Michael Grundy

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

Wrestling career Grundy started wrestling at a young age under the guidance of his father, at the Aspull Wrestling Club - popularly called The Snake Pit, under Roy Wood. He later trained with Wood's student Shane Rigby, a three-time Commonwealth medallist that learned catch wrestling from Wood. He also trains in luta livre, a submission wrestling style from Brazil, and has earned a black belt.

During his freestyle 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.

Catch wrestling lineage Billy Riley > Roy Wood > Shane Rigby > Mike Grundy Gradually he picked up various disciplines and ultimately made his amateur mixed martial arts debut in 2011, followed by professional debut in September 2014. 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 15 May 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 19 March 2022.

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

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

Global Fight League In January 2025, Grundy signed with the Global Fight League.

Grundy was scheduled to face Kai Kamaka III on 25 May 2025 at GFL 2. However, all GFL events were cancelled indefinitely.

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

Personal life Grundy has four siblings who all have wrestled to some extent. He has three sons, with the oldest also competing in MMA.