Kenny Florian

Florian is one of six children born to Peruvian parents: Agustin, a thoracic surgeon, and Ines Florian; however, none of his grandparents are from Peru, his ancestry includes: Spanish, Italian, German, French and Armenian.Interview With Mixed Martial Artist Kenny Florian by Ben Tatar http://www.criticalbench.com/Kenny-Florian.htm Florian was born in Westwood, Massachusetts, and grew up in neighboring Dover, Massachusetts, where he was a standout soccer player for Dover-Sherborn Regional High School. He attended Boston College where he played for the varsity soccer team (NCAA Division 1). He also holds dual citizenship in the United States and Peru.{{cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/1/Florians-Second-Wind-18898|title=Florian's Second Wind|access-date=2009-08-04|publisher=SHERDOG.com|date=2009-08-04}}

After college, his interests turned towards mixed martial arts and he earned a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu from Roberto Maia.[http://www.worldofcombat.net/kenny-florian.html] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081015171614/http://www.worldofcombat.net/kenny-florian.html|date=October 15, 2008}} Florian worked as a translator, reworking financial documents into various foreign languages and planned on doing that for a few years before applying to law school. However, a near-death experience in Brazil inspired him to pursue his passion for mixed martial arts instead.{{cite web|url=https://www.bloodyelbow.com/2014/6/30/5844782/mma-ufc-fighter-fox-commentator-kenny-florian-winning-and-learning|title=Kenny Florian: 'There's winning and there's learning'|last1=Gift|first1=Paul|work=Bloody Elbow |publisher=Bloody Elbow|date=June 30, 2014|accessdate=May 17, 2022}}

Kenny is known for his elbow strikes, which Joe Rogan describes as "razor sharp".{{cite web|url=http://mmamania.com/2008/07/24/razor-sharp-hell-bows-mmamaniacom-exclusive-ufc-87-interview-with-kenny-florian|title=Razor Sharp 'Hell-bows:' MMAmania.com Exclusive UFC 87 Interview with Kenny Florian|author=Adam Wagner}}

Florian made his MMA debut in January 2003 at Mass Destruction 10, defeating Jason Giroux via TKO 3:23 into the first round.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}} Florian made another appearance in the Mass Destruction Promotion at MD – 15 and scored a victory over Bobby McAndrews by submission (kimura). Following those victories, Kenny suffered his first loss to UFC regular Drew Fickett via decision at Combat Zone 7 – Gravel Pit on July 10, 2004. This is the fight that got Kenny on the Ultimate Fighter as Dana White was at the show scouting Fickett for the show but he was so impressed with Kenny that he offered him, not Fickett, the spot on the show.{{citation needed|date=December 2020}}

Kenny went on to compete on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter as a middleweight. He made it to the finals by beating Chris Leben via cut stoppage, before losing at the finale in the first round to Diego Sanchez due to strikes.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmapassport.com/mixed-martial-arts-fighter-profiles/kenny-florian-mma-profile/ |title=Kenny Florian MMA Profile |access-date=2008-11-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081205172628/http://www.mmapassport.com/mixed-martial-arts-fighter-profiles/kenny-florian-mma-profile/ |archive-date=2008-12-05 }}

Following his loss to Sanchez, Florian returned at the first UFC Ultimate Fight Night to defeat fellow TUF 1 competitor Alex Karalexis by delivering a vicious cut across the nose with a right elbow. Karalexis was arguably winning the fight up until the cut. Florian famously danced and cheered immediately after the strike landed and the cut opened up.{{cite web |url=http://video.ufc.com/productdetail.aspx?itemid=FlorianKaralexisUFN1_700&detail=true&searchText=Product/@SearchId=%22UFC1033@2213%22 |title=UFC |publisher=UFC |access-date=2011-03-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090221142635/http://video.ufc.com/productdetail.aspx?itemid=FlorianKaralexisUFN1_700&detail=true&searchText=Product%2F%40SearchId%3D%22UFC1033%402213%22 |archive-date=2009-02-21 }} Picking up momentum, Kenny went on to face Muay Thai competitor Kit Cope, winning with a rear naked choke submission early in round 2. Florian earned a title shot after defeating Canadian TKO Major League MMA Lightweight champion Sam Stout at The Ultimate Fighter 3 Finale; Florian won in the first round by rear naked choke. This fight earned him a Submission of the Night award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/1408-the-ultimate-fighter-3-finale-kenny-kenflo-florian-vs-sam-hands-of-stone-stout|title=Florian defeats Stout - Submission of the Night|publisher=tapology.com|author=Tapology|date=2006-06-26|access-date=2025-03-16}}

On October 14, 2006, Florian fought Sean Sherk for the UFC Lightweight championship title at UFC 64: Unstoppable and lost via unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/box/news?slug=dd-ufcnotes070707&prov=yhoo&type=lgns|title=UFC 73 notebook: Florian in the swing of things|author=Dave Doyle|date=8 July 2007 }} Sherk completely dominated the fight despite being cut severely by one of Florian's elbows.[http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/FOXSportsMMA/2006/10/14/Lightweight_title_match_Sean_Sherk_vs_Ken_Florian] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090303101024/http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/FOXSportsMMA/2006/10/14/Lightweight_title_match_Sean_Sherk_vs_Ken_Florian|date=March 3, 2009}} The judges scored it 50–45 and 49–46 twice for Sherk. In doing so, Sherk became the new UFC lightweight champion. This fight earned him a Fight of the Night award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/historic/2006/10/15/silva-claims-ufc-middleweight-title-sherk-takes-lightweight-crown|title=Silva claims UFC middleweight title, Sherk takes lightweight crown|publisher=winnipegfreepress.com|author=Winnipeg Press|date=2006-10-15|access-date=2025-03-16}}

On April 5, 2007, at UFC Fight Night 9, Florian defeated Japanese fighter Dokonjonosuke Mishima via rear naked choke submission. Florian managed to break free of an excruciating knee-bar attempt made by Mishima late in the fight.{{cite web |last=Stupp |first=Dann |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/2324/kenny-florian-vs-alvin-robinson-added-to-ufc-73.mma |title=Kenny Florian vs. Alvin Robinson Added to UFC 73 |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |date=2007-05-12 |access-date=2011-03-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219101246/http://mmajunkie.com/news/2324/kenny-florian-vs-alvin-robinson-added-to-ufc-73.mma |archive-date=2009-02-19 }} This fight earned him another Fight of the Night award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmascene.com/ufc/events/ufc-fight-night-9-fight-card/|title=UFC Fight Night 9 Fight Card – Main Card & Prelims Lineup|publisher=mmascene.com|author=MMAscene Team|date=2007-04-06|access-date=2025-03-16}}

On July 7, 2007, at UFC 73, he fought and defeated UFC newcomer Alvin Robinson via submission due to strikes in the first round.{{cite news|last=Duggan |first=Dan |url=http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/other_sports/ultimate_fighting/view.bg?articleid=1015888 |title=Florian on a fast track to lightweight title shot |newspaper=Boston Herald |publisher=BostonHerald.com |date=2007-08-08 |access-date=2011-03-02}} Florian tripped Robinson to the mat before moving to side-control.{{cite web|author=Sherdog.com |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/ufc-73-ampquotstackedampquot-play-by-play-8192 |title=UFC 73 "Stacked" Play-by-Play |publisher=Sherdog.com |access-date=2011-03-02}} Florian then transitioned into mount before pounding away until Robinson tapped due to strikes.

In his next fight, Florian managed to get another win via submission due to a rear naked choke against Din Thomas at UFC Fight Night 11. Thomas injured his knee while attempting a takedown during the bout.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaontap.com/mma/category/Din-Thomas/ |title=Din Thomas |publisher=MMA on Tap |access-date=2011-03-02}} Thomas was originally slated to face off against Spencer Fisher, but Fisher had to pull out due to a staph infection. Florian took his place.{{cite web|url=http://www.kennyflorian.com/press.html |access-date=November 16, 2008 |url-status=dead |title=Kenny Florian News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081210101849/http://www.kennyflorian.com/press.html |archive-date=December 10, 2008 }}

On April 2, 2008, Florian defeated Joe Lauzon at UFC Fight Night 13 by TKO due to strikes from mount early in the second round to secure his spot among the UFC's top lightweight contenders.{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=eventDetail.FightCard&eid=1072 |title=UFC Fight Night: Kenny Florian vs Joe Lauzon |publisher=UFC |access-date=2008-01-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080121233135/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=EventDetail.FightCard&eid=1072 |archive-date=2008-01-21 }} The first round went back and forth as Kenny landed a vicious body kick and Lauzon looked for knee bars and heel hooks. Florian finished the round with some hard shots to Joe's head. Florian opened the 2nd round with a takedown and rained down punches on Lauzon from the mount position. Lauzon attempted another heel hook but Florian continued to strike which resulted in Herb Dean stopping the fight.{{cite web|url=http://combat-hooligans.com/2008/04/02/live-round-by-round-coverage-ufc-fight-night-13-2/ |title=combat-hooligans.com |publisher=combat-hooligans.com |date=2010-10-25 |access-date=2011-03-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708180143/http://combat-hooligans.com/2008/04/02/live-round-by-round-coverage-ufc-fight-night-13-2/ |archive-date=July 8, 2011 }} This fight earned him a $20,000 Fight of the Night award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2008/05/04/joe-lauzon-rolls-with-punches/|title=Joe Lauzon rolls with punches|publisher=bostonherald.com|author=Dan Duggan|date=2018-11-17|access-date=2025-03-16}}

At UFC 87 on August 9, 2008, Florian defeated Roger Huerta by unanimous decision. By winning, Florian ended Huerta's 17-fight win streak.{{cite web|url=http://canadianpress.google.com/article/ALeqM5iXVbj2_mWz4Fj74H-cq2gBLme8HQ |access-date=November 16, 2008 }}{{dead link|date=May 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} All three judges scored the bout 30–27 for Florian.{{cite web|author=Sherdog.com |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/ufc-87-seek-and-destroy-play-by-play-13960 |title=UFC 87 'Seek and Destroy' Play by Play |publisher=Sherdog.com |date=2008-08-09 |access-date=2011-03-02}}

At UFC 91 on November 15, 2008, Florian defeated Joe Stevenson by rear naked choke submission in the first round.{{cite web |url=http://mma.fanhouse.com/2008/11/15/ufc-91-live-blog-florian-stevenson-maia-quarry-gonzaga-hen/ |title=Top News & Analysis, US, World, Sports, Celebrity & Weird News |publisher=Mma.fanhouse.com |access-date=2011-03-02 |archive-date=2009-02-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090219080243/http://mma.fanhouse.com/2008/11/15/ufc-91-live-blog-florian-stevenson-maia-quarry-gonzaga-hen/ |url-status=dead }} Florian executed a takedown before mounting Stevenson and transitioning to a position to finish him with the choke.{{cite web|author=Sherdog.com |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/florian-destroys-stevenson-secures-title-shot-hazelett-subs-mccrory-at-ufc-91-15177 |title=Florian Destroys Stevenson, Secures Title Shot; Hazelett Subs McCrory at UFC 91 |publisher=Sherdog.com |access-date=2011-03-02}}

With the win Florian established himself as the #1 contender for the Lightweight Championship. Florian said "I want B.J.'s belt. B.J., you're one of the best fighters out there. I'm here to test myself. I think you're a great fighter, someone I look up to. I consider you a master. It's time to kill that master."{{cite news |url=http://mmaweekly.com/florian-submits-stevenson-and-calls-out-bj-penn |title=Florian Submits Stevenson And Calls Out BJ Penn |newspaper=Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |date=November 15, 2008 |publisher=MMAWeekly.com |access-date=2011-07-26}} Florian faced off against Penn at the UFC 101 Main Event for the title. During the fight, Florian repeatedly pushed Penn against the fence and attempted to take him down but was never successful. During the 4th round Penn took him down and mounted him. Penn eventually took his back and locked up a rear naked choke, submitting Florian and defending his title. Florian was visibly crying as he left the octagon after his loss to Penn.

Florian fought Clay Guida on December 12, 2009, at UFC 107. During the second round, Florian caught Guida with a right hand on the chin that dropped Guida. He followed up with a short flurry and finished the fight via rear naked choke at 2:19.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mmanews.com/ufc-107-results-kenny-florian-vs-clay-guida/|title = UFC 107 Results: Kenny Florian vs. Clay Guida| newspaper=Mma News | Ufc News, Results & Interviews |date = 12 December 2009}}

He has expressed interest in getting a rematch with Diego Sanchez. On an episode of MMA Live (before the Penn loss) he said that his loss to Sanchez is the one he would most like to avenge. Sanchez has expressed similar interest as have many fans, though this looks to be unlikely as Sanchez has moved back to the Welterweight division.

Florian defeated former Pride Lightweight Champion Takanori Gomi at UFC Fight Night 21 via rear naked choke in the third round. He won the first two rounds decisively with superior striking, utilizing multiple jabs. Florian eventually took Gomi down in the third round and submitted him shortly after. This fight earned him another Submission of the Night award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mmamania.com/2010/3/31/1399757/ufc-fight-night-21-bonuses-and|title=UFC Fight Night 21 bonuses and awards for 'Florian vs Gomi' on Spike TV|publisher=mmamania.com|author=MMANewswire|date=2010-03-31|access-date=2025-03-16}}

Florian suffered a staph infection in his knee just weeks after his win over Gomi and was admitted to hospital for minor surgery.{{cite web |last=Marrocco |first=Steven |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/18682/staph-infection-leads-ufcs-kenny-florian-to-hospital-precautionary-measure-says-manager.mma |title=Staph infection leads UFC's Kenny Florian to hospital, "precautionary" measure says manager |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |date=2010-04-12 |access-date=2011-03-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110303230515/http://mmajunkie.com/news/18682/staph-infection-leads-ufcs-kenny-florian-to-hospital-precautionary-measure-says-manager.mma |archive-date=2011-03-03 }}

Florian faced Gray Maynard on August 28, 2010, at UFC 118.{{cite news|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2010/4/22/1437847/kenny-florian-vs-gray-maynard|title= Kenny Florian vs Gray Maynard signed for UFC 118 in Boston on Aug. 28 |publisher=mmamania.com |access-date=2010-04-22}} Dana White announced the winner of the fight would receive a shot at the UFC Lightweight Championship.{{cite news|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/20422/ufc-118s-kenny-florian-vs-gray-maynard-winner-guaranteed-lightweight-title-shot.mma|title=UFC 118's Kenny Florian vs. Gray Maynard winner guaranteed lightweight title shot|publisher=mmajunkie.com|access-date=2010-08-25|archive-date=2012-05-25|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120525132635/http://mmajunkie.com/news/20422/ufc-118s-kenny-florian-vs-gray-maynard-winner-guaranteed-lightweight-title-shot.mma|url-status=dead}} Although striking very well throughout the fight, he was taken down at will and lost via unanimous decision.

Florian was expected to face Evan Dunham at UFC 126,{{cite news|url=http://mmaweekly.com/florian-vs-dunham-agreed-for-super-bowl-card-updated |title=FLORIAN VS. DUNHAM AGREED FOR SUPER BOWL CARD|newspaper=Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |publisher=MMAWeekly.com|date=2010-10-08}} but the bout was then expected to headline UFC Fight Night 23 on January 22, 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.heavy.com/mma/2010/11/florian-vs-dunham-to-main-event-fight-for-the-troops-2/|title=Florian vs. Dunham To Main Event Fight For The Troops 2|publisher=heavy.com|date=November 2, 2010}} However, Florian had to pull out of the bout due to knee injury on December 6, 2010. Melvin Guillard defeated Dunham as Kenny's replacement.{{cite web|url=http://www.heavy.com/mma/2010/12/kenny-florian-injured-out-of-dunham-fight/|title=Kenny Florian Injured, Melvin Guillard To Face Evan Dunham|publisher=Heavy.com|date=December 6, 2010}}

On February 7, 2011, it was announced that Florian would be moving down to featherweight. He made his Featherweight debut with a unanimous decision victory over Diego Nunes on June 11, 2011, at UFC 131,{{cite news| url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/mma/post/2011/06/dos-santos-outboxes-outwrestles-carwin-to-earn-title-shot/1 | work=USA Today | title=Updated monthly | date=2011-06-11}} with the judges' scorecards being (29–28, 29–28, and 30–27).{{Cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Florian-debuts-at-featherweight-with-dominant-UF;_ylt=Avp45CLWlby9tfK6rAqVhIk9Eo14?urn=mma-wp3429|title=Cagewriter}} Dana White said on MMA Live if Kenny wins this fight he'll most likely get a title shot.

Florian was given the title shot against José Aldo for the UFC Featherweight Championship on October 8, 2011, at UFC 136 and was defeated by unanimous decision.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2011/7/15/2278070/jose-aldo-vs-kenny-florian-title-fight-announced-for-ufc-136-on-oct-8 |title=Jose Aldo vs Kenny Florian title fight announced for UFC 136 on Oct. 8 in Houston, Texas |publisher=mmamania.com|date=July 15, 2011}}

Following his loss to Aldo, his third loss in a championship fight, Florian initially contemplated retirement from active competition. But in an interview with The Boston Herald,{{cite web|url=http://news.bostonherald.com/sports/other_sports/ultimate_fighting/view/2011_1023k-flo_its_still_a_go_despite_another_setback_not_ready_to_quit/srvc=home&position=also |title=K-Flo: It's still a go - BostonHerald.com |access-date=2011-10-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111024072902/http://news.bostonherald.com/sports/other_sports/ultimate_fighting/view/2011_1023k-flo_its_still_a_go_despite_another_setback_not_ready_to_quit/srvc%3Dhome%26position%3Dalso |archive-date=2011-10-24 }} he stated that he still loved the sport tremendously, learning and competing. Kenny then went on to say that he would be making a return to the UFC's lightweight division, but would not fight for at least 6 months so that he can rebuild his body to compete in the higher weight class.

Florian has dealt with back problems throughout his career, but suffered a new injury in November 2011 while lifting weights. Having already planned to take six months off to build back to lightweight after losing a featherweight title shot in October 2011, Florian didn't expect the injury to be a major setback.

After the Aldo bout, Florian had been dealing with tingling and numbness down his right leg and hadn't been able to train. After meeting with an orthopedic doctor and a neurologist, both advised the 35-year-old to retire.{{cite web|url=http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/inside_the_octagon/index.php/2012/01/12/back-injury-could-force-kenny-florian-into-retirement/ |title=Back injury could force Kenny Florian into retirement |publisher=bostonherald.com|date=January 12, 2012}} On May 31, 2012, Florian announced his retirement during Ultimate Fighter: Live Finale weigh-ins show.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/28982/ufc-veteran-kenny-florian-officially-retires.mma|title=UFC veteran Kenny Florian officially retires|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=May 31, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120602044021/http://mmajunkie.com/news/28982/ufc-veteran-kenny-florian-officially-retires.mma|archive-date=June 2, 2012}}

Florian co-hosted MMA Live, alongside Franklin McNeil and others, for ESPN.com which is shown online and on TV on ESPN.{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3398395 |access-date=May 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20080518035147/http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3398395 |archive-date=May 18, 2008 |title=MMA Live: Premiere Episode on ESPN - ESPN Video }} Florian contributed to the show with his MMA experience and perspective as a fighter. Florian now co-hosts "UFC Tonight" on FS1 with Michael Bisping, providing similar analysis and perspectives as he did on MMA Live. Florian was a guest writer for FIGHT!, an MMA magazine, in their April 2009 issue.

On April 19, 2008, Florian filled in for Joe Rogan as the color commentator for UFC 83{{cite web|last=Thomas |first=Luke |url=http://mmamania.com/2008/04/05/joe-rogan-out-kenny-florian-in-at-ufc-83/ |title=Joe Rogan out, Kenny Florian in at UFC 83 |publisher=MMA Mania |date=2008-04-05 |access-date=2011-03-02}} and again at UFC Fight Night 19.{{cite news |url= http://mmaweekly.com/kenny-florian-to-fill-in-for-joe-rogan-2 |title=Kenny Florian To Fill In For Joe Rogan |newspaper=Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |date=August 20, 2009 |publisher=MMAWeekly.com |access-date=2011-07-27}} On June 7, 2009, Kenny Florian would fill in for Frank Mir, whose wife gave birth two days later, as color commentator for WEC 41.{{cite web |last=Stupp |first=Dann |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/15029/kenny-florian-to-commentate-wec-41.mma/ |title=Kenny Florian to commentate WEC 41 |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |date=2009-05-29 |access-date=2011-03-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023202059/http://mmajunkie.com/news/15029/kenny-florian-to-commentate-wec-41.mma/ |archive-date=2012-10-23 }} Florian also provided color commentary for WEC 49 and the TUF 11 Finale.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/06/02/ufcs-kenny-florian-takes-commentator-spot-for-wec-49/ |title=UFC's Kenny Florian Takes Commentator Spot for WEC 49 |publisher=MMA Fighting |date=2010-02-06 |access-date=2011-03-02}} Florian also took Joe Rogan's place as commentator for UFC 134.{{cite news |url= http://mmaweekly.com/kenny-florian-takes-over-commentary-duties-for-ufc-134-while-rogan-films-fear-factor |title= Kenny Florian Takes Over Commentary Duties for UFC 134 While Rogan Films 'Fear Factor' |newspaper= Mmaweekly.com | Ufc and Mma News, Results, Rumors, and Videos |date=August 19, 2011 |publisher=MMAWeekly.com |access-date=2011-08-19}}

Kenny Florian was briefly suspended by Fox Sports on January 16, 2016, for plagiarism in his preview of UFC Fight Night: Dillashaw vs. Cruz.{{cite web|last=Popkin |first=Brad |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2016/1/16/10779928/retired-ufc-fighter-commentator-kenny-florian-suspended-fox-sports-1-plagiarism-mma |title=Retired UFC fighter and commentator Kenny Florian suspended by FOX Sports for plagiarism |publisher=MMA Mania |date=2016-01-16 |access-date=2016-02-22}} The offending article lifted significant portions from boxing analyst Lee Wylie's breakdown of Willie Pep.{{cite web|last=Alexander |first=Mookie |url=http://www.bloodyelbow.com/2016/1/16/10779732/fox-sports-suspends-ufc-analyst-kenny-florian-plagiarism-controversy-mma-news |title=FOX Sports suspends UFC analyst Kenny Florian following plagiarism controversy |publisher=Bloody Elbow |date=2016-01-16 |access-date=2016-02-22}}

In 2015, Florian was named as the color commentator for ABC's revival of the robot combat series BattleBots, joined by Fox Sports personality Chris Rose on play-by-play.{{Cite news|url=http://awfulannouncing.com/2015/a-trio-of-sports-personalities-will-be-featured-on-abcs-battlebots.html|title=A trio of sports personalities will be featured on ABC's BattleBots|date=2015-06-05|work=Awful Announcing|access-date=2018-10-01|language=en-US}} Florian continued his role on the revival's third season, which moved to Science Channel.{{Cite news|url=https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/battlebots-premieres-on-discovery-may-11|title='BattleBots' Premieres on Discovery May 11|work=Broadcasting & Cable|access-date=2018-10-01|language=en-us}}

In March 2021, Florian revealed that he had signed an exclusive deal with the Professional Fighters League as a commentator.{{cite web|url=https://www.mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2021/03/mma-news-pfl-announces-kenny-florian-as-part-of-its-new-look-broadcast-team-for-2021/amp|title=PFL announces Kenny Florian as part of new-look broadcast team for 2021|author=Simon Head|date=March 23, 2021|accessdate=March 23, 2021}}{{Dead link|date=July 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

On Dr Phil, Florian, along with UFC President Dana White and former Light Heavyweight Champion Forrest Griffin, talked to two high school students who participated in classroom "MMA" fights, telling them of the dangers of fighting outside of a sanctioned organization and telling them they should be training in an MMA gym instead. Dr. Phil addressed him as "Kenny Florini".Archived at [https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211205/5NRMz4hA62s Ghostarchive]{{cbignore}} and the [https://web.archive.org/web/20121031191301/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NRMz4hA62s&gl=US&hl=en Wayback Machine]{{cbignore}}: {{cite web| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NRMz4hA62s| title = Dr. Phil - Dana White, Forrest Griffin, and Kenny Florian talk to street fighting teens | website=YouTube| date = 12 April 2010 }}{{cbignore}}

On June 10, 2010, Keith and Kenny received their second degree on their black belt from Roberto Maia. Kenny and his brother Keith own and operate Florian Martial Arts Center, a martial arts academy in Brookline, Massachusetts near Coolidge Corner, which teaches Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, wrestling and mixed martial arts. Instructors at the academy include Kenny Florian, Keith Florian, and Alex Lewis.

In a GQ interview,{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_x11mLAn8c | title=10 things Jonah Hill Can't Live Without | website=YouTube| date=24 August 2021 }} actor Jonah Hill credits Florian as helping him get comfortable enough to train jiu-jitsu.

Florian is fluent in Spanish.

• Ultimate Fighting Championship
• The Ultimate Fighter 1 Middleweight Tournament Runner-up
• Fight of the Night (Three times) vs. Sean Sherk, Dokonjonosuke Mishima and Joe Lauzon
• Submission of the Night (Two times) vs. Sam Stout and Takanori Gomi
• UFC Encyclopedia Awards
• Submission of the Night (One time) {{small|vs. Kit Cope}}{{cite book |last= Gerbasi|first= Thomas|date= 2011-10-17|title= UFC Encyclopedia - The Definitive Guide to the Ultimate Fighting Championship|location= New York|publisher= DK|page= 223|isbn=978-0756683610}}
• Tied (Michael Chiesa) for second most rear-naked submissions in UFC history (7){{Cite web|url=https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/lists/ufc-310-post-event-facts-alexandre-pantoja-resume-compared-demetrious-johnson|title=UFC 310 post-event facts: How does Alexandre Pantoja's resume stack up to Demetrious Johnson?|publisher=mmajunkie.usatoday.com|author=Mike Bohn|date=2024-12-08|access-date=2024-12-08}} (behind Demian Maia)
• UFC.com Awards
• 2005: Ranked #5 Submission of the Year {{small|vs. Kit Cope}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.tv/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051214101430/http://www.ufc.tv/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2005-12-14|title=Ten Best – The Top UFC Submissions of 2005 (archive link no longer loading as of Dec 2024 but Gerbasi personally provided the text of the article via @tgerbasi)|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 18, 2005|quote=5 - Kenny Florian WSub2 (0:37) Kit Cope – November 5 – The Ultimate Fighter Season Two finale}}
• 2006: Ranked #3 Submission of the Year {{small|vs. Sam Stout}}{{cite web|url= http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=4120 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20070127032715/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=4120 |url-status= dead |archive-date= 2007-01-27 |title=Ten Best – The Top UFC Submissions of 2006|date=January 2, 2007|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2007: Ranked #10 Fighter of the Year {{small|(Tied with Marcus Davis)}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=9445|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080129053712/http://www.ufc.com/index.cfm?fa=news.detail&gid=9445|url-status=dead|archive-date=2008-01-29|title=Ten Best – The 2007 Fighters of The Year|date=January 3, 2008|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
• 2008: Ranked #3 Fighter of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/highly-unofficial-2008-ufc-awards-fighters|title=The Highly Unofficial 2008 UFC Awards - The Fighters|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 28, 2008|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}} & Ranked #4 Submission of the Year {{small|vs. Joe Stevenson}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/highly-unofficial-2008-ufc-awards-submissions|title=The Highly Unofficial 2008 UFC Awards - The Submissions|author=Thomas Gerbasi|date=December 28, 2008|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}

• Pan-American Championship
• Pan-American Jiu-Jitsu Championships 2003 Brown Middle - 3rd Place{{cite web |url=http://www.ufc.ca/fighter/kenny-Florian |title=Kenny "KenFlo" Florian |date=14 September 2018 |publisher=UFC}}
• North American Grappling Association
• NAGA BJJ Superfight Champion
• NAGA Advanced Gi Open Champion{{cite web |url=http://kennyflorian.com/about/competition/ |title=Fight history |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130902035754/http://kennyflorian.com/about/competition/ |archive-date=2013-09-02 }}
• NAGA Advanced Gi Middleweight Champion
• NAGA North Eastern Grappling Championships – Pro Lightweight – 3rd Place
• ADCC World Championship
• 2002 Abu Dhabi US Trials
• Grapplers Quest
• Grapplers Quest Hall of Fame{{cite web|url=http://www.grapplersquest.com/grappling-hall-fame|title=Grapplers Quest|access-date=2013-09-11|archive-date=2013-10-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012051927/http://www.grapplersquest.com/grappling-hall-fame|url-status=dead}}
• Grapplers Quest Superfight Champion
• Grapplers Quest Worlds Superfight Absolute Professional – 3rd place
• Grapplers Quest US Nationals Expert Middleweight – 3rd place
• Copa Atlantica
• 2002 Copa Atlantica - Brown Belt Champion

{{MMArecordbox

| draws=

| nc=

| ko-wins= 4

| ko-losses= 1

| sub-wins= 8

| sub-losses= 1

| dec-wins= 2

| dec-losses= 4

| dq-wins=

| dq-losses=

| other-wins=

| other-losses=

}}

{{MMA record start}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 14–6

| José Aldo

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 136

| {{dts|2011|October|8}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Houston, Texas, United States

| {{small|For the UFC Featherweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 14–5

| Diego Nunes

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 131

| {{dts|2011|June|11}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

| {{small|Featherweight debut.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 13–5

| Gray Maynard

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 118

| {{dts|2010|August|28}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Boston, Massachusetts, United States

| {{small|UFC Lightweight title eliminator.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 13–4

| Takanori Gomi

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| UFC Fight Night: Florian vs. Gomi

| {{dts|2010|March|31}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 2:52

| Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

| {{small|Submission of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 12–4

| Clay Guida

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| UFC 107

| {{dts|2009|December|12}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 2:19

| Memphis, Tennessee, United States

|

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 11–4

| B.J. Penn

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| UFC 101

| {{dts|2009|August|8}}

| align=center| 4

| align=center| 3:54

| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States

| {{small|For the UFC Lightweight Championship.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 11–3

| Joe Stevenson

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| UFC 91

| {{dts|2008|November|15}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 4:03

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 10–3

| Roger Huerta

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 87

| {{dts|2008|August|9}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 9–3

| Joe Lauzon

| TKO (punches and elbows)

| UFC Fight Night: Florian vs. Lauzon

| {{dts|2008|April|2}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 3:28

| Broomfield, Colorado, United States

| {{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 8–3

| Din Thomas

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| UFC Fight Night: Thomas vs. Florian

| {{dts|2007|September|19}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 4:31

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 7–3

| Alvin Robinson

| TKO (submission to punches)

| UFC 73

| {{dts|2007|July|7}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 4:30

| Sacramento, California, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 6–3

| Dokonjonosuke Mishima

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| UFC Fight Night: Stevenson vs. Guillard

| {{dts|2007|April|5}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 3:57

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Fight of the Night.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 5–3

| Sean Sherk

| Decision (unanimous)

| UFC 64

| {{dts|2006|October|14}}

| align=center| 5

| align=center| 5:00

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|For the vacant UFC Lightweight Championship. Fight of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 5–2

| Sam Stout

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| The Ultimate Fighter 3 Finale

| {{dts|2006|June|24}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:46

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Lightweight debut. Submission of the Night.}}

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 4–2

| Kit Cope

| Submission (rear-naked choke)

| The Ultimate Fighter 2 Finale

| {{dts|2005|November|5}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 0:37

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 3–2

| Alex Karalexis

| TKO (doctor stoppage)

| UFC Ultimate Fight Night

| {{dts|2005|August|6}}

| align=center| 2

| align=center| 2:52

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Return to Welterweight.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 2–2

| Diego Sanchez

| TKO (punches)

| The Ultimate Fighter 1 Finale

| {{dts|2005|April|9}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 2:49

| Las Vegas, Nevada, United States

| {{small|Middleweight debut. The Ultimate Fighter Season 1 Middleweight Tournament Final.}}

|-

| {{no2}}Loss

| align=center| 2–1

| Drew Fickett

| Decision (split)

| Combat Zone 7: Gravel Pit

| {{dts|2004|July|10}}

| align=center| 3

| align=center| 5:00

| Revere, Massachusetts, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 2–0

| Bobby McAndrews

| Submission (kimura)

| Mass Destruction 15

| {{dts|2004|February|21}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 1:57

| Boston, Massachusetts, United States

|

|-

| {{yes2}}Win

| align=center| 1–0

| Jason Giroux

| KO (punch)

| Mass Destruction 10

| {{dts|2003|January|25}}

| align=center| 1

| align=center| 3:23

| Taunton, Massachusetts, United States

|

{{end}}

{{reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category}}

• [https://web.archive.org/web/20100815045448/http://www.ufc.com/fighter/Kenny_Florian Official UFC Profile]
• [http://www.kennyflorian.com Official Kenny Florian Web Site]
• [https://twitter.com/kennyflorian Kenny Florian on Twitter]
• {{Sherdog}}
• [http://www.florianmartialartscenter.com Florian Martial Arts Center Web Site]
• [http://mmaquotes.blogspot.ca/2013/05/kenny-florian-quotes.html Kenny Florian Quotes]
• [https://soundcloud.com/anikandflorian Anik-Florian Podcast]
• {{IMDb name|1859981}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Florian, Kenny}}

Category:Living people

Category:1976 births

Category:American male mixed martial artists

Category:Peruvian male mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists from Massachusetts

Category:Featherweight mixed martial artists

Category:Lightweight mixed martial artists

Category:Welterweight mixed martial artists

Category:Middleweight mixed martial artists

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Muay Thai

Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:Mixed martial arts broadcasters

Category:Ultimate Fighting Championship male fighters

Category:American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:People awarded a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu

Category:American male Muay Thai practitioners

Category:American sportspeople of Peruvian descent

Category:People from Dover, Massachusetts

Category:Boston College Eagles men's soccer players

Category:Men's association football players not categorized by position

Category:Fox Sports 1 people

Category:American men's soccer players