London UFC debut for Mike Grundy

News Update: One sentence from BBC Sport (link) says it all:  “Mike Grundy began his career in the UFC with a bang as he stopped fellow Englishman Nad Narimani in the second round.”

Wigan and Leigh wrestler Mike Grundy will make his debut as a UFC wrestler on Saturday 16 March at the O2 Arena.

Grundy is a decorated freestyle wrestler with a 2014 Commonwealth bronze medal, 10 British Championships and numerous international freestyle wrestling championship wins under his belt.

‘It’s been a long road but it’s good to finally get what I deserve and that my years of training both as a freestyle wrestler and an MMA fighter are paying off’, said Grundy.

Grundy’s efforts on the mat have been recognised within the organisation for many years. ‘Mike’s wrestling background will stand him in good stead in the new combat arenas’ said British Wrestling Chair, Jem Lawson. ‘His aspiration, ambition and drive have brought him to this new, exciting beginning; his consummate skill, ability and fitness should see his further development and success.’

Freestyle wrestling is one of the oldest sports and requires a number of skills including, speed, strength and dexterity. It is thought that these skills have helped Grundy to advance his career as a UFC fighter.

Mike is also a hard worker when it comes to developing the young wrestlers of the future – as coach of Wigan & Leigh Wrestling Club. Mike was also a Regional Coach Assistant for the successful Northern Region.

‘Mike was a recipient of UK Sport National Lottery funding as part of the London 2012 Olympics World Class Wrestling Programme,’ said Colin Nicholson, British Wrestling Chief Executive.  ‘It is great seeing those freestyle wrestling skills and knowledge, harnessed with Mike’s drive, determination and the personal sacrifices top level performance demands nowadays, that have brought him this deserved recognition.’

‘Mike is a true fighter and a hard grafter and has been from a very young age’, said British Wrestling National Talent Pathway Lead Jatinder Rakhra. ‘His achievement of making the UFC will inspire us all to work hard and make our dreams come true. All of us within the wrestling community wish him the best’

Picture credit to The official website of the Ultimate Fighting Championship

Initial news item published 5 February