Wigan's Mike Grundy ‘has more wrestling skills to show’ after UFC glory despite hamstring injury
The 32-year-old won a bronze medal in the 2014 Commonwealth Games for wrestling, but was held-back from unleashing the best of his skills during his win over Nad Narimani last weekend – due to a hamstring tear.
But having waited so long for his chance in UFC – seen as the pinnacle of MMA – the Wiganer revealed he was not going to miss the fight.
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Hide Ad“Some people have said, ‘Why didn’t I push the takedown – because I didn’t, even in the first round, it was only at the end I pushed a takedown,” he explained. “But the truth is I tore my hamstring two weeks ago, a grade two hamstring tear, but I was never going to pull out this fight.
“What did my hamstring was while I was wrestling.
“And after the first takedown I felt my hamstring, that’s why I stood up more, and so I was a bit hesitant with my takedowns. So I’ve not had the chance to show my true wrestling. And there’s a lot more to come.”
Grundy won his fight, the first of a night which also featured fellow Team Kaobon fighter Darren Till, with a technical knockout in the second round.
But when asked after his fight about the reputation Brits have for not being good wrestlers, Grundy responded: “That’s why I’m here, I’m going to show we can wrestle, I can wrestle, and I can compete with these American guys at the top.” Grundy’s win caught the eye of not just his loyal followers from Wigan, but also well-known figures on the MMA scene.
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Hide AdReality TV star and MMA fighter Aaron Chambers said: “Amazing performance. He brought the show.”
Jon Ferguson, co-host on MMA podcast added: “Monday after his UFC debut and Mike Grundy is back to coaching wrestling kids’ classes.
“From the bright lights to his bread and butter. Huge respect.”