The Three Michaels Of Married At First Sight: Where Are MAFS's Most Talked-About Grooms Now In 2025?

The name Michael has become synonymous with some of the most dramatic, successful, and controversial storylines in *Married at First Sight* history. With multiple men sharing the same name across both the US and Australian versions of the reality show, fans are constantly searching for the latest updates on these grooms who took a leap of faith to marry a stranger. This deep dive, current as of December 2025, cuts through the noise to reveal the definitive relationship status, career moves, and personal milestones of the three most talked-about Michaels from MAFS. From a runaway bride disaster to one of the show's biggest success stories, and a tumultuous marriage that ended in annulment, the post-show lives of these reality stars prove that the experiment is just the beginning. We track their journeys, focusing on the freshest details, including new partners, babies, and surprising career shifts in 2025.

The Complete Biography & MAFS Timeline of the Three Michaels

The paths of these three men couldn't be more different, yet they all share the common experience of marrying a stranger on national television. Here is a look at the essential biographical details and their journey on *Married at First Sight*.

Michael Brunelli (MAFS Australia Season 6)

• Full Name: Michael Brunelli
• MAFS Season: Australia Season 6 (2019)
• Original Partner: Martha Kalifatidis
• Profession: Personal Trainer, Content Creator, Entrepreneur
• MAFS Outcome: Stayed Together (One of the show's greatest success stories)
• Current Status (2025): Engaged to Martha, Father

Michael Shiakallis (MAFS US Season 17)

• Full Name: Michael Shiakallis Jr.
• MAFS Season: US Season 17 (Denver)
• Original Partner: Unknown (Runaway Bride)
• Second Partner: Chloe Brown
• Profession: Senior Lead Project Manager, Head of Digital Experience
• MAFS Outcome: Divorced (Said "No" to Chloe on Decision Day)
• Current Status (2025): Single (Reportedly Friends with Chloe)

Michael Watson (MAFS US Season 10)

• Full Name: Michael Watson
• MAFS Season: US Season 10 (Washington, D.C.)
• Original Partner: Meka Jones
• Profession: Education Administrator / School Principal (at time of filming)
• MAFS Outcome: Annulment
• Current Status (2025): Married to Shay Spencer Watson

Michael Brunelli: The MAFS Success Story That Keeps Winning in 2025

The journey of Michael Brunelli and Martha Kalifatidis is the gold standard for *Married at First Sight* success stories, and their life in 2025 continues to be a testament to the experiment's potential. The couple, who met and married on the Australian version of the show in 2019, have built a family and a thriving brand together. The Engagement and Lucius's Arrival Michael and Martha got engaged in December 2021. This was a major milestone that solidified their commitment years after their televised wedding. The biggest update, however, is the arrival of their first child. In a heartwarming announcement, the couple welcomed a baby boy named Lucius Brunelli. The couple has been open about their life as new parents, sharing their experiences with their large social media following. Michael, in particular, has been focused on his personal fitness journey, documenting a body transformation where he bulked up, a change he attributed to overcoming anxiety related to his previous lean physique. Wedding Plans and Future Ventures While they are legally married under the MAFS contract, their real-life wedding is still highly anticipated by fans. As of late 2025, the couple has teased plans for their official ceremony, suggesting they hope to tie the knot very soon, though a specific date remains under wraps. Their continued success as a couple, and their transition into parenthood, makes them the ultimate positive outcome for the entire *Married at First Sight* franchise.

Michael Shiakallis: The Second Chance That Ended in Heartbreak

Michael Shiakallis's journey on *Married at First Sight* Season 17 (US) was arguably the most dramatic of the season, defined by a shocking beginning and an emotional end. The Runaway Bride Scandal Michael's MAFS experience started when his first match, who remains unnamed, became a "runaway bride" and left him at the altar. This unprecedented event led the experts to offer Michael a rare second chance in the experiment. He was later matched with Chloe Brown, and their connection captivated viewers as they prepared for their second-chance wedding. The Decision Day Twist and Current Status Despite the initial drama, Michael and Chloe developed a strong bond, marked by effortless communication and a seemingly deep connection. However, the relationship took a devastating turn on Decision Day. In a move that surprised viewers, Michael ultimately said "No" to staying married, while Chloe said "Yes." The two officially divorced after the show. As of 2025, Michael and Chloe are no longer together, but they reportedly remain friends. Michael has since focused on his career, seeing significant growth as a Senior Lead Project Manager and the Head of Digital Experience. His journey is a prime example of how the MAFS experiment can lead to personal growth even if the marriage fails.

Michael Watson: The Redemption Story After Annulment

Michael Watson's time on *Married at First Sight* Season 10 (US) was marked by one of the show's most contentious relationships. Matched with Meka Jones, their marriage was plagued by trust issues, with Meka frequently calling out Michael for what she perceived as a pattern of lying and inconsistencies. The Disastrous First Marriage The relationship between Michael and Meka was so strained that it ended in an annulment, a rare outcome on the series. Michael later addressed his behavior on the show, admitting to the mistakes he made and the personal growth he's experienced since. Finding True Love Off-Camera in 2025 In a significant and positive update for Michael Watson, he found his true match outside of the MAFS experiment. He is now happily married to his second wife, Shay Spencer Watson. As of 2025, the couple has been married for three years, proving that Michael was indeed serious about finding a lasting partnership. Shay Spencer Watson is noted as a prominent activist for disabled veterans, and the two regularly attend events together, showcasing a stable and supportive family life that was completely absent from his time on the show. This post-MAFS redemption arc provides a hopeful conclusion for fans who followed his difficult journey on Season 10.