Michael Graves

Michael Graves (born January 8, 1991) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. He currently competes in the welterweight division.

Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, he graduated from Maumee High School (Ohio). Graves began training in mixed martial arts in 2009 and began competing as an amateur in 2010.

Graves made his professional mixed martial arts debut in February 2013. He compiled a record of 4 - 0, competing for various regional promotions in Florida where he finished all of his opponents before trying out for The Ultimate Fighter in late 2014.

The Ultimate Fighter

In February 2015, it was announced that Graves was one of the fighters selected to be on The Ultimate Fighter: American Top Team vs. Blackzilians.

In his first fight on the show, Graves faced Kamaru Usman. He lost the closely contested bout via majority decision.

In his second fight on the show, Graves faced off against Jason Jackson. After nearly being finished in the fight's opening moments (when he was dropped by a groin strike and subsequent follow up punches), he won the fight via submission in the first round.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Graves made his official debut for the promotion on July 12, 2015 at The Ultimate Fighter 21 Finale where he faced fellow cast mate Vicente Luque. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Graves was expected to face Danny Roberts on December 10, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 80. However, Graves was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Nathan Coy.

Graves next faced Randy Brown on April 16, 2016 at UFC on Fox 19. He won the fight via submission in the second round.

Graves next faced Bojan Veličković on July 30, 2016 at UFC 201. The bout was declared a majority draw (30-27, 28-28, 28-28).

Graves was expected to face Sérgio Moraes on November 19, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 100. However, Graves was removed from the fight on October 3 after he was arrested on a misdemeanor battery charge. He was replaced by Zak Ottow.