View source for Mike Rio

{{short description|American mixed martial arts fighter}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2024}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name            = Mike Rio
| other_names     = The Wolverine
| image           = Mike Picture Photo by Annette Rodriguez.jpg
| image_size      = 200px
| alt             =
| caption         =
| birth_name      = Michael Alexander Rio
| birth_date      = {{birth date and age|1981|7|6}}
| birth_place     = [[Miami, Florida]], U.S.
| residence       = Miami, Florida, U.S.
| nationality     = American
| height          = {{height|ft=5|in=10}}
| weight          = {{convert|155|lb|kg st|abbr=on}}
| weight_class    = [[Lightweight (MMA)|Lightweight]]
| reach           = {{convert|71.0|in|cm |abbr=on}}
| style           =
| stance          =
| fighting_out_of = [[Miami, Florida]], U.S.
| team            = American Top Team Miramar <br/> American Top Team Coconut Creek
| trainer         =
| rank            =
| wrestling       = [[National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics|NAIA]] [[Wrestling]]<ref>[https://www.naia.org/sports/mwrest/2005-06/releases/20060328cubwt Lindenwood's Mike Rio Featured in Sports Illustrated]. ''NAIA.org''. Retrieved August 1, 2022.</ref>
| years_active    = 2008-2014
| mma_win         = 10
| mma_kowin       = 4
| mma_subwin      = 5
| mma_decwin      = 1
| mmadqwins	  =
| mma_loss        = 5
| mma_koloss      = 2
| mma_subloss     = 2
| mma_decloss     = 1
| mma_draw        =
| mma_nc          =
| occupation      =
| university      = [[Lindenwood University]]<br/>[[Harper College]]
| spouse          =
| relatives       =
| students        =
| club            =
| school          =
| url             =
| boxrec          =
| sherdog         = 54833
| footnotes       =
| medaltemplates  =
{{MedalSport |  [[Collegiate wrestling|Collegiate Wrestling]]}}
{{MedalCountry | [[Lindenwood University]] }}
{{MedalCompetition|[[NAIA Men's Wrestling Championship|NAIA Championships]]}}
{{MedalGold|2005 Sioux City|149 lb}}
{{MedalGold|2006 Sioux City|157 lb}}
}}
'''Michael Alexander Rio''' (born July 6, 1981) is an American [[mixed martial arts|mixed martial artist]] who last competed in 2014. A professional since 2008, he has competed for the [[UFC]] and was a competitor on the 15th season of ''[[The Ultimate Fighter]]''.
==Wrestling career==
===High school===
Rio was introduced to [[wrestling]] at Cutler Ridge Middle School, but truly began competing at [[Miami Southridge High School]], where he went on to win two Florida state championships under high school wrestling coach Jim Husk (who also coached his father, uncle, older brother and two younger brothers) and assistant coach Kenny Johnson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hsflorida.scout.com/2/226975.html|title=Coaching Legend: Southridge's Jim Husk Retires|work=scout.com|date=January 22, 2004|access-date=April 18, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621234046/http://hsflorida.scout.com/2/226975.html|archive-date=June 21, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> During that time he led his school to two undefeated state championship wins, individually amassing an overall record of 147-10, going undefeated his junior and senior years. Along with those honors, he also holds the national record of fastest pin at 4 seconds at 103&nbsp;lbs.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestlingusa.com/04%20wusa%20web%20root/oftheyearawards04/12EditoroftheYear.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060517145616/http://www.wrestlingusa.com/04%20wusa%20web%20root/oftheyearawards04/12EditoroftheYear.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 17, 2006 |title=Wrestling USA: Stuart Mahler |work=WrestlingUSA.com |date=March 15, 2012 |access-date=April 18, 2012 }}</ref>  He was also named to the ''Wrestling USA Magazine''{{'s}} National All-American High School Team as an honorable mention in 2000<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingusa.com/003%20wusa%20web%20root/wusahalloffame/00hsallamerican.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021221200419/http://www.wrestlingusa.com/003%20wusa%20web%20root/wusahalloffame/00hsallamerican.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 21, 2002|title=Wrestling USA Magazine Hall of Fame|work=Wrestling USA Magazine |date=May 30, 2000|access-date=September 21, 2012}}</ref> and Wrestler of the Year (Mr. Wrestling) by Florida [[Dairy Farmers, Inc]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.floridamilk.com/sports/floridahighschoolsportsawards/1999-2000-winners/|title=1999-2000 Florida High School Sports Awards Winners|work=FloridaMilk.com |date=2000}}</ref>
It was also in high school that Rio met and began some wrestling training with Cuban world champion and now fellow fighter [[Alexis Vila]].
===College===
In his first year at the [[Collegiate wrestling|collegiate]] level, Rio advanced to the finals of the national tournament, but lost.  A year later, he once again advanced to the finals and won his first national championship at the junior college national wrestling championships for [[Harper College]] in Illinois at 149&nbsp;lbs. He then won back-to-back titles at the NAIA national wrestling championships for [[Lindenwood University]] in Missouri at 149 and 157&nbsp;lbs, respectively. He was also the only NAIA wrestler that year to defend his back-to-back title.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingusa.com/02%20wusa%20web%20root/collegechampionships/naiachampionship.html |title=NAIA National Wrestling Championships |work=WrestlingUSA.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016064354/http://www.wrestlingusa.com/02%20wusa%20web%20root/collegechampionships/naiachampionship.html |archive-date=2013-10-16 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://tufufc.com/tuflive-coaches-1st-pick-miles-jury-mike-rio/ |title=TUFLive Coaches 1st Pick – Miles Jury or Mike Rio|work=TUFUFC.com |date=March 15, 2012}}</ref>  Rio finished his college career by being named Most Outstanding Wrestler of the 2006 national championship tournament.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.themat.com/section.php?section_id=3&page=showarticle&ArticleID=14185 |title=Dana College captures first ever NAIA team title |work=themat.com |date=March 5, 2006 |access-date=September 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819083548/http://www.themat.com/section.php?section_id=3&page=showarticle&ArticleID=14185 |archive-date=August 19, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> And it was because of this performance that he had the honor of being featured in the March 27 issue of ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' magazine's long-running segment [[Faces in the Crowd (Sports Illustrated)|''Faces in the Crowd'']].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1110255/2/index.htm|title=Faces In The Crowd|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]] |date=March 27, 2006}}</ref>
Additionally, during his time at Lindenwood University he was also the college roommate of now fellow UFC fighter and ''[[The Ultimate Fighter 12]]'' winner [[Jonathan Brookins]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaconvert.com/2012/04/12/former-tuf-winner-jonathan-brookins-excited-to-be-facing-charles-oliveira-at-tuf-live-finale// |title=Former TUF Winner Jonathan Brookins Excited To Be Facing Charles Oliveira At TUF Live Finale|work=mmaconvert.com |date=April 12, 2012}}</ref>
==Mixed martial arts career==
===Background===
While working as a [[Bouncer (doorman)|bouncer]] at a nightclub, Rio was approached by many former wrestlers asking why he did not fight MMA. After first shunning the idea, he finally gave the sport a try.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/news/Mike-Rio-Once-an-Athlete-Always-an-Athlete|title=Mike Rio: Once an Athlete, Always an Athlete|work=UFC.com|date=May 9, 2015}}</ref> He began his MMA training at Freestyle Fighting Academy (FFA) in [[Westchester, Florida|Westchester]], Florida, under the tutelage of brothers Marcos and [[David Avellan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.brawlandmaul.tv/2009/11/01/brawl-and-maul-fighters-mike-bernhard-and-mike-rio-victorious-at-fite-nite.aspx |title=Brawl and Maul Fighters Mike Bernhard and Mike Rio victorious at Fite Nite |work=brawlandmaul.tv |date=November 1, 2009}}</ref>  Initially thinking this would only be a hobby, it wasn't until the ML Management Group CEO offered her management services that his career really began to take off.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://uscombatsports.com/index.php?option=com_flexicontent&view=items&cid=328&id=8906&Itemid=556 |title=Wrestling Standout Mike Rio Loves the Spotlight of MMA, Eyes Up the UFC |publisher=uscombatsports.com |date=May 26, 2011}}</ref>
Rio is nicknamed "The Wolverine" after the [[Marvel Comics]] character for having a similar look. More specifically, the film version played by [[Hugh Jackman]].
===Early career and training===
Rio's first pro fight came in 2008 when he defeated Marc Seno at Reality Combat Championship 2 with a technical knock out by punches.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://photos.jacksonville.com/mycapture/folder.asp?event=464415&CategoryID=10519&ListSubAlbums=1 |title=Michael Rio defeats Marc Seno by TKO (Strikes) in Round 1, 3:09|work=jacksonville.com |date=March 3, 2008}}</ref>  Mike continued on his winning streak besting his next five opponents via submissions and knockouts between 2008 and 2011, with one fight ending in a unanimous decision against Mike Bruno.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/f/96D3F7C7C4A065D2/Michael-Rio/ |title=Mike Rio "The Wolverine" |work=mixedmartialarts.com |date=}}</ref> It was also during that time that Rio briefly fought for the former [[Miami Heat]] player [[Glen Rice]]'s G-Force Fights promotion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mma-core.com/events/GForce_Fights_Bad_Blood_4/35406|title=G-Force Fights - Bad Blood 4|work=MMA-Core.com|date=November 18, 2010}}</ref>
Rio formally trained in Miami at gyms Zen Ju-Jitsu with Coach Enrico Cocco, the Health Joint with Ulises Garcia and Young Tigers with Manuel "Manolo" Lopez and ''Ultimate Fighter'' alum [[Alex Caceres]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChdsilfwkfI |title="The Wolverine" Mike Rio Interview |work=youtube.com |date=December 2, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://cagejunkies.com/2012/03/the-ultimate-fighter-15-mike-the-wolverine-rio-ready-for-battle-part-two/|title=The Ultimate Fighter 15: Mike "The Wolverine" Rio ready for battle part two |work=cagejunkies.com |date=March 2, 2012}}</ref>  Rio has also trained at the Jaco Hybrid Training Center in [[Delray Beach, Florida]], best known for their team, the [[Blackzilians]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.girl-jitsu.com/2012/12/10/tuf-live-competitor-mike-the-wolverine-rio-i-will-destroy-cofer/|title= TUF: Live Competitor Mike "The Wolverine" Rio: "I Will Destroy Cofer"|work=girl-jitsu.com |date=December 10, 2012}}</ref> and has traveled to Texas to train with ''[[The Ultimate Fighter 16]]'' winner [[Colton Smith]] and his boxing coach.
Rio has most recently taken up coaching/training at the [[American Top Team]] in [[Miramar, Florida]], and [[Coconut Creek, Florida]].
===Championship Fighting Alliance===
Rio made his [[Championship Fighting Alliance]] (CFA) debut against opponent and former ''[[The Ultimate Fighter|Ultimate Fighter]]'' champion [[Efrain Escudero]], but suffered his first loss via decision against the fighter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/cfa-2-efrain-hecho-en-mexico-escudero-vs-mike-rio |title=Efrain Escudero defeats Mike Rio via 3 Round Decision|work=Tapology.com |date=July 23, 2011}}</ref>  Rio rebounded by winning his next two contests, prior to being chosen to participate on ''[[The Ultimate Fighter: Live]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://themmacorner.com/2012/03/05/mike-rio-the-wolverine-ready-to-battle-on-the-ultimate-fighter/ |title=Mike Rio: "The Wolverine" Ready to Battle on The Ultimate Fighter|work=theMMAcorner.com |date=March 5, 2012}}</ref>
===''The Ultimate Fighter''===
Having changed formats and being moved to a different network, ''The Ultimate Fighter''{{'s}} 15th season debuted live on cable channel [[FX (TV channel)|FX]] March 9, 2012 with rivals [[Dominick Cruz]] and [[Urijah Faber]] coaching the 32 potential candidates vying for a spot in ''The Ultimate Fighter'' house.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/27602/the-ultimate-fighter-15-cast-unveiled-with-32-lightweight-fighters.mma |title='The Ultimate Fighter 15' cast unveiled with 32 lightweight fighters |publisher=MMAJunkie.com |date=February 27, 2012 |access-date=February 27, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120229050947/http://mmajunkie.com/news/27602/the-ultimate-fighter-15-cast-unveiled-with-32-lightweight-fighters.mma |archive-date=February 29, 2012 }}</ref> In the preliminary bout to reach the house, Rio faced Northern Irish fighter, Ali Maclean, and won by submission with a [[rear-naked choke]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmavalor.com/2012/03/09/fight-to-get-into-the-house-tuf-live-preliminary-round-live-results/ |title=Fight to get into the House: TUF Live Preliminary Round Live Results |work=MMAvalor.com |date=March 9, 2012}}</ref>  He was then chosen by current UFC bantamweight champion Cruz along with seven other fighters to represent his "Team Cruz" on the show.
After a visit from [[Ronda Rousey]], weeks of heavy training, enduring a minor knee injury, and a scuffle with teammate [[Justin Lawrence]], Rio's name was finally called to face Faber's British fighter [[Andy Ogle]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/tuf-live-mike-rio-vs-andy-ogle-odds-134100565--mma.html |title=TUF Live, Mike Rio Vs. Andy Ogle Odds and Outlook: Fan's Take |work=sports.yahoo.com |date=May 3, 2012}}</ref> The fight was even going into the second round, but Rio fell to Ogle via rear-naked choke.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.heavy.com/mma/mma-results/2012/05/andy-ogle-upsets-mike-rio-on-the-ultimate-fighter-live/ |title=Andy Ogle Upsets Mike Rio on 'The Ultimate Fighter LIVE' |publisher=heavy.com |date=May 4, 2012}}</ref>
In the last episode before the season finale, it was revealed by UFC President [[Dana White]] that all the contestants in the house would fight in the finale except Ogle and Rio due to injuries. The injury to Rio being two broken ribs he suffered during his fight with Ogle.  The injury wasn't immediately noticed after the fight, instead it was discovered in training the following week.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmavalor.com/2012/06/16/mike-rio-waits-for-his-turn-while-ribs-heal/ |title=Mike Rio Waits for his turn while Ribs Heal |work=MMAvalor.com |date=June 16, 2012}}</ref>  That didn't deter White, however as he was so impressed by the caliber of talent on the show that he decided to sign them all to contracts, Rio included.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://cagejunkies.com/2012/11/mike-rio-going-full-circle/ |title=Mike Rio – Going Full Circle |work=cagejunkies.com |date=November 21, 2012}}</ref>
===Ultimate Fighting Championship===
Rio made his official UFC debut when he faced fellow ''[[The Ultimate Fighter: Live|TUF: Live]]'' alumnus John Cofer on December 15, 2012, at ''[[The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson Finale]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/31375/john-cofer-meets-fellow-tuf-live-cast-member-mike-rio-at-tuf-16-finale.mma|title=John Cofer meets fellow 'TUF: Live' cast member Mike Rio at TUF 16 Finale|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|date=October 31, 2012}}</ref>  He won via submission ([[armbar]]) in the third round.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2012/12/tuf-16-finale-results-john-cofer-vs-mike-rio|title=TUF 16 Finale results: Mike Rio submits former 'TUF Live' housemate John Cofer|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|date=December 15, 2012}}</ref>
Months later, Rio faced and was defeated by [[Francisco Trinaldo]] via [[arm triangle choke]] on May 18, 2013, at [[UFC on FX 8]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2013/3/2/4055424/tuf-15-vet-mike-rio-meets-francisco-trinaldo-at-ufc-on-fx-8-in-brazil|title=TUF 15 vet Mike Rio meets Francisco Trinaldo at UFC on FX 8 in Brazil on May 18|publisher=mmmamania.com|date=March 2, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/05/ufc-on-fx-8-results-mike-rio-vs-francisco-trinaldo|title=UFC on FX 8 results/photos: Francisco Trinaldo submits Mike Rio in first round|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|date=May 18, 2013}}</ref>
Rio then faced ''[[The Ultimate Fighter 13]]'' winner [[Tony Ferguson (fighter)|Tony Ferguson]] on October 19, 2013 at [[UFC 166]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/07/tony-ferguson-vs-mike-rio-added-to-ufc-166|title=Tony Ferguson vs. Mike Rio added to UFC 166|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|date=July 12, 2013}}</ref> He lost via D'arce choke submission in the first round.
Finally, Rio faced [[Daron Cruickshank]] on January 25, 2014, at [[UFC on Fox 10]].  He lost the fight when he was stunned due to a wheel kick and finally TKOed by punches at 4:56 of round two.  As a result, Rio was released from the promotion.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/3/26/5550836/ufc-walt-harris-and-mike-rio-cut-from-active-rosters-mma-news|title=Mike Rio removed from UFC's active rosters|publisher=bloodyelbow.com|date=March 26, 2014}}</ref>
===Fight Time Promotions===
In late March 2014, Rio signed with Olympic gold medalist boxer [[Howard Davis Jr.]]'s Fight Time Promotions. In his first ever main event, he went up against former [[Bellator MMA|Bellator]] fighter Avery McPhatter on May 30 at the [[War Memorial Auditorium (Fort Lauderdale, Florida)|War Memorial Auditorium]] in [[Fort Lauderdale, Florida]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://themmacorner.com/2014/05/28/fight-time-19s-mike-rio-hometown-crowd-key-to-victory/|title=Fight Time 19′s Mike Rio: Hometown Crowd Key to Victory|publisher=themmacorner.com|date=May 28, 2014}}</ref> He won in the first round via [[D'Arce choke]]. He also won submission of the night.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mma-insider.com/News/tabid/78/MMAi/1827/Fight_Time_19_Recap.aspx|title=Fight Time 19 Recap|publisher=MMA-Insider.com|date=May 31, 2014}}</ref>
In his second main event, Rio faced former Bellator fighter Frank Carrillo for the Fight Time Lightweight Championship on August 29, 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/146389-fight-time-20-mike-the-wolverine-rio-vs-frank-buffalo-carrillo|title=Mike Rio vs. Frank Carrillo|publisher=Tapology.com}}</ref> He lost the fight via second round knockout.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/146389-fight-time-20-mike-the-wolverine-rio-vs-frank-buffalo-carrillo|title=Fight Time 20: Mike Rio vs. Frank Carrillo|publisher=tapology.com|access-date=August 30, 2014}}</ref> Carrillo, however, was ineligible to win the title belt for lack of making weight. Rio still took the fight.
==Acting career==
The ''Ultimate Fighter'' wasn't Rio's first taste of television. In 2011, during the fifth season of Miami-based show ''[[Burn Notice]]'' (eighth episode entitled "Hard Out"), Rio appeared in several scenes in an uncredited mercenary role, even sharing one scene with show star [[Jeffrey Donovan]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4704934/|title=Mike Rio - IMDb|publisher=imdb.com}}</ref>
Rio also appeared in a music video in 2012 entitled "The Crown" by Miami [[hip-hop]], funk and soul fusion band Dangerflow. In the video he plays a man fired from his day job and forced to fight in night street fights to earn money for his fictional daughter.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.djbooth.net/index/tracks/review/dangerflow-the-crown/|title=Dangerflow - The Crown [Official Music Video] |publisher=DJBooth.net}}</ref> "The Crown" was also the official song of the [[Miami Heat]] championship parade that same year.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://the305.com/2012/06/29/2012-miami-heat-season-video-recap-featuring-music-by-dangerflows-the-crown/|title=2012 Miami Heat Season Video Recap featuring music by Dangerflow's "The Crown"|publisher=the305.com|date=June 29, 2012}}</ref>
==Personal life==
Rio's mother and father are of Cuban descent. His mother being born in Miami, his father emigrating to Miami at the age of five. Rio, also born and raised in Miami, participated in many sports with his older brother, including soccer, basketball, baseball, cross country running and wrestling. After his parents divorced and remarried, his family grew and he soon had many siblings, almost all of which also wrestled.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://media.miamiherald.com/smedia/2008/04/07/21/alldade-cheerwrestle.source.prod_affiliate.56.pdf |title=All Dade|publisher=media.miamihearld.com|date=April 8, 2008}}</ref> After college, Rio returned home and began volunteering coaching at [[Christopher Columbus High School (Miami)|Christopher Columbus High School]], where two of his four younger brothers attended and wrestled. Also during that time he began a career in security as a bouncer in Miami's [[Coconut Grove]] and downtown [[Brickell]] areas and most currently in Miami's [[South Beach]] area.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ChdsilfwkfI|title="The Wolverine" Mike Rio Interview |publisher=YouTube.com|date=December 2, 2011}}</ref>
In April 2015, director/producer Danny Segura put together a short documentary film entitled ''Scraping for a Dollar'' in which Rio is followed on his daily routine and his attempt to reenter the UFC.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://dannysegura.tv/?p=1396|title=Scraping for a Dollar|publisher=dannysegura.tv|date=April 30, 2015}}</ref>
Rio also is a strong advocate of [[Autism awareness]], having a younger brother with the condition. He often volunteers at schools and conventions and has even created a wristband with his name in which he donates all the proceeds to [[Autism Speaks]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://floridafighter.com/index.php?page=7|title=Fighting both in and out of the cage: TUF 15 Contestant, Mike "The Wolverine" Rio goes head-to-head with Autism|publisher=FloridaFighter.com|date=April 2, 2012}}</ref> It is because of those efforts that he has become one of the South Florida athletic spokesmen for the organization.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://mmavalor.com/2013/05/14/mike-rio-more-than-meets-the-eye/|title=Mike Rio: More Than Meets the Eye|publisher=MMAValor.com|date=May 14, 2014}}</ref>
Rio and his family are no strangers to fighting having a grandfather and great uncle, [[Ricardo Montero Duque]] (who was a major in the Cuban Army and later the US Army), who fought during the [[Bay of Pigs Invasion]] against [[Fidel Castro]]'s forces and for Cuba's independence in the 1950s and 1960s.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1825215,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081221233224/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1825215,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 21, 2008 |title=Ricardo Montero Duque|magazine=[[Time (magazine)|Time]] |date=July 21, 2008}}</ref>
Rio is also the cousin of [[Gaby Sánchez]] of the [[Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles]] of Japan's [[Nippon Professional Baseball]] (NPB).
On May 17, 2016, Rio and his fiancée had a child, a boy, his first.
==Championships and accomplishments==
===Wrestling===
*'''[[High school (North America)|High School]]'''
**Two-time Florida State Champion, [[Miami Southridge High School]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://fightnetwork.com/news/11655:mike-rio-efrain-escudero-set-for-cfa-2-in-miami/|title=TUFLive Coaches 1st Pick – Miles Jury or Mike Rio|work=TUFUFC.com |date=March 15, 2012}}</ref>
**National record for fastest pin at 103&nbsp;lbs. (Four seconds)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestlingusa.com/04%20wusa%20web%20root/oftheyearawards04/12EditoroftheYear.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060517145616/http://www.wrestlingusa.com/04%20wusa%20web%20root/oftheyearawards04/12EditoroftheYear.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 17, 2006 |title=Wrestling USA: Stuart Mahler |work=WrestlingUSA.com |date=March 15, 2012 |access-date=April 18, 2012 }}</ref>
**''Wrestling USA Magazine'' 2000 National All-American Team, Honorable Mention<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingusa.com/003%20wusa%20web%20root/wusahalloffame/00hsallamerican.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021221200419/http://www.wrestlingusa.com/003%20wusa%20web%20root/wusahalloffame/00hsallamerican.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 21, 2002|title=Wrestling USA Magazine Hall of Fame|work=Wrestling USA Magazine|date=May 30, 2000|access-date=September 21, 2012}}</ref>
**Florida Dairy Farmers, Inc Wrestler of the Year (Mr. Wrestler)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.floridamilk.com/sports/floridahighschoolsportsawards/1999-2000-winners/|title=1999-2000 Florida High School Sports Awards Winners|work=FloridaMilk.com |date=2000}}</ref>
*'''[[College]]'''
**Junior Collegiate National Champion, [[Harper College]]
**Two-time [[National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics|NAIA]] National Collegiate Champion, [[Lindenwood University]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tr3s.com/shows/featured/gforce/cast/gforce-fighters-mike-rio/|title=Mike Rio-Efrain Escudero Set for CFA 2 in Miami |work=fightnetwork.com |year=2004}}</ref>
**Most Outstanding Wrestler, 2006 national tournament<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.themat.com/section.php?section_id=3&page=showarticle&ArticleID=14185 |title=Dana College captures first ever NAIA team title |work=themat.com |date=March 5, 2006 |access-date=September 21, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120819083548/http://www.themat.com/section.php?section_id=3&page=showarticle&ArticleID=14185 |archive-date=August 19, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
**Four-time All-American
===Mixed martial arts===
*''[[Miami New Times]]'' - Best of Miami 2013 - Best MMA Fighter<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.miaminewtimes.com/bestof/2013/award/best-mma-fighter-3699419/ |title=Best MMA Fighter - 2013 |work=[[Miami New Times]] |date=June 14, 2013}}</ref>
*2013 Florida MMA Awards - Florida's Favorite UFC Fighter<ref>{{cite web|url=http://klaq.com/ufc-fighter-mike-rio-wins-award/ |title=UFC Fighter Mike Rio Wins Award |work=klaq.com |date=December 11, 2013}}</ref>
==Mixed martial arts record==
{{MMArecordbox
|ko-wins=4
|ko-losses=2
|sub-wins=5
|sub-losses=2
|dec-wins=1
|dec-losses=1
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|10–5
|Frank Carrillo
|KO (punches)
|Fight Time 20
|{{dts|2014|August|29}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|2:18
|[[Ft. Lauderdale, Florida]], United States
|{{small|For the vacant Fight Time Lightweight Championship.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|10–4
|Avery McPhatter
|Submission (D'Arce choke)
|Fight Time 19: Battle of the Brave
|{{dts|2014|May|30}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|2:38
|[[Ft. Lauderdale, Florida]], United States
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|9–4
|[[Daron Cruickshank]]
|TKO (punches)
|[[UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Thomson]]
|{{dts|2014|January|25}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|4:56
|[[Chicago, Illinois]], United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
|align=center| 9–3
|[[Tony Ferguson (fighter)|Tony Ferguson]]
|Submission (D'Arce choke)
|[[UFC 166]]
| {{dts|2013|October|19}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:52
|[[Houston, Texas]], United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
|align=center| 9–2
|[[Francisco Trinaldo]]
|Submission (arm-triangle choke)
|[[UFC on FX: Belfort vs. Rockhold]]
| {{dts|2013|May|18}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 3:08
|[[Jaraguá do Sul]], Brazil
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 9–1
|John Cofer
|Submission (armbar)
|[[The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale]]
| {{dts|2012|December|15}}
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 4:11
|[[Las Vegas, Nevada]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 8–1
|John Ortolani
|TKO (punches)
|CFA 4: Izquierdo vs. Cenoble
| {{dts|2011|December|17}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 4:53
|[[Miami, Florida]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 7–1
|Zach Juusola
|TKO (punches)
|CFA 3: Howard vs. Olson
|{{dts|2011|October|9}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:01
|[[Miami, Florida]], United States
|
|-
| {{no2}}Loss
|align=center| 6–1
|[[Efrain Escudero]]
|Decision (unanimous)
|CFA 2: McCorkle vs. Befort
|{{dts|2011|July|23}}
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
|[[Miami, Florida]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 6–0
|Sylvain Bynum
|TKO (punches)
|MFA: New Generation 4
|{{dts|2011|February|11}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 0:51
|[[Miami, Florida]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 5–0
|Jimmy Chaikong
|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|G-Force Fights: Bad Blood 4
|{{dts|2010|November|18}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 1:38
|[[Miami, Florida]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 4–0
|Mike Bruno
|Decision (unanimous)
|MFA: New Generation 3
|{{dts|2010|September|18}}
|align=center| 3
|align=center| 5:00
|[[Miami, Florida]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 3–0
|Carlos Galindo
|Submission (choke)
|Fite Nite: Terror En La Villa
|{{dts|2009|October|31}}
|align=center| 2
|align=center| 0:59
|[[San José, Costa Rica|San José]], Costa Rica
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 2–0
|Nathaniel Robinson
|Submission (rear-naked choke)
|WWCF: Blood War
|{{dts|2009|January|25}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 2:45
|[[Daytona Beach, Florida]], United States
|
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 1–0
|Marc Seno
|TKO (punches)
|Reality Combat Championship 2: The Second Encounter
|{{dts|2008|March|1}}
|align=center| 1
|align=center| 3:09
|[[Jacksonville, Florida]], United States
|
{{end}}
===Mixed martial arts exhibition record===
{{MMA exhibition record box
|sub-wins=1
|sub-losses=1
}}
{{MMA record start}}
| {{no2}}Loss
|align=center| 1–1
| [[Andy Ogle]]
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| [[The Ultimate Fighter: Live]]
| {{dts|2012|May|4}}
| align=center| 2
| align=center| 4:19
| [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]], United States
| <small>Preliminary round.</small>
|-
| {{yes2}}Win
|align=center| 1–0
| Ali Maclean
| Submission (rear-naked choke)
| [[The Ultimate Fighter: Live]]
| {{dts|2012|March|9}}
|align=center| 1
| align=center| 3:32
| [[Las Vegas Valley|Las Vegas]], [[Nevada]], United States
| <small>1 round TUF entry fight.</small>
{{end}}
==See also==
*[[List of male mixed martial artists]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
==External links==
* [https://archive.today/20130809185803/http://www.mikeriomma.com/#!home/mainPage Mike Rio website]
* {{Sherdog|54833}}
* {{UFC|mike-rio}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rio, Mike}}
[[Category:1981 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:American male mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists from Florida]]
[[Category:American mixed martial artists of Cuban descent]]
[[Category:Lightweight mixed martial artists]]
[[Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing collegiate wrestling]]
[[Category:Autism activists]]
[[Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters]]
[[Category:American male sport wrestlers]]
[[Category:Harper College alumni]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Miami]]