Rory Markham

Rory Markham (born March 25, 1982) is an American professional mixed martial artist and actor who most recently acted alongside Will Smith playing Booker Grassie in the latest addition to the Bad Boys franchise Bad Boys for Life. Formerly, Rory competed in the Welterweight, Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Divisions. A professional competitor since 2003, Markham has formerly competed for the UFC and the IFL.

Background An experienced martial artist from a young age, Markham began training in Shidokan Karate at the age of six before later transitioning into Kenpo. At the age of 13, Markham began training in Kyokushin and began fighting in full-contact competitions when he was 15, winning all of his matches by knockout despite often being paired against much older opponents. Markham also began competing in boxing at the age of 17, holding an undefeated amateur record of 10–0. Markham later became affiliated with Pat Miletich.

Mixed martial arts career Early career In 2003, Markham made his professional mixed martial arts debut, winning via first-round knockout. Markham would go on to compile a record of 8–2, competing in the regional circuit, before being invited to compete in the International Fight League for the Quad Cities Silverbacks, under his coach at the Miletich Fighting Systems, Pat Miletich.

IFL Markham made his IFL debut at IFL: Legends Championship 2006 on April 29, 2006, against veteran Mike Pyle. Markham won in 44 seconds via knockout.

Markham followed this up with three more wins in the promotion all via KO/TKO over Brad Blackburn, Marcelo Acevedo, and Keith Wisniewski, respectively, before facing future UFC veteran Chris Wilson at the IFL: Championship Final. Markham was handed his first defeated inside of the promotion via TKO in the first round. Markham soon bounced back with two more knockout wins over Pat Healy and Chris Clements, respectively, before being defeated via second-round knockout at the hands of Brett Cooper at the IFL: World Grand Prix Finals.

Post-IFL After the demise of the IFL, Markham fought for Adrenaline MMA's inaugural event on June 14, 2008, facing veteran Jay Ellis. Markham won via triangle choke submission in the first round.

UFC With an overall 15–4 professional record, Markham was signed by the UFC. Markham made his debut at UFC Fight Night 14 on July 19, 2008, against Canadian Brodie Farber. After almost being finished early on in the fight, Markham knocked out Farber with a head kick. This victory earned him a Knockout of the Night award and was a nominee on Sherdog.com for "Knockout of the Year" and "Comeback of the Year".

In his next appearance, Markham faced British fighter Dan Hardy at UFC 95 on February 20, 2009, in London, England. Markham was knocked out with a left hook in the first round. Markham was then expected to face Martin Kampmann at UFC 108 on January 2, 2010, but pulled out due to a knee injury.

Markham then fought at UFC 111 on March 27, 2010, against Nate Diaz. After Markham was six pounds overweight at the weigh-ins, the fight was made a catchweight bout at , and Markham was fined $1,000 as a result. This was significant as it was only the second time a fighter training with the Miletich Fighting Systems did not make weight in 15 years. Markham was defeated via TKO in the first round and was released by the promotion.

Post-UFC After being released from the UFC, Markham signed with Bellator and was expected to make his promotional debut at Bellator 26 against Steve Carl on August 26, 2010, for a spot in the Season Four Welterweight Tournament. However, Markham pulled out due to not being cleared to fight.

Markham was next expected to face Rudy Bears at Titan FC 18 on May 27, 2011, but withdrew from the fight. Markham was most recently scheduled to fight on June 16, 2012, against Jon Kirk at Battle Xtreme Championship but the fight was cancelled. MMA Fighting 2008 #7 Ranked UFC Knockout of the Year

Mixed martial arts record Win

Brian Green TKO (punches) XFO 58

Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, United States Middleweight debut. Loss

Nate Diaz TKO (punches) UFC 111

Newark, New Jersey, United States Catchweight (177 lb) bout. Markham missed weight. Loss

Dan Hardy KO (punch) UFC 95

London, England, United Kingdom Win

Brodie Farber KO (head kick) UFC Fight Night 14

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Jay Ellis Submission (triangle choke) Adrenaline MMA 1

Chicago, Illinois, United States Loss

Brett Cooper TKO (punches) IFL: World Grand Prix Finals

Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Win

Chris Clements TKO (punches) IFL: 2007 Semifinals

East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States Win

Pat Healy KO (punches) IFL: Moline

Moline, Illinois, United States Loss

Chris Wilson TKO (punches) IFL: Championship Final

Uncasville, Connecticut, United States Win

Keith Wisniewski TKO (corner stoppage) IFL: World Championship Semifinals

Portland, Oregon, United States Win

Marcelo Azevedo TKO (punches) IFL: Gracie vs. Miletich

Moline, Illinois, United States Win

Brad Blackburn KO (punch) IFL: Championship 2006

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Win

Mike Pyle KO (punch) IFL: Legends Championship 2006

Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States Loss

Trevor Garrett TKO (punches) Xtreme Fighting Organization 10

Lakemoor, Illinois, United States Win

Brian Green KO (punch) Xtreme Fighting Organization 9

Lakemoor, Illinois, United States Win

Mike Van Meer KO (punch) Extreme Challenge 64

Osceola, Iowa, United States Win

Victor Moreno Submission (rear-naked choke) Extreme Challenge 61

Osceola, Iowa, United States Win

Jimmy Boyd Submission (triangle choke) Xtreme Fighting Organization 5

Lakemoor, Illinois, United States Win

James Warfield TKO (punches) Xtreme Fighting Organization 3

McHenry, Illinois, United States Win

Ryan Williams Submission (triangle choke) Courage Fighting Championships 1

Decatur, Illinois, United States Win

Jason Guida Submission (armbar) Xtreme Fighting Organization 2

Fontana, Wisconsin, United States Loss

Kurt Illeman TKO (cut) Extreme Challenge 55

Lakemoor, Illinois, United States Win

John Bulger KO (punches) Extreme Challenge 54

Lakemoor, Illinois, United States