Mike Russow

Michael Earl Russow (born November 9, 1976) is a retired American professional mixed martial artist who competed in the heavyweight division. Having made his professional debut in 1998, Russow has formerly competed for the UFC, Adrenaline MMA, PRIDE FC, and also participated in the Yarennoka! event in the Saitama Super Arena in Japan. He is perhaps best known for his upset victory over Todd Duffee.

Mixed martial arts career

Background Russow is from Kankakee, Illinois and was a state wrestling champion in high school for the Heavyweight division. He also attended college at Eastern Illinois University and earned a degree in sociology. His first fight was in 1998.

Ultimate Fighting Championship Russow signed with the UFC in 2009 and made his debut against Justin McCully at UFC 102. He won via unanimous decision (29–28, 30–26, and 30–27).

Russow then defeated Todd Duffee via third round KO at UFC 114. Russow absorbed heavy punishment from Duffee during the course of the fight but hung on late into the third and final round. Russow then connected with a hard straight right hand, taking Duffee and the fans in attendance by surprise.

Russow defeated TUF 10 alum and DeathClutch teammate Jon Madsen on March 26, 2011, at UFC Fight Night 24 via TKO; with that win he improved his winning streak to ten.

Russow was expected to face Dave Herman on October 8, 2011, at UFC 136. However, the bout was cancelled after Herman failed his preliminary drug test in which he tested positive for marijuana.

Russow faced John Olav Einemo on January 28, 2012, at UFC on Fox: Evans vs. Davis and won via unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, and 30–27).

Russow faced Fabrício Werdum on June 23, 2012, at UFC 147. Russow was defeated by Werdum via TKO at 2:28 of round 1.

Russow faced Shawn Jordan on January 26, 2013, at UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Dodson. Despite a strong first round, Russow lost to Jordan by TKO in the second round and was subsequently released from the promotion.

World Series of Fighting On October 6, 2013, it was announced that Russow has signed with World Series of Fighting.

Since his signing with WSOF, Russow retired from MMA.

Personal life Russow and his wife have a daughter. Russow is also a police officer in his hometown of Chicago.

Championships and accomplishments

Mixed martial arts Ultimate Fighting Championship Knockout of the Night (One time) vs. Todd Duffee UFC.com Awards 2010: Ranked #4 Knockout of the Year, Best Knockout of the 1HY & Ranked #2 Upset of the Year

Amateur wrestling National Junior College Athletic Association NJCAA All-American (1997) Illinois High School Association IHSA Class AA High School State Championship (1995) IHSA Class AA High School State Championship 3rd Place (1993, 1994) IHSA Class AA All-State (1993, 1994, 1995)

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Shawn Jordan TKO (punches) UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Dodson

Chicago, Illinois, United States Loss

Fabrício Werdum TKO (punches) UFC 147

Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil Win

John-Olav Einemo Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Evans vs. Davis

Chicago, Illinois, United States Win

Jon Madsen TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC Fight Night: Nogueira vs. Davis

Seattle, Washington, United States Win

Todd Duffee KO (punch) UFC 114

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Justin McCully Decision (unanimous) UFC 102

Portland, Oregon, United States Win

Braden Bice Submission (north-south choke) Adrenaline MMA 2: Miletich vs. Denny

Moline, Illinois, United States Win

Jason Guida Submission (guillotine choke) Adrenaline MMA: Guida vs. Russow

Hoffman Estates, Illinois, United States Win

Roman Zentsov Submission (north-south choke) Yarennoka!

Saitama, Saitama, Japan Win

Steve Campbell Submission (arm-triangle choke) XFO 21

Lakemoor, Illinois, United States Win

Pat Harmon KO (punch) Bourbon Street Brawl 4

Chicago, Illinois, United States Win

Demian Decorah Submission (kimura) XFO 18

Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, United States Win

Scott Harper Submission (americana) XFO 16

Lakemoor, Illinois, United States Loss

Sergei Kharitonov Submission (armbar) Pride 33

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Steve Conkel Submission (rear-naked choke) Bourbon Street Brawl 2

Chicago, Illinois, United States Win

Chris Harrison Submission (americana) XFO 14

Lakemoor, Illinois, United States Win

Brandon Quigley KO (punches) Combat: Do Fighting Challenge 7

Cicero, Illinois, United States NC

Ed Meyer NC Combat: Do Fighting Challenge 6

Mokena, Illinois, United States Win

Nate Schroeder Decision (unanimous) JKD: Challenge 1

Chicago, Illinois, United States