Mike Easton
{{short description|American mixed-martial artist}}
{{Infobox martial artist
| name = Mike Easton
| other_names = The Hulk
| image =
| alt =
| caption =
| birth_name = Michael Raymond Easton
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1984|01|25}}
| birth_place = Washington, D.C.{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/news/Fighting-Since-Birth-Mike-Easton-Has-Arrived|title=Fighting Since Birth, Mike Easton has Arrived|publisher=UFC|author=Gerbasi, Thomas|date=January 18, 2012}}
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_cause =
| residence =
| nationality = American
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=6}}
| weight = {{convert|135|lb|kg st|abbr=on}}
| weight_class = Bantamweight
| reach = {{convert|70|in|cm|abbr=on}}{{cite web|url=http://www.ufc.com/event/UFC174/printFightCard|title=Fight Card - UFC 174 Johnson vs. Bagautinov|publisher=UFC|access-date=June 15, 2014}}{{cite web | url=http://ufcstats.com/fighter-details/bc7230f231701d66 | title=Stats | UFC }}
| style =
| stance = Southpaw
| fighting_out_of = {{nowrap|Camp Springs, Maryland, U.S.}}
| team = Alliance MMA
Team Lloyd Irvin
| rank = {{color box|Black}} Black belt in Taekwondo{{cite web|url=http://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/mike-easton-the-hulk|title=Mike "The Hulk" Easton|publisher=tapology.com}}
{{color box|Black}} Black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Lloyd Irvin{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3lSL-OVHg0 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/v3lSL-OVHg0 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Mike "the Hulk" Easton Receives his black belt in bjj from Lloyd Irvin Jr|publisher=YouTube|author=Lloyd Irvin|date=18 June 2009 |accessdate=January 13, 2014}}{{cbignore}}
| years_active = 2003–present
| mma_kowin = 4
| mma_subwin = 2
| mma_decwin = 7
| mma_koloss = 1
| mma_subloss =
| mma_decloss = 5
| mma_draw =
| mma_nc =
| url =
| sherdog = 9626
| footnotes =
| updated =
}}
Michael Raymond Eastonhttp://www.boxing.nv.gov/2012%20Results%20Web/07-07-12%20MMA.pdf{{dead link|date=January 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} (born January 25, 1984) is an American mixed martial artist, who is perhaps best known for his stint in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2003, he was the reigning Ultimate Warrior Challenge Bantamweight Champion when he joined the UFC.
Background
Easton was born and raised in Washington D.C. Growing up dyslexic in a rough area of the city, Easton sought an outlet through martial arts, beginning with Taekwondo from a young age and going on to earn a black belt. At the age of 17, Easton began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under the tutelage of Lloyd Irvin.{{Cite web|url=http://communities.washingtontimes.com/neighborhood/out-and-about-dc/2011/aug/15/anacostia-native-fights-home/|title = Communities — Voices and Insights - Washington Times}} Easton was also a World Kickboxing Association World Champion and WKA U.S. National Champion, and won a bronze medal at the 2008 Brown Belt Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Mundials.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/mike-easton-the-hulk|title=Mike Easton ("The Hulk") | MMA Fighter Page}}
Mixed martial arts career
=Early career=
Easton made his professional debut in 2003 for Reality Fighting at the age of 20. He fought and defeated Anibal Torres via unanimous decision. Almost a year after his debut, Easton returned to defeat Jason Taylor, again winning the fight via unanimous decision.
In 2007, Easton was awarded his black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Lloyd Irvin. That year Easton also lost for the first time. During a bout against Reynaldo Duarte, Easton misjudged a kick taking the full force of the blow on his elbow. He recalled the injury in an interview with The Washington Post. "My arm just flopped backward, I'm having a full-blown conversation with my coach while this guy's trying to punch me in the face. I'm like, 'Man, my arm's not working. What's going on with my arm?' This guy's just hitting me in the face....I wasn't worried about him. I don't fear no man." Because of the severity of the injury his corner was forced to throw in the towel and Easton was immediately rushed to the hospital.{{cite web|url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2009/02/mma_fighter_mike_easton_all_dc.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130220050058/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2009/02/mma_fighter_mike_easton_all_dc.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 20, 2013|title=MMA Fighter Mike Easton: "All D.C.'d Up"|author=Dan Steinberg|date=February 16, 2009|work=washingtonpost.com}} After claiming a 5–1 record, Easton signed with Virginia-based promotion, Ultimate Warrior Challenge. He fought twice for the promotion before earning himself a title shot against Justin Robbins. Easton submitted Robbins in the third round of their five round fight, winning him the bantamweight championship.
His first defense of the title was against Josh Ferguson at UWC 6: Capital Punishment in April 2009. Easton won the fight in the first round via submission due to a guillotine choke.
Easton then fought former WEC title holder, Chase Beebe. The fight went all five rounds. However, Easton won the fight via split decision, and retained his title. The crowd heavily booed the results, and the fight went on to be named Sherdog's Robbery of the Year.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/articles/7/Sherdogs-2009-Misc-Awards-22093|title=Robbery of the Year|publisher=sherdog.com|date=January 11, 2010}}
=Ultimate Fighting Championship=
After nearly a two-year hiatus from competing, Easton signed with the UFC on July 26, 2011. His promotional debut was expected to take place against Jeff Hougland on October 1, 2011, at UFC on Versus 6.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmamania.com/2011/7/26/2296431/mike-easton-vs-jeff-hougland-bantamweight-fight-planned-for-ufc-on |title=Mike Easton vs. Jeff Hougland bantamweight fight planned for UFC on Versus 6 |publisher=mmamania.com |date=2011-07-26}} However, Hougland was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by fellow UFC newcomer Byron Bloodworth.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/25431/jeff-hougland-out-byron-bloodworth-in-against-mike-easton-at-ufc-on-versus-6.mma|title=Jeff Hougland out, Byron Bloodworth in against Mike Easton at UFC on Versus 6|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=September 27, 2011|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930114207/http://mmajunkie.com/news/25431/jeff-hougland-out-byron-bloodworth-in-against-mike-easton-at-ufc-on-versus-6.mma|archivedate=September 30, 2011}} Bloodworth failed to make the 135 pound weight limit, thus the match was changed to a 138-pound catchweight bout, with Bloodworth being fined for the infraction. Easton won by TKO in the second round.
Easton was expected to face Ken Stone on January 20, 2012, at UFC on FX 1.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/26776/mike-easton-vs-ken-stone-completes-ufc-on-fx-1-main-card.mma|title=Mike Easton vs. Ken Stone completes UFC on FX 1 main card|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=January 2, 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211064027/http://mmajunkie.com/news/26776/mike-easton-vs-ken-stone-completes-ufc-on-fx-1-main-card.mma|archivedate=February 11, 2012}} However, Stone was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by promotional newcomer Jared Papazian.{{cite web|url=http://www.mmamania.com/2012/1/6/2687202/ufc-on-fx-jared-papazian-vs-mike-easton-fight-preview|title=UFC on FX 1: Jared Papazian vs Mike Easton possible for Jan. 20 with Ken Stone hurt |publisher=mmamania.com|date=January 6, 2012}} Easton won the bout via majority decision.
Easton was expected to face Yves Jabouin on May 15, 2012, at UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/27395/mike-easton-vs-yves-jabouin-added-to-ufc-on-fuel-tv-3.mma|title=Mike Easton vs. Yves Jabouin added to UFC on FUEL TV 3|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=February 13, 2012|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215211806/http://mmajunkie.com/news/27395/mike-easton-vs-yves-jabouin-added-to-ufc-on-fuel-tv-3.mma|archivedate=February 15, 2012}} However, Easton was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Jeff Hougland.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/27959/bantamweight-shakeup-easton-out-hougland-meets-jabouin-and-menjivar-fights-barao.mma |title=Bantamweight shakeup: Easton out, Hougland meets Jabouin |publisher=mmajunkie.com |date=March 23, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325174902/http://mmajunkie.com/news/27959/bantamweight-shakeup-easton-out-hougland-meets-jabouin-and-menjivar-fights-barao.mma |archivedate=March 25, 2012 }}
Easton fought Ivan Menjivar on July 7, 2012, at UFC 148{{cite web|url=http://www.mmaweekly.com/ivan-menjivar-draws-mike-easton-after-renan-barao-promoted-to-ufc-title-fight|title=Ivan Menjivar Draws Mike Easton After Renan Barão Promoted to UFC Title Fight |publisher=mmaweekly.com|date=May 19, 2012}} and won the fight via unanimous decision.
Easton was expected to face T.J. Dillashaw on December 8, 2012, at UFC on Fox 5.{{cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/31230/t-j-dillashaw-vs-mike-easton-verbally-agreed-to-for-ufc-on-fox-5-in-seattle.mma|title=T.J. Dillashaw vs. Mike Easton verbally agreed to for UFC on FOX 5 in Seattle|publisher=mmajunkie.com|date=October 20, 2012|access-date=2012-10-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022200943/http://mmajunkie.com/news/31230/t-j-dillashaw-vs-mike-easton-verbally-agreed-to-for-ufc-on-fox-5-in-seattle.mma|archive-date=2012-10-22|url-status=dead}} However, Dillashaw was forced out of the bout with an injury and Bryan Caraway was briefly linked as a replacement.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/31355/bryan-caraway-in-for-injured-t-j-dillashaw-faces-mike-easton-at-ufc-on-fox-5.mma |title=Bryan Caraway in for injured T.J. Dillashaw, faces Mike Easton at UFC on FOX 5 |publisher=MMAjunkie.com |date=October 30, 2012 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121101100024/http://mmajunkie.com/news/31355/bryan-caraway-in-for-injured-t-j-dillashaw-faces-mike-easton-at-ufc-on-fox-5.mma |archivedate=November 1, 2012 }} Caraway himself was injured and was replaced by Raphael Assunção.{{Cite web|url=http://mmajunkie.com/news/31750/raphael-assuncao-replaces-bryan-caraway-faces-mike-easton-at-ufc-on-fox-5.mma|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103225344/http://mmajunkie.com/news/31750/raphael-assuncao-replaces-bryan-caraway-faces-mike-easton-at-ufc-on-fox-5.mma|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 3, 2013|title=Raphael Assuncao replaces Bryan Caraway, faces Mike Easton at UFC on FOX 5|publisher=mmajunkie|date=November 21, 2012}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Easton next faced Brad Pickett on April 6, 2013, at UFC on Fuel TV 9.{{Cite web|url=http://www.yourmma.tv/news/details.asp/id/2607/brad-pickett-vs-mike-easton-ufc-stockholm-2013.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130418222355/http://www.yourmma.tv/news/details.asp/id/2607/brad-pickett-vs-mike-easton-ufc-stockholm-2013.htm |url-status=usurped |archive-date=April 18, 2013 |title=Pickett vs. Easton: UFC Stockholm |publisher=YourMMA.tv |date=Feb 7, 2013 }} He lost the back-and-forth fight via split decision. Despite the loss on the scorecards, Easton earned his first Fight of the Night bonus with this bout.{{cite web |url=http://www.mmajunkie.com/news/2013/04/ufc-on-fuel-tv-9-bonuses-mcgregor-madadi-pickett-easton-win-60000|title=UFC on FUEL TV 9 bonuses: McGregor, Madadi, Pickett, Easton win $60,000|publisher=MMAjunkie.com|date=2013-04-06|accessdate=2013-04-06|author=Staff}}
Easton faced T.J. Dillashaw on January 15, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 35.{{cite web |url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Returns-to-Georgia-in-January-with-Cole-MillerSam-Sicilia-TJ-DillashawMike-Easton-59433|title=UFC Returns to Georgia in January with T.J. Dillashaw-Mike Easton|publisher=sherdog.com|author=Mike Whitman|accessdate=November 4, 2013}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision.
Easton faced Yves Jabouin on June 14, 2014, at UFC 174.{{cite web |url=http://mmajunkie.com/2014/03/yves-jabouin-vs-mike-easton-slated-for-ufc-174-in-vancouver/|title=Yves Jabouin vs. Mike Easton slated for UFC 174 in Vancouver |publisher=mmajunkie.com|author=Staff|date=2014-03-26|accessdate=2014-03-26}} He lost the fight via unanimous decision, and was subsequently released from the promotion shortly after.{{cite web|url=http://www.sherdog.com/news/news/UFC-Releases-Mike-Easton-After-4-Consecutive-Decision-Losses-74399|title=UFC Releases Mike Easton After 4 Consecutive Decision Losses|publisher=sherdog.com|author=C.J. Tuttle|date=2014-09-23|accessdate=2014-09-23}}
Championships and accomplishments
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Fight of the Night (One time) vs. Brad Pickett
- UFC.com Awards
- 2011: Ranked #6 Newcomer of the Year{{cite web|url=https://www.ufc.com/news/ten-best-2011-newcomer-year|title=Ten Best - 2011 Newcomer of the Year|date=January 3, 2012|author=Thomas Gerbasi|work=Ultimate Fighting Championship}}
- Ultimate Warrior Challenge
- UWC Bantamweight Championship (One time)
Mixed martial arts record
{{MMArecordbox
|ko-wins=4
|ko-losses=1
|sub-wins=2
|sub-losses=0
|dec-wins=7
|dec-losses=5
}}
{{MMA record start}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|13–6
|Jesse Stirn
|Decision (split)
|Shogun Fights XVI
|{{dts|2017|April|8}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Baltimore, Maryland, United States
|For Shogun Fights Bantamweight Championship.
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|13–5
|Decision (unanimous)
|{{dts|2014|June|14}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|13–4
|Decision (unanimous)
|UFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Philippou
|{{dts|2014|January|15}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Duluth, Georgia, United States
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|13–3
|Decision (split)
|UFC on Fuel TV: Mousasi vs. Latifi
|{{dts|2013|April|6}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Stockholm, Sweden
|{{small|Fight of the Night.}}
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|13–2
|Decision (unanimous)
|UFC on Fox: Henderson vs. Diaz
|{{dts|2012|December|8}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Seattle, Washington, United States
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|13–1
|Decision (unanimous)
|{{dts|2012|July|7}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|12–1
|Jared Papazian
|Decision (majority)
|UFC on FX: Guillard vs. Miller
|{{dts|2012|January|20}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Nashville, Tennessee, United States
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|11–1
|Byron Bloodworth
|TKO (knee to the body and punches)
|{{dts|2011|October|01}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|4:52
|Washington, D.C., United States
|{{small|Catchweight (138 lbs.) bout.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|10–1
|Decision (split)
|UWC 7: Redemption
|{{dts|2009|October|03}}
|align=center|5
|align=center|5:00
|Fairfax, Virginia, United States
|{{small|Defended UWC Bantamweight Championship.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|9–1
|Josh Ferguson
|Submission (guillotine choke)
|UWC 6: Capital Punishment
|{{dts|2009|April|25}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|4:06
|Fairfax, Virginia, United States
|{{small|Defended UWC Bantamweight Championship.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|8–1
|Justin Robbins
|Submission (guillotine choke)
|UWC 5: Man 'O' War
|{{dts|2009|February|21}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|4:44
|Fairfax, Virginia, United States
|{{small|Won UWC Bantamweight Championship.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|7–1
|Decision (split)
|UWC 4: Confrontation
|{{dts|2008|October|11}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Fairfax, Virginia, United States
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|6–1
|Gerald Lovato
|KO (punch)
|UWC 3: Invasion
|{{dts|2008|April|26}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|2:48
|Fairfax, Virginia, United States
|
|-
|{{no2}}Loss
|align=center|5–1
|Reynaldo Walter Duarte
|TKO (corner stoppage)
|Combat Sport Challenge
|{{dts|2007|September|29}}
|align=center|1
|align=center|1:36
|Richmond, Virginia, United States
|{{small|Easton's corner threw in towel due to broken arm.}}
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|5–0
|Hudson Rocha
|KO (punch)
|Fury FC 2: Final Combat
|{{dts|2006|November|30}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|0:45
|São Paulo, Brazil
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|4–0
|Rick Desper
|Decision (unanimous)
|Reality Fighting 12: Return to Boardwalk Hall
|{{dts|2006|April|29}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|4:00
|Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States
|Bantamweight debut; Won Reality Fighting Bantamweight Championship.
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|3–0
|Jay Isip
|TKO (punches)
|Reality Fighting 6
|{{dts|2004|April|03}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|1:42
|Wildwood, New Jersey, United States
|Won Reality Fighting Featherweight Championship.
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|2–0
|Jason Taylor
|Decision (unanimous)
|Combat Sport Challenge
|{{dts|2004|January|31}}
|align=center|2
|align=center|5:00
|Richmond, Virginia, United States
|
|-
|{{yes2}}Win
|align=center|1–0
|Anibal Torres
|Decision (unanimous)
|Reality Fighting 3
|{{dts|2003|February|08}}
|align=center|3
|align=center|5:00
|Bayonne, New Jersey, United States
|
{{end}}
See also
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.ufc.com/athlete/mike-easton Official UFC Profile]
- {{Sherdog}}
- [http://www.trainlikeamadman.com Lloyd Irvin MMA Website]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Easton, Mike}}
Category:American male mixed martial artists
Category:American practitioners of Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Category:Bantamweight mixed martial artists
Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing taekwondo
Category:Mixed martial artists utilizing Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Category:People from Camp Springs, Maryland
Category:Sportspeople from Prince George's County, Maryland
Category:Sportspeople from Maryland
Category:Sportspeople from Washington, D.C.
Category:American male taekwondo practitioners