Rory Markham

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.”

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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".

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.

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.

Rory Markham (born March 25, 1982) is an American professional mixed martial artistand actor who most recently acted alongside Will Smith playing Booker Grassie in the latest addition to the Bad Boys mega franchise, Bad Boys for Life. Formerly, Rory competed in the [Welterweight.[Middleweight (MMA) and Light Heavyweight Divisions. A professional competitor since 2003 Markham has formerly competed for the UFC and the IFL, representing the Quad Cities Silverbacks Winning the 170lbs World Team Championship and humbly holds one of the best Walk Off Head Kick Ko’s in the history of MMA and impressively enough in the history of the biggest MMA organization in the world: the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship)per bleacherreport.com. Rory Markham has enjoyed some real success in the film industry playing a lead role (James) in the Rouge Warfare Trilogy alongside Will Yun Lee known for his most recent roles in Altered Carbon and the Good Doctor among many more such as Wolverine-2. Recently Markham is showing his growing comfort onscreen while acting directly with Will Smith in Bad Boys For Life. Markham was quoted throughout his MMA career that knew his passion for the Martial Arts would lead to lifelong passion for film. Like Bruce Lee said- “Martial Art, Like Any Art, Is a Form of Self Expression”.