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NASHVILLE, TN - JANUARY 19: (L-R) Opponents Joseph Sandoval and Nick Denis face off after weighing in during the UFC on FX official weigh in at Bridgestone Arena on January 19, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Nick Denis

TRAINING: A typical day of training these days involves two training sessions. Morning /noonish and again at night. It changes day to day, but involves wrestling, MMA with small gloves, big gloves sparring, grappling, wrestling, boxing, and, of course, conditioning

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.