Rhadi Ferguson


Rhadi Bullard Ferguson is an American mixed martial arts trainer, strength and conditioning coach, motivational speaker, and black belt in judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Biography

Ferguson grew up in Miami, Florida in the United States where he began training in judo at the age of 7 under the tutelage of 7th degree red and white belt Jack Williams, until the age of 12. Ferguson had to quit judo for several years after his family had left Miami and moved to Rockville, Maryland and would not begin training again until after he finished college at age 22.
Ferguson is a four time national champion in judo. At the age of 29, Ferguson competed in judo at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece in the men's half-heavyweight division. He was previously an alternate in the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, Australia.
In addition to judo, Ferguson also holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and has competed in numerous jiu-jitsu and submission grappling tournaments. Ferguson was a member of American Top Team and received his Black Belt from Ricardo Liborio. During his competitive career, Ferguson who stands and weighed 225 lb. had a reported 5% body fat.
Ferguson has coached many athletes including; Taraje Williams-Murray, Lloyd Irvin, Karo Parisyan, Cara Heads, Thiago Alves, Brandon Vera, Jeff Monson, Valerie Gotay, Marco González, and Bobby Lashley.

Education

Ferguson attended and graduated from Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, Maryland in 1992. From 1992 to 1997 Ferguson attended Howard University in Washington, DC on a football scholarship and also was one of only a few students in the history of the school to play 3 sports. Ferguson graduated with a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and later in 2002 received his Master of Arts in Teaching degree with a 4.0 GPA from the university. In 2009, he received his Ph.D. in education with a 4.0 GPA from Capella University.
While at Howard University he became a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

MMA career

Ferguson made his professional MMA debut in August 2010 and won his first two bouts via TKO in the first round.
Ferguson made his Strikeforce debut at Strikeforce Challengers: Woodley vs. Saffiedine on January 7, 2011, competing in the light heavyweight division. He was originally scheduled to face Moldovan wrestler Ion Cherdivara, but visa issues forced him off the card with John Richard stepping in as a late replacement. Ferguson defeated Richard by submission at 2:00 in round 2.

Personal life

Ferguson currently lives in South Florida and has two children; son Rufus Alexander and daughter Rhadi Isabelle. Ferguson's cousin was a renowned street fighter, The Ultimate Fighter 10 cast member and UFC vet, Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson.

Mixed martial arts record