Mike Massenzio

Mike Vito Massenzio (born November 1, 1982) is an American mixed martial artist who competed as a Middleweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background
He wrestled in New Jersey and was a two-time high school state champion in 2000 (160 lbs.) and 2001 (171 lbs.) at St. Joseph Regional High School in Montvale, New Jersey. Additionally in 2001, Mike was the U.S. National High School Wrestling Champion. In 2003, he was the Runner-up at the Junior College National Tournament and was crowned the National Champion in 2004.

Early career
In Jujitsu and Submission Grappling, Mike has won numerous competitions in both N.A.G.A. and Grappler's Quest. In 2006 he was crowned the N.A.G.A. World Champion in the Expert Division of the Submission fighting competition.

Mike is currently head coach for The Ridgewood Junior Wrestling Program in Ridgewood, New Jersey.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Mike's first win for the promotion came over Drew McFedries via submission at UFC Fight Night: Diaz vs Neer in his UFC debut. However, Massenzio lost in his next bout to CB Dollaway on December 27, 2008, at UFC 92.

Massenzio then missed several months, before facing former WEC Light Heavyweight Champion Brian Stann, who was making his middleweight debut, on August 1, 2010 at UFC on Versus 2. Massenzio was submitted by a triangle choke midway through the final round. After second straight loss in the UFC he was released from the promotion.

Return to UFC
Massenzio next returned to the UFC replacing an injured Igor Pokrajac against Krzysztof Soszynski on June 11, 2011 at UFC 131. Massenzio took the fight at light heavyweight with only 3 days notice, despite normally fighting at middleweight. He lost the fight via unanimous decision (30-27, 30–26, 30–27).

Massenzio fought Steve Cantwell on October 8, 2011 at UFC 136. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Massenzio faced Rousimar Palhares on January 14, 2012 at UFC 142 He lost the fight via submission when Palhares put him in a heel hook in the first round.

Massenzio faced Karlos Vemola on May 5, 2012 at UFC on Fox 3. He lost the bout in the second round due to a rear-naked choke and was subsequently released from the promotion once again.

Championships and accomplishments

 * Ultimate Fighting Championship
 * Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Brian Stann