Mike Grundy

Michael Grundy (born 1 March 1987) is an English retired professional mixed martial artist and freestyle wrestler who competed in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). During his wrestling career, Grundy most notably claimed a bronze medal from the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Background
Grundy started wrestling at a young age under the guidance of his father. He has four siblings who all have wrestled to some extent.

Freestyle wrestling career
During his wrestling career, Grundy represented both England and Great Britain. He made two Junior World Teams and one Senior World Team while wrestling for England. Grundy wrestled for Great Britain in the men's freestyle 74 kg division at the 2009 World Wrestling Championships, where he went 1–1. Competing for England, he competed in the men's freestyle 74 kg event at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, where he finished 5th overall. In his last international wrestling event, Grundy also competed for England in the men's freestyle 74 kg event at the 2014 Commonwealth Games where he won a bronze medal, being the best achievement of his career.

Grappling career
Grundy competed against Aljamain Sterling in the main event of Polaris 25 on September 30, 2023. He lost the match by decision.

Early career
His initial contact with mixed martial arts was when he helped Terry Etim during his fight camp in 2007. Gradually he picked up various disciplines and ultimately made his amateur mixed martial arts debut in 2011, followed by professional debut in September 2014. Over the next three years, Grundy competed for various promotions including Shooto, BAMMA, and Absolute Championship Berkut. He amassed a record of 11 wins against 1 loss before joining the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Grundy made his debut on 16 March 2019 at UFC Fight Night: Till vs. Masvidal against Nad Narimani. He won the fight via technical knockout in the second round.

Grundy was scheduled to face Movsar Evloev on 31 August 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 15. However, on 19 August it was reported that Grundy had pulled out from the event, citing injury.

Grundy was scheduled to face Makwan Amirkhani on 21 March 2020 at UFC Fight Night: Woodley vs. Edwards. However, the event was eventually postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Grundy faced Movsar Evloev on 26 July 2020 at UFC on ESPN 14. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Grundy was expected to face Nik Lentz on 16 January 2021 at UFC on ABC 1. However, a member of Grundy's team tested positive for COVID-19, hence Grundy was pulled from the fight.

Grundy faced Lando Vannata at UFC 262 on May 15, 2021. He lost the fight via split decision.

As the last fight of his prevailing contract, Grundy faced Makwan Amirkhani at UFC Fight Night 204 on March 19, 2022. The bout was originally scheduled to occur at UFC Fight Night: Woodley vs. Edwards. Grundy lost the fight via technical submission with an Anaconda choke in the first round.

In May 2022, it was reported that Grundy was released by UFC.

On April 27, 2024, Grundy announced that he had retired from MMA.

Personal life
Grundy has three sons, of whom the oldest is also a mixed martial artist.

Senior

 * United World Wrestling (FILA)
 * 2014 Commonwealth Games - Bronze Medal - 74 kg
 * 2011 Grand Prix of Spain - 9th place - 74 kg
 * 2010 Commonwealth Games - 5th place - 74 kg
 * 2010 Great Britain Cup - 7th place - 74 kg
 * 2010 European Championship - 16th place - 74 kg
 * 2009 World Championship - 12th place - 74 kg
 * 2009 European Championship - 23rd place - 74 kg
 * 2008 2nd Olympic Qualification - 20th place - 74 kg
 * 2008 1st Olympic Qualification - 29th place - 74 kg
 * 2007 European Championship - 22nd place - 74 kg

Mixed martial arts

 * Aspera Fighting Championship
 * Aspera FC Featherweight Championship (One time)

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu

 * IBJJF European No-Gi Championships
 * 2015 European Championship First placer (lightweight, blue belt)