Cody McKenzie

Cody McKenzie
Born Cody Steven McKenzie
December 16, 1987
Cordova, Alaska, United States
Other names AK Kid
Residence Metaline, Washington, United States
Nationality American
Height 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight 180.3 lb (82 kg; 12 st 12 lb)
Division Welterweight (2014)[1]
Middleweight (2014)
Lightweight (2009–2012; 2013)
Featherweight (2007–2009; 2012–2013)
Reach 72.0 in (183 cm)[2]
Fighting out of Spokane, Washington, United States[3]
Team Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Rank      Brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Years active 2007–2014; 2015–present
Mixed martial arts record
Total 22
Wins 15
By knockout 1
By submission 13
By decision 1
Losses 7
By knockout 2
By submission 3
By decision 1
By disqualification 1
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Cody Steven McKenzie (born December 16, 1987) is an American mixed martial artist who currently competes in the Welterweight division of World Series of Fighting. A professional competitor since 2007, McKenzie mostly competed in his regional circuit, before signing with the Ultimate Fighting Championship to appear on The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck, and has also competed for M-1 Global.[4] He is well known for submitting opponents with a modified guillotine choke nicknamed the McKenzietine.

Background

McKenzie was born in Cordova, Alaska and currently trains in Spokane, Washington. He saw his first MMA fight when he was a sophomore in high school and knew from then on that he wanted to be an MMA fighter.

McKenzie is a member of the "Fancy Pants Fight Team", named after Lyle Beerbohm.[5] Prior to joining the Ultimate Fighting Championship, McKenzie recorded ten successive submission victories, nine of which were by guillotine choke.[5]

McKenzie also utilizes his own variation of the guillotine choke which he names "The McKenzietine". McKenzie flips his shoulder a different way to the standard guillotine choke, before arching his shoulder.[4] According to Sherdog.com, McKenzie has the third-most guillotine choke victories in the world[4][6] behind only two fighters who have each had over 50 fights in their respective careers, one being Travis Fulton, the front-runner, who despite having had over 300 fights has only two more guillotine victories than McKenzie.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

McKenzie began his professional mixed martial arts career with a TKO victory over Brett Held in British Columbia, Canada. This was his only fight to go to a second round in his career prior to the UFC. Under a month later, McKenzie faced Abe Jones, defeating him via triangle choke after little over two minutes.[7]

After taking almost a year away from competition, McKenzie returned to face Benny Mawson, once again in British Columbia, Canada. After 100 seconds, McKenzie caught his opponent in a guillotine choke, taking his record to 3–0.[7] This began his long stretch of victories via guillotine choke. During this near-record setting span, McKenzie fought several times in B.C. and in various locations in Washington. McKenzie also fought in Bahrain on one occasion, taking just four minutes to defeat his opponent with a guillotine choke. Before signing with the UFC, McKenzie had a record of 11–0, with nine successive first-round guillotine choke finishes.[7]

The Ultimate Fighter

McKenzie then signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship to appear on The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck.[4]

McKenzie competed on the debut episode against Amir Khillah, to get into the house. Prior to the fight, Georges St-Pierre predicted a guillotine choke submission victory for McKenzie. This proved to be correct as McKenzie forced a technical submission victory over Khillah in the opening round.[8]

In the second episode, the team picks were made. Georges St-Pierre picked McKenzie as his sixth pick (twelfth overall).[9]

After getting under coach Koscheck's skin for two weeks, McKenzie was picked to face Marc Stevens; Koscheck's number one pick. Stevens went for an early takedown, but was caught in a guillotine choke submission. With just 18 seconds[10][11] gone on the clock, Stevens passed out and McKenzie was declared the winner.[12]

In the quarterfinals, McKenzie faced Nam Phan of Team Koscheck. In the second round Phan dropped him with a combo to the body, causing a TKO loss for McKenzie.[13]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

McKenzie made his UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck Finale against Aaron Wilkinson. He went on to defeat Wilkinson via submission (a guillotine choke applied to Wilkinson's jaw) at 2:03 of round one. McKenzie earned the Submission of the Night award for his performance.

McKenzie made a quick return to the octagon as he replaced Melvin Guillard to face Yves Edwards at UFC: Fight For The Troops 2 on January 22, 2011.[14] After a back and forth battle that saw both men in control, McKenzie lost via rear naked choke in the second round.

McKenzie was expected to face Bart Palaszewski on May 28, 2011 at UFC 130,[15] but was forced off the card with an injury and replaced by Gleison Tibau.[16]

McKenzie fought Vagner Rocha on September 17, 2011 at UFC Fight Night 25. He lost by submission in the second round.[17]

McKenzie was expected to face Michael Johnson on January 28, 2012 at UFC on Fox 2. However, McKenzie was forced out of the bout with an injury and replaced by Shane Roller.[18]

McKenzie was expected to face Aaron Riley on May 15, 2012 at UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier.[19] However, Riley was pulled from the event and replaced by promotional newcomer Marcus LeVesseur.[20] McKenzie won via submission in the first round.

McKenzie dropped to Featherweight and lost to Chad Mendes via first-round TKO on July 7, 2012 at UFC 148.[21]

McKenzie was expected to face Leonard Garcia on December 29, 2012 at UFC 155.[22] However, McKenzie pulled out of the bout citing an injury and was replaced by Max Holloway.[23]

The bout with Leonard Garcia was rescheduled for April 27, 2013 at UFC 159.[24] McKenzie defeated Garcia via unanimous decision, the first decision win of his career.

McKenzie faced Sam Stout in a Lightweight bout on December 14, 2013 at UFC on Fox 9.[25] He lost the fight via unanimous decision. During the fight, McKenzie wore basketball shorts with the tag still on them, which UFC President called "UFC amateur hour."[26] McKenzie was subsequently released from the promotion.[27]

Post-UFC

McKenzie fought at a 180 lb. Catchweight on April 12, 2014 against Mark Dobie at Battle for the Border 3.[28] He won via rear-naked choke submission.[29]

On October 3, McKenzie submitted to Brock Larson in the opening round of the BattleGrounds MMA one-night welterweight tournament.[30]

On December 18, 2014 McKenzie announced his retirement from mixed martial arts.[31]

World Series of Fighting

Two months after announcing his first retirement, it was announced on February 3, 2015, that McKenzie had signed with WSOF. He faced Andrew McInnes at WSOF 18 on February 15, 2015.[32] He lost the fight via disqualification, after a headbutt from McKenzie rendered McInnes unable to continue.

Film and television

McKenzie was featured in the award-winning mixed martial arts documentary Fight Life, the film is directed by James Z. Feng and released in 2013.[33]

Championships and achievements

Mixed martial arts record

Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
David Bielkheden Superior Challenge 12 May 16, 2015 Malmö, Sweden
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 15–7 Andrew McInnes DQ (headbutt) WSOF 18 February 12, 2015 1 4:57 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 15–6 Beslan Isaev KO (knee) M-1 Challenge 54 December 17, 2014 1 2:20 St. Petersburg, Russia
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 15–5 Brock Larson Submission (arm-triangle choke) BattleGrounds MMA 5: O.N.E. October 3, 2014 2 1:43 Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States Tournament Quarterfinal; Welterweight bout
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 15–4 Mark Dobie Submission (rear-naked choke) Battle for the Border 3 - Nations Collide April 12, 2014 1 2:28 Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada Catchweight of 180 lbs.
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 14–4 Sam Stout Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Benavidez 2 December 14, 2013 3 5:00 Sacramento, California, United States Lightweight bout
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 14–3 Leonard Garcia Decision (unanimous) UFC 159 April 27, 2013 3 5:00 Newark, New Jersey, United States
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 13–3 Chad Mendes TKO (body punch) UFC 148 July 7, 2012 1 0:31 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Featherweight debut
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 13–2 Marcus LeVesseur Submission (guillotine choke) UFC on Fuel TV: Korean Zombie vs. Poirier May 15, 2012 1 3:05 Fairfax, Virginia, United States
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 12–2 Vagner Rocha Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Shields vs. Ellenberger September 17, 2011 2 3:49 New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
style="background: #ffdddd; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="table-no2" |Loss 12–1 Yves Edwards Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC: Fight For The Troops 2 January 22, 2011 2 4:33 Fort Hood, Texas, United States Fight of the Night
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 12–0 Aaron Wilkinson Submission (guillotine choke) The Ultimate Fighter 12 Finale December 4, 2010 1 2:03 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Submission of the Night
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 11–0 Brandon MacArthur Submission (guillotine choke) AM Ford: Fight Night 2010 April 17, 2010 1 2:00 Trail, British Columbia, Canada
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 10–0 Len Bentley Submission (guillotine choke) Rumble on the Ridge 6: Regeneration January 9, 2010 1 3:04 Snoqualmie, Washington, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 9–0 Ryan Farhat Submission (guillotine choke) Raw Power: MMA December 10, 2009 1 4:00 Sanabis, Manama, Bahrain
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 8–0 Bobby Sanchez Submission (guillotine choke) Conquest of the Cage 6 September 16, 2009 1 0:30 Spokane, Washington, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 7–0 Casey Hobson Submission (guillotine choke) AM Ford: Fight Night 2009 April 18, 2009 1 2:52 Trail, British Columbia, Canada
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 6–0 Jeremy Burnett Submission (guillotine choke) CageSport MMA November 29, 2008 1 2:16 Tacoma, Washington, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 5–0 Rob Roy Submission (guillotine choke) Caged Rage 2 October 4, 2008 1 0:44 Castlegar, British Columbia, Canada
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 4–0 Dennis Parks Submission (guillotine choke) EWC: Vancouver Cage Fights September 6, 2008 1 1:37 Ridgefield, Washington, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 3–0 Benny Mawson Submission (guillotine choke) GFS: Ford Fight Night April 19, 2008 1 1:40 Trail, British Columbia, Canada
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 2–0 Abe Jones Submission (triangle choke) PFA: Ultimate Cage Fighting May 17, 2007 1 2:09 Spokane, Washington, United States
style="background:#bfd; color:black; vertical-align:middle; text-align:center; " class="table-yes2" |Win 1–0 Brett Held TKO (punches) GFS: Helter Smelter April 21, 2007 2 1:15 Trail, British Columbia, Canada

References

  1. ↑ http://www.news.com.au/sport/sports-life/cody-mckenzie-donates-blood-to-make-weight-for-mma-fight/story-fno61i58-1227079499018
  2. ↑ "UFC on Fox 9: Fight Card". UFC.com. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
  3. ↑ "UFC 148 Media Notes". UFC. June 30, 2012.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Meet the cast for "The Ultimate Fighter 12," field includes 28 lightweights". mmajunkie.com. August 3, 2010.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 "Spike TV unveils TUF 12 cast: Cody McKenzie". sherdog.com. August 3, 2010.
  6. ↑ "Highest Guillotine Choke wins". sherdog.com. Retrieved September 17, 2010.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 "Cody McKenzie". sherdog.com. Retrieved September 15, 2010.
  8. ↑ "Episode No. 1 recap: "The Ultimate Fighter 12: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck"". mmajunkie.com. September 16, 2010.
  9. ↑ "Episode No. 2 recap: "The Ultimate Fighter 12: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck"". mmajunkie.com. September 22, 2010.
  10. ↑ http://boxing.nv.gov/2010%20Results%20Web/TUF%20SEASON%2012.pdf
  11. ↑ http://www.mixedmartialarts.com/mma.cfm?go=stats.fightCard&eid=97b06a9a-0d01-4f31-8ced-a1affb5d05d0
  12. ↑ "Episode No. 6 recap: "The Ultimate Fighter 12: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck"". mmajunkie.com. October 21, 2010.
  13. ↑ "Episode No. 9 recap: "The Ultimate Fighter 12: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck"". mmajunkie.com. November 10, 2010.
  14. ↑ "Replacement Cody McKenzie meets Yves Edwards at UFC Fight Night 23". mmajunkie.com. December 7, 2010.
  15. ↑ "Bart Palaszewski vs. Cody McKenzie Added to UFC 130 Undercard". mmaweekly.com. April 10, 2011.
  16. ↑ "Gleison Tibau Replaces Injured Cody McKenzie at UFC 130; Faces Bart Palaszewski". mmaweekly.com. May 6, 2011.
  17. ↑ "Vagner Rocha vs. Cody McKenzie added to UFC Fight Night 25 in New Orleans". mmajunkie.com. July 20, 2011.
  18. ↑ "Injured McKenzie out at UFC on FOX 2; Roller steps in to face Johnson". mmajunkie.com. January 4, 2012.
  19. ↑ "McKenzie vs. Riley added to UFC on FUEL TV 3". mmajunkie.com. February 11, 2012.
  20. ↑ "Marcus LeVesseur replaces Aaron Riley, meets Cody McKenzie at UFC on FUEL TV 3". mmajunkie.com. April 24, 2012. Retrieved April 24, 2012.
  21. ↑ "Featherweights Chad Mendes vs. Cody McKenzie added to UFC 148". mmajunkie.com. May 18, 2012.
  22. ↑ "Leonard Garcia vs. Cody McKenzie added to December's UFC 155 event". MMAjunkie.com. November 3, 2012.
  23. ↑ "Max Holloway replaces injured Cody McKenzie, faces Leonard Garcia at UFC 155". MMAjunkie.com. December 19, 2012.
  24. ↑ Mike Bohn (2013-03-03). "Leonard Garcia vs. Cody McKenzie rebooked for UFC 159 on April 27". MMAmania.com. Retrieved 2013-03-03.
  25. ↑ Trent Reinsmith (October 4, 2013). "Cody McKenzie vs. Sam Stout added to UFC on Fox 9". bloodyelbow.com. Retrieved October 4, 2013.
  26. ↑ Steven Marrocco (December 15, 2013). "Dana White calls Cody McKenzie's fight shorts 'UFC amateur hour'". mmajunkie.com.
  27. ↑ Zane Simon (March 26, 2014). "Cody McKenzie released from the UFC, looking to WSOF for fights". bloodyelbow.com.
  28. ↑ Cody Rempel (April 12, 2014). "Battle for the Border 3 – Weigh In Results". TopMMANews.com.
  29. ↑ Tapology.com Staff (April 12, 2014). "Cody McKenzie vs. Mark Dobie". tapology.com.
  30. ↑ BattleGrounds MMA 5: Welterweight One-Night Tournament Results & Play-by-Play, from Sherdog.com
  31. ↑ "After recent loss, former UFC fighter Cody McKenzie retires/quits". mmajunkie.com. 2014-12-19.
  32. ↑ "Cody McKenzie ends short retirement, fights Andrew McInnes at WSOF 18". bloodyelbow.com. 2015-02-03.
  33. ↑ Fight Life: MMA Documentary

External links