UFC Vet Mike Russow Signs With World Series of Fighting, Will Make Debut Next Year


(Is the WSOF ready for this jelly? / Photo via Getty)

Despite kicking off his UFC career with four consecutive wins — including a heroic comeback knockout against Todd Duffee in May 2010 — Chicago-based heavyweight Mike Russow was swiftly given his walking papers earlier this year after suffering back-to-back TKO losses against Fabricio Werdum and Shawn Jordan. The 37-year-old has kept a very low profile since then, but it looks like he’ll be re-emerging under the World Series of Fighting banner against an opponent to be named later. (Yes, World Series of Fighting, not Bellator. We’re just as surprised as you are.)

MMAJunkie reported the news over the weekend, adding that Russow will likely make his promotional debut early next year, and will join a still-developing WSOF heavyweight division that’s been dominated by ex-UFC champ Andrei Arlovski and perennial whateverweight champ Anthony Johnson, and also includes fighters like Derrick Mehmen, Devin Cole, and Dave Huckaba.

Russow’s decision to keep his job as a Chicago police officer has slowed his progress in MMA over the years — he’s only competed six times since 2009 — but occasional gigs in World Series of Fighting could be a good fit for this stage of his career. We’ll keep you posted when details of his WSOF debut are officially announced.


(Is the WSOF ready for this jelly? / Photo via Getty)

Despite kicking off his UFC career with four consecutive wins — including a heroic comeback knockout against Todd Duffee in May 2010 — Chicago-based heavyweight Mike Russow was swiftly given his walking papers earlier this year after suffering back-to-back TKO losses against Fabricio Werdum and Shawn Jordan. The 37-year-old has kept a very low profile since then, but it looks like he’ll be re-emerging under the World Series of Fighting banner against an opponent to be named later. (Yes, World Series of Fighting, not Bellator. We’re just as surprised as you are.)

MMAJunkie reported the news over the weekend, adding that Russow will likely make his promotional debut early next year, and will join a still-developing WSOF heavyweight division that’s been dominated by ex-UFC champ Andrei Arlovski and perennial whateverweight champ Anthony Johnson, and also includes fighters like Derrick Mehmen, Devin Cole, and Dave Huckaba.

Russow’s decision to keep his job as a Chicago police officer has slowed his progress in MMA over the years — he’s only competed six times since 2009 — but occasional gigs in World Series of Fighting could be a good fit for this stage of his career. We’ll keep you posted when details of his WSOF debut are officially announced.