Mitchell Bradley Clarke[1] (born November 24, 1985) is a Canadian professional wrestler and former mixed martial artist. He fought as a Lightweight for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and is the head coach at Complete Fitness & Martial Arts in St. Albert, Canada. He currently wrestles for the Edmonton based promotions Real Canadian Wrestling and Love Wrestling. He also wrestles for Best Entertainment Wrestling based out of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
Clarke made his professional MMA debut in May 2007. He fought exclusively in Canada and amassed a record of 9–0 before signing with the Ultimate Fighting Championship.[8]
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Clarke made his UFC debut at UFC 140 in Toronto, Ontario against promotional newcomer John Cholish. He lost the fight via TKO (punches) at 4:36 of the second round resulting in the first loss of his professional career.[9]
Clarke faced John Maguire on June 15, 2013 at UFC 161. He won the fight via unanimous decision.[11]
Clarke faced Al Iaquinta at UFC 173, in his first match outside of Canada.[12] After being dominated in the first round, Clarke won the fight via submission due to a D'Arce choke from the bottom in the second round. The win earned Clarke his first Performance of the Night bonus award.[13]
Clarke next faced Joseph Duffy on July 7, 2016 at UFC Fight Night 90.[15] He lost the fight via submission in the opening minute of the first round.[16]
Clarke faced Alex White on September 9, 2017 at UFC 215.[17] He lost the fight via TKO at 4:36 of the second round[18] and subsequently announced his retirement from mixed martial arts.[19] He voiced his appreciation to Edmonton fans at the after fight octagon interview with Joe Rogan and delivered his emotional and humble retirement speech:
Thank you Joe, thank you DC (Daniel Cormier). I think that toughness has been the tail of my career and pushing me beyond what my body physically able to do is sheer wit and will and toughness, and I am in absolutely pleasure to fight in front of my adopted hometown of Edmonton. And although I could not get the result I wanted, it was an absolutely pleasure to have my last professional fight and here Edmonton it is the last time I have put this on (his fighting glove) so to thank you Edmonton and thank you Joe.[19]"
Personal life
He currently resides in Edmonton, Alberta, and trains at Complete Fitness and Martial Arts in St. Albert. He has won the Welterweight title with the EFC out of Lloydminster and also won the Lightweight title for the TFC.[7] He also trains in Arizona at the MMA Lab with John Crouch and Benson Henderson.[20] Clarke is the son of Rick Clarke & Elise Brust and stepson of Vickie Clarke. After UFC 173, Clarke told reporters his favourite Super NES video game is Turtles in Time.[21]