Mike Rio is an American lightweight fighter currently signed to the UFC. He is a wrestler and trains out of various gyms around his native Miami, Florida. He was a cast member on The Ultimate Fighter: Live. He has a notable win over John Cofer. Of his nine career wins, eight have been finishes with equal numbers of submissions and T/KOs.

Rio began wrestling at an early age. While in high school, he was a two time state wrestling champ for Miami Southbridge High School that also helped his school win two titles. He would also set the record for fastest pin in the national 103 pound division at four seconds. He went on to wrestle in college and would win a national championship at the junior college level for Harper College as well as a NAIA national champ twice for Lindenwood University. His roommate while at Lindenwood was another future UFC fighter, Jonathan Brookings.

Mike began his professional MMA career in 2008, winning his first six fights before losing a decision to UFC veteran, Efrain Escudero, by decision. He would bounce back winning his next two fights before trying out for The Ultimate Fighter: Live. He would defeat Ali Mclean by submission to earn his way into the house. He was chosen for Dominick Cruz's team as the seventh overall pick.His first fight in the house was against Andy Ogle, but he would be submitted with less than a minute left in the second round. At the end of the show, it was revealed that all fighters on the show would be fighting on the finale except Rio and Ogle who were both injured. 

Rio would still go on to fight for the promotion. He was given a fight with fellow cast member, John Cofer, at The Ultimate Fighter 16 Finale. He would walk away with an armbar victory in his promotional debut. However, Rio lost his next two fights by first round submission to Francisco Trinaldo and Tony Ferguson. Rio was looking to get back on track against TUF: Live castmate, Daron Cruickshank, at UFC on Fox 10. Throughout the fight, Rio seemed outmatched, but in the second round, he appeared to be close to completing a heel hook submission. His opponent was able to eventually escape even though it appeared that he had the submission locked in. With only four seconds remaining in the second round, Rio would be put down with a headkick and finished with punches on the way to his third consecutive loss.

The Ultimate Fighter 15

Episode 1 Rio def. Ali Maclean by Rear Naked Choke at 3:32 of Round 1

Episode 9 Andy Ogle def. Rio by Rear Naked Choke at 4:19 of Round 2