Ryan Ford (born March 8, 1982) is a Canadian professional boxer and mixed martial artist. A professional competitor since 2007, Ford has also formerly competed for Bellator, the WSOF, the MFC, TFC, and the AFC.

Ryan Ford
Born (1982-03-08) March 8, 1982 (age 42)
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Other namesThe Real Deal
NationalityCanadian
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight175 lb (79 kg; 12.5 st)
DivisionWelterweight (MMA)
Super Middleweight (Boxing)
Light Heavyweight (Boxing)
Cruiserweight (Boxing)
Reach76 in (193 cm)
StyleOrthodox
TeamWolfHouse MMA
Years active2007–2014
2022–present (MMA)
2010, 2015–present (Boxing)
Professional boxing record
Total25
Wins17
By knockout12
Losses8
By knockout1
Mixed martial arts record
Total30
Wins24
By knockout13
By submission9
By decision2
Losses6
By submission5
By decision1
Other information
Boxing record from BoxRec
Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog

Mixed martial arts career edit

Maximum Fighting Championship edit

Ford began his career with Maximum Fighting Championship, On February 22, 2008, at MFC 15 Ford defeated Pete Spratt via rear-naked choke in the second round.[1]

On May 9, 2008, at MFC 16 Ford defeated CJ Fernandes via rear-naked choke submission in round one.[2]

On July 25, 2008, at MFC 17 Ford was defeated by Pat Healy via arm-bar submission, the fight was for the MFC Welterweight Championship.[3]

On September 28, 2008, at MFC 18 Ford defeated Laverne Clark via guillotine choke in the second round.[4]

On February 20, 2009, at MFC 20 Ford was defeated by Pat Healy via split decision in a rematch for the MFC Welterweight Championship.[5]

On September 10, 2010, at MFC 26 Ford was defeated by Douglas Lima via armbar submission in the second round.

On November 12, 2010, at MFC 27 Ford defeated Pete Spratt in a rematch via rear-naked choke submission.

Ford has twice left the Edmonton-based MFC organization due to contract disputes.[6]

Independent promotions edit

Ford signed with the Edmonton-based promotion The Fight Club. On March 19, 2010, at TFC 10 Ford defeated former Ultimate Fighter finalist Tom Speer via rear-naked choke submission in round one on March 19, 2010, to retain the TFC Welterweight Championship.[7]

On May 19, 2011, Ford fought UFC veteran Karo Parisyan at MMA Live 1 in London, Ontario, After the first two rounds, Ford caught Parisyan with a knee and cut his forehead, causing the doctor and referee to stop the fight giving Ford the win via doctor stoppage.[8]

Aggression Fighting Championship edit

On June 10, 2011, Ford Returned to the Aggression MMA organization at AMMA 7: Confrontation defeating Nick Hinchcliffe in round three via TKO due to punches. On September 16, 2011, at AMMA 8: Unfinished Business, Ford was defeated by David Hulett via guillotine choke in round one.[9] On February 11, 2012, Ford defeated Ricky Goodall at AMMA 9 via TKO due to elbows in round one.

On March 23, 2013, Ford fought for the renamed Aggression Fighting Championship promotion in Edmonton, Alberta. Ford defeated Brendan Tierney via KO in the second round at AFC 17.[10]

Ford faced Ultimate Fighter vet Michael Hill on July 5, 2013, at AFC 19 for the AFC Welterweight Championship.[11] Ford defeated Hill via rear-naked choke submission in the fifth round to win the AFC Welterweight Championship.

Bellator Fighting Championships edit

Ford signed with Bellator making his debut On May 4, 2012, at Bellator 67, Ford defeated Luis Santos via TKO due to knees and punches in the second round.[12]

On November 2, 2012, at Bellator 79, Ford took on Kyle Baker at Casino Rama in Ontario, Ford won via unanimous decision.[13]

World Series of Fighting edit

On December 5, 2013, it was announced that Ford signed a multi-fight deal with World Series of Fighting’s Canadian branch and is expected to debut under the WSOF banner in early 2014.[14]

Ford is expected to make is WSOF debut at WSOF Canada 1 against Joel Powell for the inaugural WSOF Canadian Welterweight Championship.[15] Ford won via knockout due to a front kick and punches in just 53 seconds of round one to win the WSOF Canadian Welterweight Championship.[16]

Ford was scheduled to fight Bristol Marunde on June 7, 2014, at WSOF Canada 2.[17] He pulled out after getting injured during training.

Ford faced Jake Shields in the main event at WSOF 14 on October 11, 2014, in Edmonton, Alberta Canada.[18] Although he dropped Shields early in the fight with a left hand, Ford eventually lost the fight via rear naked choke submission in the first round.

Ford was set to face Yushin Okami in a Middleweight bout for the main event of WSOF 21 on June 5, 2015.[19] However, Ford announced that he had to pull out of the June fight with Okami.[20]

Unified MMA edit

On January 6, 2022, it was announced that Ford would be making his return to MMA on March 4, 2022, at Unified MMA 43 against Dawond Pickney.[21] He won the bout via triangle choke in the second round.[22]

Ford made his return on May 27, 2022, at Unified MMA 45 facing off against Robert Hale for the Unified MMA Super Welterweight Championship.[23] He won the fight via first-round technical knockout.[24]

Ford faced Fay Bursell on March 31, 2023, at Unified MMA 50, losing the bout via rear-naked choke in the third round.[25]

Professional boxing career edit

Ford made his professional boxing debut on February 13, 2010, winning a four-round majority decision over Willard Lewis. On June 8, 2015, it was announced that Ford was retiring from MMA to focus on a career in professional boxing.[26][27][28]

Ford fought on September 11, 2015, against Gary Kopas competing for the KO Boxing promotion.[29] He won a four-round unanimous decision.

On September 20, 2015, it was announced that Ford will fight on October 16, 2015, against Antonio Dos Santos at Dekada Premier Fight Night.[30] He won via knockout in the first round.

On November 13, 2015, it was announced that Ford will fight on December 4, 2015, against Alvaro Enriquez for the KO Boxing promotion.[31] He won via technical knockout in the second round.[32]

On February 22, 2016, it was announced that Ford will fight on March 11, 2016, against David Whittom for the KO Boxing promotion.[33] He won via knockout in the first round.

On April 22, 2016, Ford faced former Thailand Olympic Gold and silver medalist Manus Boonjumnong.[34] He won via fourth-round technical knockout after his opponent was no longer able to continue entering the fifth round.

On September 9, 2016, Ford faced former World Boxing Council Cruiserweight Champion Victor Manuel Palacios for the KO Boxing promotion.[35] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

On October 29, 2016, it was announced that Ford would face IBO Asia Pacific Light Heavyweight Champion Sam Rapira on February 17, 2017, for the Vacant UBO Light Heavyweight Championship.[36][37] He won the fight via TKO to become the UBO World Light Heavyweight Champion.[38]

On November 10, 2016, it was announced that Ford would be facing Mario Baeza for the KO Boxing promotion on December 2, 2016.[39][40] He won the fight via unanimous decision.

On March 13, 2017, it was announced that Ford would be making the first defense of his title against former WBC Asian World Champion New Zealand fighter Robert Berridge on May 27, 2017.[41] He won the fight via technical decision after an accidental head butt.

On August 10, 2017, it as announced that Ford would be facing British fighter WBO European Light Heavyweight Champion Anthony Yarde on September 16, 2017, for the vacant WBO Intercontinental Light Heavyweight Championship.[42][43] On August 25, 2017, it was announced that the fight was canceled after a contract dispute.[44]

On September 6, 2017, it was announced that Ford would be facing Joaquin Murrieta on September 9, 2017, for Rixta Promotions.[45] He won the fight via corner stoppage in the fourth round.

On November 17, 2017, it was announced that Ford would be facing former WBA Super Middleweight Champion Fedor Chudinov for the WBA International Super Middleweight Title on December 9, 2017.[46][47] Ford lost via twelve round unanimous decision.

On February 9, 2019, Ford faced off against Nick Hannig for the vacant WBC International light heavyweight title.[48] Ford lost via twelve round unanimous decision.

On April 6, 2019, Ford faced off against German Olympic boxer Serge Michel.[49] Ford won the fight via knockout to win the WBC International Silver light heavyweight title.[50]

On August 31, 2019, Ford faced undefeated Joshua Buatsi which ended in controversy after what appeared to be a low shot from Buatsi, the fight was stopped awarding Buatsi the victory via knockout [51]

Personal life edit

Ford is married to wife Nina & has two children, a son, Ryan Jr. and a daughter, Bella.[52] He is the son of retired professional boxer Al Ford.[53]

In 2003, Ford was the participant in an armed robbery home invasion.[54] During the robbery, Ford used a knife on the home owner and cut the victim's left index and middle finger to the bone. The victim's wife and two children were present in the house at the time. Ford served a four-year sentence for this crime.

Championships and accomplishments edit

Boxing edit

  • Universal Boxing Organization
    • UBO World Light Heavyweight Championship (One time)[55]
  • World Boxing Council
    • WBC International Silver Light Heavyweight Championship (One time)[56][57]

Mixed martial arts edit

Mixed martial arts record edit

Professional record breakdown
30 matches 24 wins 6 losses
By knockout 13 0
By submission 9 5
By decision 2 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Loss 24–6 Fay Bursell Submission (rear-naked choke) Unified MMA 50 March 31, 2023 3 3:58 Enoch, Alberta, Canada Lost the Unified Super Welterweight Championship
Win 24–5 Robert Hale TKO (punches) Unified MMA 45 May 27, 2022 1 3:56 Enoch, Alberta, Canada Won the Unified Super Welterweight Championship
Win 23–5 Dawond Pickney Submission (triangle choke) Unified MMA 43 March 4, 2022 2 4:01 Enoch, Alberta, Canada Catchweight (175 lb) bout.
Loss 22–5 Jake Shields Submission (rear-naked choke) WSOF 14 October 11, 2014 1 4:29 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Win 22–4 Joel Powell KO (front kick and punches) WSOF Canada 1 February 21, 2014 1 0:53 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Won the WSOF Canadian Welterweight Championship.
Win 21–4 Michael Hill Submission (rear-naked choke) AFC 19 July 5, 2013 5 4:32 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada Won the AFC Welterweight Championship
Win 20–4 Brendan Tierney KO (punch) AFC 17 March 23, 2013 2 3:11 Edmonton, Alberta Canada
Win 19–4 Kyle Baker Decision (unanimous) Bellator 79 November 2, 2012 3 5:00 Rama, Ontario Canada
Win 18–4 Luis Santos TKO (knee and punches) Bellator 67 May 4, 2012 2 1:24 Rama, Ontario Canada
Win 17–4 Ricky Goodall TKO (elbows) AMMA 9: Aggression MMA 9 February 11, 2012 1 3:37 Edmonton, Alberta Canada
Loss 16–4 David Hulett Submission (guillotine choke) AMMA 8: Unfinished Business September 16, 2011 1 1:35 Edmonton, Alberta Canada For AMMA Welterweight Championship
Win 16–3 Nick Hinchliffe TKO (punches) AMMA 7: Confrontation June 10, 2011 3 0:18 Edmonton, Alberta Canada
Win 15–3 Karo Parisyan TKO (doctor stoppage) JEG: MMA Live 1 May 19, 2011 3 1:26 London, Ontario Canada
Win 14–3 Johnny Davis TKO (punches) AMMA 6: Edmonton March 11, 2011 2 2:06 Edmonton, Alberta Canada
Win 13–3 Pete Spratt Submission (rear-naked choke) MFC 27 November 12, 2010 2 3:07 Edmonton, Alberta Canada
Loss 12–3 Douglas Lima Submission (armbar) MFC 26 September 10, 2010 2 0:48 Edmonton, Alberta Canada
Win 12–2 Tom Speer Submission (rear-naked choke) TFC 10: High Voltage March 19, 2010 1 4:29 Edmonton, Alberta Canada Defended TFC Welterweight Championship
Win 11–2 John Walsh KO (punches) TFC 9: Total Chaos December 5, 2009 1 0:13 Edmonton, Alberta Canada Won vacant TFC Welterweight Championship
Win 10–2 Markhaile Wedderburn Submission (rear-naked choke) TFC 8: Salvation September 18, 2009 1 1:24 Edmonton, Alberta Canada Won Interim TFC Welterweight Championship
Win 9–2 Dave Mazany TKO (punches) TFC 7: Full Throttle May 30, 2009 1 0:28 Edmonton, Alberta Canada
Loss 8–2 Pat Healy Decision (split) MFC 20 February 20, 2009 5 5:00 Edmonton, Alberta Canada For MFC Welterweight Championship
Win 8–1 Nabil Khatib Decision (unanimous) Raw Combat: Redemption October 25, 2008 3 5:00 Calgary, Alberta Canada
Win 7–1 Laverne Clark Submission (guillotine choke) MFC 18: Famous September 28, 2008 2 2:30 Edmonton, Alberta Canada
Loss 6–1 Pat Healy Submission (armbar) MFC 17: Hostile Takeover July 25, 2008 3 3:00 Edmonton, Alberta Canada For MFC Welterweight Championship
Win 6–0 CJ Fernandes Submission (rear-naked choke) MFC 16: Anger Management May 9, 2008 1 2:32 Edmonton, Alberta Canada
Win 5–0 Pete Spratt Submission (rear-naked choke) MFC 15: Rags to Riches February 22, 2008 2 4:01 Edmonton, Alberta Canada
Win 4–0 Mike Sorenson TKO (punches) MFC 14: High Rollers November 23, 2007 2 0:51 Edmonton, Alberta Canada
Win 3–0 Adil Abbas Submission (rear-naked choke) ECC 6: Hometown Heroes October 20, 2007 1 1:21 Halifax, Nova Scotia Canada
Win 2–0 Randy Valette TKO (punches and elbows) MFC 13: Lucky 13 August 24, 2007 1 2:07 Edmonton, Alberta Canada
Win 1–0 Aaron Gallant TKO (punches) MFC 12: High Stakes June 22, 2007 2 4:15 Edmonton, Alberta Canada

[58]

Professional boxing record edit

25 fights 17 wins 8 losses
By knockout 12 1
By decision 5 7
No. Result Record Opponent Type Round, time Date Location Notes
27   Sajad Mehrabi – (10) Jul 16, 2023   Lumpinee Boxing Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand For WBC Asia Continental light heavyweight title
26   Curtis Millender – (8) May 26, 2023   The Venue at River Cree, Alberta, Canada
25 Loss 17–8   Shefat Isufi UD 12 Sep 16, 2022   Rudolf Weber-Arena, Oberhausen, Germany For WBF light heavyweight title
24 Loss 17–7   Lukasz Stanioch UD 10 Oct 29, 2021   MCKiS Hall, Jaworzno, Poland
23 Loss 17–6   Aslambek Idigov MD 10 Feb 21, 2020   Dynamo Palace of Sports, Moscow, Russia
22 Win 17–5   Orlando Vazquez TKO 6 (6), 2:59 Dec 6, 2019   Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton, Canada
21 Loss 16–5  Joshua Buatsi KO 7 (10), 1:07 31 Aug 2019   The O2 Arena, London, England For WBA International light heavyweight title
20 Win 16–4   Serge Michel KO 8 (12), 0:37 Apr 6, 2019   Ballhaus Forum, Unterschleißheim, Germany Won WBC International Silver light heavyweight title
19 Loss 15–4   Nick Hannig UD 12 Feb 9, 2019   Verti Music Hall, Berlin, Germany For Vacant WBC International light heavyweight title
18 Win 15–3   Jovica Kokot KO 2 (6), 1:05 Dec 15, 2018   Stockschützenhalle, Kühbach, Germany
17 Loss 14–3   Avni Yildirim UD 12 May 12, 2018   Nobeo Studios, Cologne, Germany For WBC International super middleweight title
16 Loss 14–2   Andrey Sirotkin UD 12 Mar 24, 2018   Basket Hall, Krasnodar, Russia For vacant WBA Inter-Continental super middleweight title
15 Loss 14–1   Fedor Chudinov UD 12 Dec 9, 2017   Arena, Kemerovo, Russia For Vacant WBA International super middleweight title
14 Win 14–0   Miguel Cubos TKO 3 (6), 2:36 Oct 21, 2017   Deerfoot Inn & Casino, Calgary, Canada
13 Win 13–0   Joaquin Murrieta RTD 4 (6), 3:00 Sep 9, 2017   Tohu Theatre, Montreal, Canada
12 Win 12–0   Robert Berridge TD 7 (12), 3:00 May 27, 2017   Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore Retained UBO light heavyweight title
11 Win 11–0   Rob Nichols RTD 5 (6), 3:00 Mar 10, 2017   Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton, Canada
10 Win 10–0   Sam Rapira TKO 9 (12), 2:09 Feb 17, 2017   Foochow Building, Singapore Won vacant UBO light heavyweight title
9 Win 9–0   Mario Baeza UD 6 Dec 2, 2016   Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton, Canada
8 Win 8–0   Victor Manuel Palacios UD 6 Sep 9, 2016   Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton, Canada
7 Win 7–0   Muhammad Meeraj TKO 1 (6), 1:35 Jul 23, 2016   Far East Square, Singapore
6 Win 6–0   Manus Boonjumnong TKO 5 (8) Apr 22, 2016   7th Infantry Division, Chiang Mai, Thailand
5 Win 5–0   David Whittom TKO 1 (4), 1:18 Mar 11, 2016   Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton, Canada
4 Win 4–0   Alvaro Enriquez TKO 2 (4), 1:22 Dec 4, 2015   Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton, Canada
3 Win 3–0   Antonio Dos Santos TKO 1 (5), 2:29 Oct 16, 2015   Genesis Centre, Calgary, Canada
2 Win 2–0   Gary Kopas UD 4 Sep 11, 2015   Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton, Canada
1 Win 1–0   Willard Lewis MD 4 Feb 13, 2010   Shaw Conference Centre, Edmonton, Canada

References edit

  1. ^ "MFC 15: Ryan Ford Submits Pete Spratt; Jesse Forbes Rebounds for Victory". 23 February 2008.
  2. ^ "RYAN FORD TOPS MFC 16 WITH ANOTHER VICTORY".
  3. ^ "MFC 17 - Hostile Takeover Fight Card Results Fights Profile".
  4. ^ "MFC 18 Quick results".
  5. ^ "MFC 20 - Destined for Greatness MMA Event Results". 31 October 2021.
  6. ^ "Ryan Ford: 'I will never fight in the MFC again'". 20 March 2009.
  7. ^ "Ryan Ford vs. Tom Speer Fight Result TFC 10 - High Voltage".
  8. ^ "MMA Live 1 Play By Play". topmmanews.com. May 20, 2011.
  9. ^ Top MMA News Staff (September 17, 2011). "Aggression MMA 8 – Recap". topmmanews.com.
  10. ^ Top MMA News Staff (February 28, 2013). "Ryan Ford Ready To Put On Show For Edmonton On March 23". topmmanews.com.
  11. ^ Top MMA News (June 29, 2013). "Ryan Ford faces Michael Hill for AFC Welterweight Championship at AFC 19". topmmanews.com.
  12. ^ Don Wilson (May 4, 2012). "Bellator 67 Play-By-Play – Come Behind Victory For Ford, Baker Advances". topmmanews.com.
  13. ^ Don Wilson (November 3, 2012). "Bellator 79 Results & Play-By-Play – Ford, De Lorenzi Win". topmmanews.com.
  14. ^ "Bellator Veteran Ryan Ford Signs with World Series of Fighting Canada for 2014 Debut".
  15. ^ Staff. "WSOF CANADA HEADS TO EDMONTON ON FEB. 21 FOR RYAN FORD VS. JOEL POWELL TITLE FIGHT". WSOF.com. Archived from the original on 2014-10-17.
  16. ^ Top MMA News Staff. "WSOF Canada: Ford vs Powell Play-by-Play - Ford Wins Title". TopMMANews.com.
  17. ^ "Ford, Marunde Top WSOF Canada Card on June 7". TopMMANews.com. 2014-04-24. Retrieved 2014-04-24.
  18. ^ Keith Grienke (August 4, 2014). "Jake Shields Heads North To Fight Ryan Ford at WSOF 14". TopMMANews.com.
  19. ^ "RYAN FORD-YUSHIN OKAMI, SMEALINHO RAMA-BLAGOI IVANOV ANNOUNCED FOR WSOF 21".
  20. ^ MMAjunkie Staff (2015-04-07). "Injured Ryan Ford says he's out of June's WSOF 21 headliner". mmajunkie.com. Retrieved 2015-04-08.
  21. ^ "Ryan Ford, KB Bhullar among first three fights announced for Unified 43". 7 January 2022.
  22. ^ Griffith, Joel (2022-03-06). "Shane Campbell, KB, Bhullar, Ryan Ford among the big winners at Unified MMA 43". MMA Empire. Retrieved 2022-03-07.
  23. ^ "Ryan Ford unfazed by Robert Hale's trash talk: "I just laugh at it"".
  24. ^ "Unified MMA 45 - Live Results and Play-by-Play". MMA Empire. 2022-05-27. Retrieved 2022-05-30.
  25. ^ "Unified 50 - Live Results and Play-by-Play". MMA Empire. 2023-04-01. Retrieved 2023-04-02.
  26. ^ "KO Boxing News and Results".
  27. ^ "Ryan Ford retiring from MMA".
  28. ^ "Canadian MMA Rumor Mill.com - June 8, 2015".
  29. ^ "Canadian MMA Rumour Mill - August 19, 2015".
  30. ^ "Red hot Dekada Calgary card to air on Fight Network Oct. 16".
  31. ^ "Canadian MMA Rumour Mill – November 13, 2015".
  32. ^ "Ryan Ford Stops Enriquez in Edmonton, Moves to 4-0".[permanent dead link]
  33. ^ "Canadian MMA Rumour Mill – February 22, 2016".
  34. ^ "Ryan Ford To Take On Manus Boonjumnnong On April 22nd". 28 March 2016.
  35. ^ "Ryan Ford Quotes: "Training camp has been on point" for Palacios Tilt". 8 September 2016.
  36. ^ "UBO Upcoming bouts and events".
  37. ^ "Ryan Ford vs. Sam Rapira". Facebook.
  38. ^ "UBO Roar in Singapore results".
  39. ^ "KO Boxing promotion - December 2, 2016".
  40. ^ "Ford vs. Baeza - December 2, 2016". Facebook.
  41. ^ "Ryan Ford Defends UBO World Title Against Robert Berridge On May 27".
  42. ^ "Anthony Yarde vs. Ryan Ford on Saunders-Monroe card on Sept 16". 9 August 2017.
  43. ^ "Edmonton boxer Ryan Ford to fight for WBO belt next month in England".
  44. ^ "Ford vs. Yarde canceled due to contract dispute".
  45. ^ "Ryan Ford: Ready To Fight Anytime". 9 September 2017.
  46. ^ "Ford vs. Chudinov Announcement".
  47. ^ "'I Feel Like The Canadian Rocky': Ryan Ford in Russia for WBA Title".
  48. ^ "Nick Hannig vs. Ryan Ford: Ranfighting". 18 April 2018.
  49. ^ "Ryan Ford 16-4 got the KTFO upset vs Michel 8-0 Saturday".
  50. ^ "ESPN: What's the Golden Contract light-heavyweight tournament, and who's in it?". 12 December 2019.
  51. ^ Christ, Scott (2019-08-31). "Joshua Buatsi knocks out Ryan Ford in seventh round". Bad Left Hook. Retrieved 2020-06-15.
  52. ^ "PowWeb".
  53. ^ "Al Ford calls out Ryan "The Real Deal" Ford after getting his Belt". YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-21.
  54. ^ "Why WSOF/NBC should not promote Ryan Ford". 10 October 2014.
  55. ^ "BoxRec UBO World Light Heavyweight Title History".
  56. ^ "World Boxing Council International Silver Light Heavyweight Title History".
  57. ^ "WBC International Championships".
  58. ^ Sherdog.com. "Ryan Ford". Sherdog. Retrieved 2022-03-07.

External links edit