Nick Denis

TRAINING: I pretty much wake up, eat, walk my dog, get ready and leave for the gym for morning/lunch training. It could be MMA sparring, boxing, or grappling and wrestling. We do a light warm up with some technique, get our rounds in, and often do technique again after. I might do a few rounds of pads afterwards. Then it’s shower, go home, eat a couple of meals, relax with my dog, take her out for another walk, then out again for night time training. That training is either wrestling/grappling or conditioning, depending on the day. Then I shower, go home, eat, relax with my girlfriend and get in a good night’s sleep.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started training originally just to do something fun outside of lifting weights. Once I started though I became addicted and realized I wanted to compete. That was about eight years ago when I was 20 years old.

What ranks and titles have you held? I was previously ranked as both the top 145 and 135 pound Canadian fighter. I was a three-time King of the Cage 145 pound champion. I represented Canada in the Sengoku Featherweight Grand Prix.

Do you have any heroes? Not really. I just really respect and look up to people who are able to sacrifice and work hard towards their goals and dreams. As well as to people who are honest and stand up for what they believe in.

What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It is literally the ultimate level of competition for our sport. In a sense, just getting here is a sign of recognition. Getting here was step one, the next part is proving you belong.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? I went to the University of Ottawa. I received a Bachelors in Biochemistry (B.Sc.) as well as a Masters in Biochemistry (M.Sc)

What was your job before you started fighting? No job – I was a PhD student with a great scholarship which I gave up. I graduated with ‘only’ a master’s degree so I could train full-time without any distractions.

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Awarded the Score series Knockout of the Year for 2011 (KO slam of Nick Mamalis)

Ranks in any martial arts styles: purple belt in BJJ

Favorite grappling technique: Anything cuddle-jitsu related

Favorite Striking technique: The one that leads to a knockout.

•    Went 1-1 in Sengoku featherweight Grand Prix, stopping Seiya Kawahara and losing to Marlon Sandro

•    Pro since 2006

•   10 wins by KO, one by submission. Has never gone the distance as a pro, whether in victory or defeat