Mike Rhodes (fighter) facts for kids

Michael Rhodes, born on December 4, 1989, is an American who used to be a professional mixed martial artist. He competed in major fighting organizations like the UFC and Bellator MMA. He also fought in Absolute Championship Berkut, RFA, and Cage Fury Fighting Championships.

Mike Rhodes' Early Life

Rhodes grew up in Waterloo, Iowa. He played basketball and football in high school. He attended Waterloo East High School and Columbus Catholic High School. After high school, he continued playing basketball at Ellsworth Community College. While in college, Rhodes started training in cardio kickboxing to get in shape. He lost a lot of weight, about 110 pounds, before he decided to become a mixed martial artist.

His Mixed Martial Arts Journey

Starting His Professional Career

Before becoming a professional, Rhodes had a good record as an amateur MMA fighter. He won 6 fights and lost 2. He was also the Iowa Challenge Amateur Middleweight Champion. He then turned professional in 2012. As a professional, he won 6 fights and lost only 1. He even became the RFA Welterweight Champion. Because of his success, the UFC signed him in late 2013.

Fighting in the UFC

Rhodes had his first UFC fight on January 25, 2014, at UFC on Fox 10. He fought against George Sullivan and lost by a decision from the judges.

His next fight was on June 28, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 43. He faced Robert Whittaker and also lost this fight by a judges' decision.

Rhodes was supposed to fight Paulo Thiago on September 13, 2014, but he had to pull out because of an injury.

His last UFC appearance was on December 20, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 58. He fought Erick Silva and lost in the first round. After this fight, the UFC decided to release him.

After the UFC

After leaving the UFC, Rhodes went back to fighting in smaller, regional events. On April 11, 2015, he fought Tom Angeloff at NAFC: Explosion. He won that fight by knockout in the first round.

Time in Bellator MMA

On February 28, 2017, it was announced that Rhodes would fight Kendall Grove at Bellator 174. However, Rhodes could not make the correct weight for the fight. Because of this, the fight was canceled.

Rhodes then fought Rafael Lovato Jr. at Bellator 181 on July 14, 2017. He lost this fight in the first round.

On February 20, 2018, Bellator announced that they had released Rhodes from their organization.

Championships and Achievements

Mike Rhodes achieved several important titles during his career:

• Resurrection Fighting Alliance
  • RFA Welterweight Champion (One time)
• Victory Fighting Championship
  • VFC Middleweight Champion (One time)
• Cage Fury Fighting Championships
  • CFFC Light Heavyweight Championship (One time)

Mixed Martial Arts Record

Here is a summary of Mike Rhodes' professional mixed martial arts fights: