Catching up with Denis Kang

Catching up with Denis Kang

Sean McManus – When discussing prominent Canadian mixed martial artists, the name Denis Kang commands a level of respect within the mixed martial arts community.  Denis built up his resume while mostly fighting overseas in Japan and Korea.  The Korean/Canadian middleweight was always regarded as a top level fighter within the division, but had never broken into the UFC amidst many rumors over the years.  Hardcore fans have been itching to see Denis fighting in a premier organization and their itch has been scratched as Denis signed a four fight deal with the UFC.  MMACanada.net briefly caught up with the UFC’s newest middleweight acquisition.  Here’s our discussion;

Sean McManus: Denis – thanks for taking the time to speak to us at MMACanada.net - some big news coming out of ATT – you've finally signed with the UFC – congrats! How does it feel to be a part of the UFC?

Denis Kang: I’m ecstatic about it to say the least. I think it’s been a long time coming and it really feels like the right choice for me.
 
Sean McManus: My understanding is that you signed a four fight contract - is there any opportunity for you within the contract to continue fighting in Korea for Spirit?

Denis Kang: There may be an opportunity but it depends on how busy I am with the UFC.

Sean McManus: When we last spoke, right before your impressive win over Marvin Eastman, you mentioned that you had some feelers out there and the UFC was one of them - but it seems like you were much closer to signing with them than you let on - is this correct?

Denis Kang: Yes lol, but I was forbidden to talk about it...I wanted to blurt it out so bad but had to hold it in.
 
Sean McManus: Was it your understanding that if you won your Raw Combat fight, that you would be signed with the UFC? A win and you're in type of deal?

Denis Kang: There was no IF about it. The deal was already in place. The fight in RAW Combat was for me to stay active.
 
Sean McManus: The UFC’s MW division definitely needed a shot in the arm, and evidently you're it. Who do you see yourself fighting as a possible first opponent - you've mentioned that you wouldn't want to fight fellow Canadian Jason MacDonald – is this completely out of the realm of possibility?

Denis Kang: Both of us are professionals so we’ll do what we gotta do, but I hope it doesn’t happen. I’m also good friends with Pat (Cote) and Nate (Marquardt) and feel the same way about them.  I hope the UFC brings in more guys so we can have a greater choice of opponent.
 
Sean McManus: How do you feel you match up against current MW champ Anderson Silva? He's been a dominant champion and force in the division, what do you bring to the table that would challenge Anderson's evident rule?

Denis Kang: I think I can hang with him. He’s definitely the top of the food chain right now but my athletic style can be more than a match for him.
 
Sean McManus: It's been a long road to the UFC for you, definitely not the typical story. The fans have also been waiting and wanting this for quite some time, is it a sense of relief to finally be fighting in the premier MMA organization?

Denis Kang: Yes it has been a while and it is about time that I get in the UFC.
 
Sean McManus: You are a household name in Korea and Japan, but not so much to the mainstream fan over here. Fighting in the UFC is going to change all that - are you ready for the attention that you will be getting in North America?

Denis Kang: Absolutely, I have had high pressure fights before, with plenty of media coverage and fan expectations.  I can handle the heat.
 
Sean McManus: From a fan's perspective, along with the excitement comes a sense of expectations - is there added pressure for you to perform because you've been at points in your career one of the most dominant MW's in the sport?

Denis Kang: None, I don’t feel any added pressure – I use it all as a source of motivation and stay focused.
 
Sean McManus: Obviously many people have been involved with your success thus far, and at an occasion like breaking into the UFC, there must be some people you'd like to thank?

Denis Kang: I could not have done it without Marcus Soares, ATT, Bill Mahood and Revolution, Georges St. Pierre, Tristar, and Jon Chaimberg.
 
Sean McManus: Thanks for speaking with us, we wish you all the best in the UFC!

Denis Kang: Thanks, also check out www.deniskang.com

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