Adam Alexander Milstead[1] (born July 3, 1987) is an American former mixed martial arts fighter who competed in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor from 2009 up until 2018, he also competed for King of the Cage.
Background
Born and raised in Calvert, Maryland, Milstead began wrestling in the second grade, and was a standout in football and wrestling at Calvert High School, graduating in 2006. Milstead later continued his football career at the collegiate level for half a semester before dropping out.[2]
Adam got married in June 2020 to Pittsburgh native, Mary Rodavich.[3][4] They have a yellow Labrador retriever, Cal, who is named after Adam’s hometown of Calvert County, MD.[5]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Milstead held an amateur record of 10–2 before making his professional MMA debut in May 2011. After losing his first match, he amassed a record of 7-1 before signing with the UFC.
For his second fight with the promotion, Milstead faced Curtis Blaydes at UFC Fight Night: Bermudez vs. Korean Zombie on February 4, 2017. He originally lost the fight via TKO in the second round; however, the win was later overturned to a No Contest when Blaydes tested positive for marijuana.[7]
For his next fight, Milstead moved down to the Light Heavyweight division. He faced Jordan Johnson on March 3, 2018 at UFC 222.[8] He lost the fight by split decision.[9]
Milstead faced Mike Rodríguez on December 15, 2018 at UFC on Fox 31.[10] He lost the fight via TKO in the first round. [11] Following the fight, Milstead announced his retirement from MMA.[12]
