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Michigan State wrestler, Rex Kendle, will follow the footsteps of several other prominent MSU wrestling alums and make his professional mixed martial arts debut on August 15th. Kendle will fight on the Capital City Cage Fight Championship card this weekend in Lansing, Michigan. Kendle will face off against a fellow MMA newcomer in Rob Letson at welterweight. 

Fans of the ESPN personality Jim Rome, may recognize Rex as he was featured in Jim Rome’'s Rex Streak (a series of interviews with athletes named Rex) in March of 2009. 

A redshirt senior, Kendle went 22-15 in the 2008-2009 season and was the Spartan's go to wrestler at 165lbs for an overall record of 64-48. Rex held a notable victory over Ryan Morningstar of Iowa on way to qualifying for the NCAA tournament. Rex Kendle also received a spot on the National Wrestling Coaches Association’s Academic All-American team.

The Michigan State wrestling program has produced several top MMA fighters including former UFC light heavyweight champion, Rashad Evans, and former TUF season five standout, Gray Maynard. 

[Update: Note by Zak Woods, 08/15/09 10:59 PM EDT ]

Rex won his debut via knockout in Round 1 at the 0:28 mark.