to Miami at the age of five.

Mike Rio, born and raised in Miami, participated in many sports with his older brother, including soccer, basketball, baseball, cross country running and wrestling.

Mike Rio is a strong advocate of Autism awareness, having a younger brother with the condition.

Mike Rio is the cousin of Gaby Sanchez of the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball.