This Week’s MMA Birthdays: Pedro Rizzo Turns 40

Pedro “The Rock” Rizzo turns 40 this week. | Marcelo Alonso

Pedro Rizzo was a front-and-center Ultimate Fighting Championship performer for years prior to its heyday, and he will celebrate his 40th birthday on May 3.

A Marco Ruas protégé, Rizzo owns wins over four former UFC champions: Mark Coleman, Josh Barnett, Andrei Arlovski and Ricco Rodriguez. He compiled a 9-5 record in the UFC and fought for the heavyweight crown on three different occasions, losing to Kevin Randleman and Randy Couture (twice). Rizzo has not competed inside the Octagon since UFC 45, where he posted a unanimous decision over the aforementioned Rodriguez at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. “The Rock” has also plied his trade under the Pride Fighting Championships, Affliction, M-1 Global and World Vale Tudo Championship banners.

Rizzo last fought at an Inoki Genome Federation event in May, when he wound up on the wrong side of a unanimous decision against 2008 Olympic gold medalist Satoshi Ishii at Tokyo Dome City Hall in Japan. Known for his vicious leg kicks, the Brazilian has secured more than half (11) of his 19 career victories by knockout or technical knockout.

Those in MMA celebrating a birthday during the week covering April 27-May 3:

APRIL 27
Paul Cressaty (43)

APRIL 28
Leopoldo Serao (35)
Takasuke Kume (29)

APRIL 29
Dustin Hazelett (28)

APRIL 30
Jeff Joslin (39)
Yoel Romero Palacio (37)

MAY 1
Chad Mendes (29)
Anistavio Medeiros de Figueiredo (26)

MAY 2
Kikuyo Ishikawa (30)

MAY 3
Sam Greco (47)
Shonie Carter (42)
Pedro Rizzo (40)
John Makdessi (29)

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