Mike “The Wolverine” Rio
I’m Fighting for a Cause
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 6, 2013
(Miami, FL)– Some fighters fight because of some intrinsic desire to compete. Others, for a paycheck. But, Mike “The Wolverine” Rio (9-1) fights for one cause- Autism Speaks. Slated to fight Francisco Trinaldo (12-2) at UFC on FX8 next Saturday, May 18, 2013 in Jargua Do Sul, Santa Catarina Brazil, Rio wants his time in the UFC to mean something bigger.
“Why am I here?” said Rio. A question he says he often asks himself about his opportunity to fight for the biggest MMA show around, the UFC. “I want to use this as an opportunity to spread awareness about and support for Autism.”
Coming from humble backgrounds in Cutler Ridge, FL, Rio had all but given up on dreams of competing and was working security details at night clubs in Miami. Then he received a call that changed his life. “An old high school friend called me one day and said ‘I want you to get back into fighting and I want to manage you,’” said Rio. “We met and the rest is history. If it wasn’t for Tina calling me that day- I may still be working at night clubs.”
“I’ve known Mike for going on 17 years,” said Tina Vidal-Smith, Rio’s long time friend and manager at ML Management. “I used to cheer at his wrestling matches and I knew how talented he was. I knew he could do something bigger.”
Since that day two-and-a-half years ago, Rio has catapulted from a local hero to the big show, gaining popularity while on The Ultimate Fighter Live reality TV show. Now going into his second official UFC fight, Rio finally says he has a purpose bigger than himself.
“I have a brother with Autism named Stephen,” indicated Rio. “I grew up seeing how difficult it was for him. How people made fun of him. How teachers didn’t want to deal with him and didn’t know what to do with him. How difficult it was for my mother to raise him. I wanted to spread awareness about something that is becoming so common in kids today so people will be more empathetic in the future.”
Mike has recently become the S. Florida celebrity spokesperson for Autism Speaks, a national not-for-profit that serves as the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments, and a cure for autism.
“1 in 88 children are born with Autism,” said Rio. “That is huge. It is the fastest growing developmental disorder with a growth rate of over 1,100%. Think about that.”
Rio will be wearing the Autism Speaks logo on his shorts and banner for his upcoming fight. “I’ve partnered with Knights of the Octagon to raise money for Autism Speaks,” indicated Rio. You can purchase Mike Rio’s walkout shirt by visiting http://www.molonlabemma.com/#!store/c70n and 50% of the profits are donated to support Autism Speaks.
When asked what he thinks about his upcoming fight, Rio responded, “This is going to be a tough fight. Francisco has great BJJ and good striking. But, I will be able to dominate him on the ground.” Francisco Trinaldo, a competitor on The Ultimate Fighter Brazil, is a Brazilian Kickboxing Champion, a fact that may prove difficult for Mike Rio’s fighting style. Rio has often had trouble against strikers as a result of the common wrestling stance that fighter’s with a wrestling background have a hard time breaking, leaving their face wide open. “We’ve watched a lot of video on Francisco and I’ve been working since my days at the TUF house on improving my stand up. I feel very confident going into this fight,” said Rio.
Rio trains at Zen Jiu Jitsu in Kendall, FL and is managed by ML Management.
Rio’s fight at UFC on FX8 will take place Saturday, May 18, 2013 at the Jaragua Arena in Santa Catarina, Brazil and will be aired live on FUEL TV. Follow Rio on Facebook @mikerio or on Twitter @mikeriomma.
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