Gophers wrestlers Mitch McKee and Michael Blockhus continue MMA journey

McKee, a St. Michael, Minn. native, had a decorated collegiate wrestling career, compiling a 91-42 record. He earned All-America honors in 2019 and was a four-time NCAA qualifier ('17, '18, '19, '20).

He transitioned to professional MMA in 2021. He's already had five bouts, winning four by finish and one by decision. Friday night he will face (4-1) Jose Fernandez in the main event of LFA 182 at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, SD.

Blockhus will be competing in his second MMA fight against (3-3) Jonathan Griffin as the first fight on the Main Card. 

Hailing from Cresco, IA., he transferred to the Gophers after two years competing for Northern Iowa, but he just wrapped up his college wrestling career at the NCAA tournament in March.

He too earned All-America status in 2023 before making the transition to MMA. His lone pro win came last August at Bellator 298 when he defeated (0-4) Eli Mefford via first-round TKO.

Both athletes are still very early in their professional careers but train together in Deerfield Beach, FL., at popular gym Kill Cliff FC alongside another former Gophers wrestler, Logan Storley, who is expected to be in attendance Friday night.

The main card will begin at 8 p.m. CT Friday, streaming live on UFC Fight Pass.