Mike Richman


Michael Richman is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Lightweight division of the Legacy Fighting Alliance. A professional competitor in mixed martial arts since 2008, Richman has competed for Bellator MMA, and is also 2-0 as a professional boxer.

Background

Born and raised in Rosemount, Minnesota, began competing in wrestling from a young age and was also a fan of boxing and mixed martial arts. Richman attended Rosemount High School where he competed in wrestling before joining the United States Marine Corps upon graduating. After serving three tours as an infantryman in Iraq and reaching the rank of Sergeant, Richman began training in mixed martial arts in 2008.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Richman made his professional debut in 2008 and compiled an undefeated record of 8-0 before competing on.

''The Ultimate Fighter''

Richman was one of 32 contestants selected to compete on . In his opening bout to get into the house, Richman lost to Aaron Wilkinson by unanimous decision after two rounds.

Bellator MMA

Richman made his Bellator MMA debut against WEC veteran Chris Horodecki at Bellator 64. In a huge upset, Richman won via KO at 1:23 of the first round.
After his win over Horodecki, Richman competed in the Bellator Season Seven Featherweight Tournament. In the quarterfinal round at Bellator 76, Richman defeated Jeremy Spoon via head KO 23 seconds into the first round. In the semifinals, he faced Shahbulat Shamhalaev and lost via brutal KO in the first round.
Richman proved he was the superior fighter in his Bellator 88 Featherweight Tournament Quarterfinal bout against Mitch Jackson. Richman won a decisive first-round TKO victory. Richman dominated Jackson on his feet, dropping him three times with short left hooks.
Richman faced Alexandre Bezerra in the semifinals on March 7, 2013 at. He won the bout via split decision.
Richman faced Magomedrasul Khasbulaev in the Bellator Featherweight Tournament Final on April 4, 2013 in Atlantic City. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Richman faced Akop Stepanyan at on November 2, 2013. Richman had been in trouble early in the fight, but floored Stepanyan with a left hook in the first round. He then faced Desmond Green at Bellator 110 in the quarter-finals of the Featherweight Tournament. Richman lost via unanimous decision.
Richman faced Goiti Yamauchi on May 17, 2014 at Bellator 120. He lost the back-and-forth fight via unanimous decision.
In the fall of 2014, Richman moved down to the bantamweight division. He debuted at 135 against Ed West at Bellator 126 on September 26, 2014. He won the fight via knockout in the first round. He also made his signature 'walk-off knockout', where he backs off the fighter before referee called stoppage on the fight.
Richman faced promotional newcomer Nam Phan at Bellator 131 on November 15, 2014. He won the fight via knockout in the first round.
Richman was expected to face former Bellator Bantamweight Champion Eduardo Dantas at Bellator 135 on March 27, 2015. However, the bout was removed from the fight card after Richman suffered an undisclosed injury. The fight eventually took place at Bellator 137 on May 15, 2015. Richman lost the back-and-forth fight by unanimous decision.
On June 9, 2015 the California State Athletic Commission confirmed that Richman had failed a post fight drug test following his fight against Eduardo Dantas at Bellator 137. He tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs according to CSAC Executive Director Andy Foster and will be suspended two years and fined $2,500 for the rule infraction.

Championships and accomplishments