Michael Joe Whitehead (born June 29, 1981) is a former professional mixed martial artist. He competed in the Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight weight classes for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, IFL, Affliction, and Strikeforce. Mixed martial arts career At Crater High School, Mike was a state champion wrestler in the 189lb division in 1999 and played defensive lineman in football. Mike Whitehead started wrestling at North Idaho College, Southern Oregon University, and the University of Missouri. He is a 3 time All American Wrestler and Abu Dhabi qualifier. In 2005, he participated in the reality series The Ultimate Fighter 2 on Spike TV. Prior to his fight with Renato Sobral, he was on a 13 fight win streak, including five straight victories in the IFL. He has proven himself dangerous standing and striking, as well as with wrestling and submission grappling. He has also competed in the standup only fight organization Xtreme Fighting Association where he defeated Ethen Cox by unanimous decision. Personal life Whitehead was arrested by Las Vegas Metro Police on April 14, 2010, after a female acquaintance filed a report that he had sexually assaulted her at his home. He faces several charges including two counts of sexual assault and one count each of attempted sexual assault and open and gross lewdness. Additional charges could still be coming for Mike based on the marijuana grow operation detectives found when they went to serve a warrant in response to the sexual assault. Detectives found 50 marijuana plants inside the residence, all of which were confiscated and destroyed after they were granted a warrant for the plants. Whitehead reached an agreement with Clark County prosecutors to make a no-contest plea. On September 12, 2011, he pleaded no-contest to the charges and faced up to 20 years in prison. On January 19, 2012, Whitehead was sentenced to one to four years in prison. Championships and accomplishments Icon Sport SuperBrawl 24: Return of the Heavyweights Tournament Runner Up International Fighting Championship IFC Heavyweight Championship (One time) Mixed martial arts record |- | Loss | align=center| 27–8 | Brian Heden | Decision (unanimous) | Dakota FC / Ultimate Productions: Winter Brawl | | align=center| 3 | align=center| 5:00 | Fargo, North Dakota, United States | |- | Win | align=center| 27–7 | Jojo Thompson | Submission (neck crank) | RITC: Rage in the Cage 156 | | align=center| 1 | align=center| 1:58 |