Rory Markham

Rory Markham (born March 25, 1982) is an American professional mixed martial artist, stuntman and actor who most recently competed in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2003, currently fighting in XFO MMA. Markham has also formerly competed for the IFL, representing the Quad Cities Silverbacks.

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.

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 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 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.

Markham is a trained actor and member of the Screen Actors Guild. His films include The Death and Life of Bobby Z with Paul Walker and Laurence Fishburne; The Experiment with Adrien Brody and Forest Whitaker; Setup with Bruce Willis, 50 Cent, and Ryan Phillippe; and Alex Cross with Tyler Perry and Matthew Fox.