Whats in a Name?

Many mixed martial artists are known to others not by the name on there drivers licence, but by a nick name of some sort. The name can have something to do with there character, or have to do with a certain incident that took place sometime during the fighters life. Whatever the name may be, it becomes synonymous with the fighter and the fighter becomes that name. And just what fighter has the best ring/cage name? Canadaís Nick ìThe Ninja of Loveî Denis just might walk away with the top prize.

Nick Denis was born in North Bay, Ontario, Canada on October 11, 1983. He found a love for martial arts at a young age, and began practicing Kyokushin Karate. He would eventually go on to earn his black belt in the discipline, and continue to pursue his craft in martial arts. Nick would eventually relocate to Ottawa, Ontario where he would branch out in his martial arts training at Ronin MMA. At Ronin, Denis would learn the arts of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, wrestling, muay thai, and western boxing.

The ninja of love would begin his mixed martial arts career in the now defunct mma promotion APEX. His opponent would be American fighter Justin Darbyson. The fight entered the second round were, Denis was able to knock out his opponent with punches. Nick fought two more times in the province of quebec in his early career, both times for the KOTC promotion. He would beat Jean-Robert Monier by armbar, and Chris Myra by TKO. Having won two fights for the KOTC promotion he was granted a title shot at the Canadian bantamweight title. He faced off against champion Dave Scholten in Edmonton, Alberta on Oct, 19th 2007. The fight lasted all of 23 seconds, with Nick winning the title by punches to the body. Nick defended his title 6 months later against Josh Gallant. Denis knocked out Gallant with punches in the second round to hold on to his title.

After compiling a perfect 7-0 record, Nick was invited to participate in the Sengoku Featherweight Grand Prix in Japan. Sixteen fighters would vie for the tournament title, and become a top ranked featherweight fighter in the world. Nick would have to move up a weight class to participate in the tournament. Nickís first round opponent would be Japanese fighter Seiya Kawahara. The fight was controlled by Nick in the stand up, and he was able to drop his opponent and finish him off with punches in the first round. In the second round, Nick would face off against Brazilian Slugger Marlon Sandro. The fight was over quickly as Denis was caught by a huge uppercut and knocked out in 19 seconds.

After tasting defeat for the first time, Nick would return to fight in Canada and would go on to win his next two fights against Jason Townes and Sean Quinn in his usual knock out fashion. He would again get the call to return to Sengoku in Japan but would again fall short and be submitted by Yuji Hoshino. After losing two of his last three bouts, Nick was determined to turn his career around and return to his natural weight class of 135 pounds. He would get the opportunity against Bellator veteran Nick Mamalis at the Score Fighting Series. He would end the fight emphatically with a knock out via slam. This victory garnered the attention of the UFC and the ninja of love was offered a contract with juggernaut mma promotion. Nick is expected to face off against Joeseph Sandoval in January 2012.