Rory Markham 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'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.
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 177 lbs and 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 didn't 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. 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. Rory Markham spends his time between LA and Chicago trying to make sure he never forgets where he comes from and makes sure he sees mom. Markham isn’t impervious to the inner demons that often torment the heart of artists. Being arrested several times between 2012-2015 for alcohol related arrested. Markham completed 5 month rehab in 2013. Coming out of the haze and enjoying his talents again Markham Says “it’s gets dark down there but I know I just have to keep getting up no matter what and God will provide the platform. As long as I continue to use what my creator has given me, my life will be full. If along the way I can inspire those that believe hope is lost and show the way out of the mental basement; Then my life wil truly have purpose and all was never lost.”
