Mike Rowbotham

Mike Rowbotham is a Canadian amateur wrestler and professional mixed martial arts fighter. He was the 2007 Canadian juvenile Greco-Roman wrestling champion in the 84kg weight class.

Biography

Michael Dylan Rowbotham was born in Mississauga, Ontario, on July 15, 1989. At age 3 he moved to Alcona, Ontario where he spent most of his childhood. Self described as a "fat kid who got picked last in gym class," . Rowbotham was born in an athletic family, with both his brothers excelling in many sports including hockey. Reportedly, he never did well in sports until the 6th grade after relocating to Barrie, Ontario.

Achieving regional success in volleyball, basketball, hockey and track and field, he went on to play football for Barrie Central Collegiate Institute under Coach Ed Leech. It was here that Rowbotham met gym teacher and former CIS Wrestling Champion Brad Chestnut, and Nicholas Cryer who would play key roles in his life for the next four years. Rowbotham then began his high-school wrestling career, finishing with an outstanding 78-8 record.

Move to MMA

In his last year of High School, Rowbotham began training with acclaimed MMA superstar Gary Goodridge.

After graduating high school, he moved to Thunder Bay, Ontario and began training with the Leading Edge Gym.

He later made his professional MMA debut in the middleweight (185lbs) division, losing his premier match by a split decision to Tim Smith at Hardcore Championship Fighting: Tital Wave on October 21, 2007. The fight was somewhat controversial, as the audience audibly booed the decision. Rowbotham had dominated Smith with takedowns in every round.

Rowbotham defeated Mike Zvonick via Armbar at 2:14 of Round 1 at Raw Combat: Resurrection in Calgary, Alberta on June 20, 2008.

Mike is scheduled to meet the undefeated Keto Allen in the cage on October 25th, again with RAW Combat.

Awards

*2007 Freestyle OFSSA Gold Medalist (83kg)
*2007 Canadian Greco-Roman Champion (84kg)
*2x Ofssa medalist
*3x GBSSA Champion