Mike Kyle continues rejuvenation in 205-pound class

Mike Kyle was though to be damaged goods a long time ago.

An imposing figure in the cage, with knockout power and incredible athleticism, Kyle was expected to make big waves in the mixed martial arts world. However his bravado, ego, and bad habits put a halt to any immediate success.

Now with the proper dedication coupled with his continued training with the American Kickboxing Academy group in San Jose, Cali., Kyle is quietly working his way back into the lime light.

Known in the past for his somewhat abrasive personality, Kyle did no favors for his image in 2006 with his last appearance under the Zuffa banner. In a heavyweight title bout against then champion Brian Olsen, Mike was on the verge of victory, claiming his first championship in his mixed martial arts career, but when an illegal kick was followed up by a ground and pound assault, the bout should have been brought to a halt. But when the referee tried to intervene, “MAK” continued to deliver unnecessary blows and was ultimately disqualified for his unsportsmanlike conduct.

After the incident, Kyle took a near two-year hiatus from the sport, to reevaluate and and reinvigorate himself in order to perform to his potential, without allowing his emotion’s become the catalyst of his failure.

Since the DQ loss, the 30-year-old veteran has recorded an impressive 8-2-1 record. The lone two losses came in heavyweight appearances against Wayne Cole and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Fabricio Werdum, however Kyle has since made a permanent move to the light heavyweight division.

He most recently captured the King of the Cage 205-pound title over Bellator veteran Tony Lopez. After five hard fought rounds turned in, the near 10-year veteran of MMA bested Lopez and was ultimately rewarded a split-decision victory, and his first title as a professional.

Since then, Kyle followed in the footsteps of his fellow teammate in Daniel Cormier and ventured overseas under the Xtreme MMA promotion in Australia. Steve Oliver became the victim of Kyle’s new success on November 5, when Mike was able to dispatch the Aussie native inside of the first round with a TKO victory, claiming the organization’s light heavyweight title in the process.

Mike is still under contract with Strikeforce, and remains to be the only man within Strikeforce that holds a victory over the current champion Rafael “Feijao”, knocking out the Black House product in the second round in June of 2009.

So, MMA peeps, what do you make of the news? Who would you like to see Kyle fight next? Sound off in the comment section below.