the Informer

SPENCER ALLAN BROOKS / FACEBOOK.COM/NADEAU

University of Hartford senior Sam Nadeau, will enter the octagon on Saturday as a contender in the Premier Fighting Championship 5.

While most cage fighters begin training to fight with previous mixed martial arts experience, Nadeau jumped into the controversial sport only four years ago without any MMA experience.

The Longmeadow, Mass., native trains under the tutelage of Brazilian jiu-jitsu master and fellow Premier FC5 bid, Gabriel ‘Gladiator’ Santos (9-6-0) at the American Martial Arts Academy in his hometown.

During his sophomore year at the University of Hartford, Nadeau began training under former Extreme Cage fighting Heavyweight Champion, Brian Olsen, at New England MMA and Fitness.

Nadeau claims that his decision to begin training with Olsen was made when one of the former heavyweight champ’s fighters destroyed Nadeau in a fight.

“I’m humble enough to admit when someone is better than me. I want to learn from them and improve,” he said.

When asked how Olsen has impacted his MMA career, Nadeau was quick to say, “Definitely wrestling,” he said. “Brian’s background is in wrestling and his knowledge and incredible skills have made a huge difference in my fighting abilities.”

Enamored with the thrill of the fight, Nadeau is refreshingly levelheaded, motivated to incorporate lessons learned fighting in the cage into every aspect of his life.

Both humbled and inspired with the occasional loss and devastating blow, Nadeau is driven to constantly pursue his personal best.

Nadeau will go up against fellow 145-lb bid, Irving Cortes (1-0), from CCSU.

Nadeau is not the first MMA fighter to say that the anticipation and anxiety experienced prior to the fight are much worse than the emotions experienced in the ring. The 10,500-person capacity at the UMass Amherst Mullins Center does not faze Nadeau; the amateur fighter is thrilled about the venue for Saturday’s Premier FC5 event. “Before I fight, I usually walk around the venue and talk to random fans at the event,” Nadeau said. “It is fun, it reminds me why I’m here fighting and it eases my nerves.”

Nadeau hopes that there will be a decent turnout of students who come to support him on Saturday night, as he represents the University of Hartford.

Nadeau even rallied for SGA funding and was able to coordinate student-transportation from UHa to the Mullins Center on Saturday night for the fight. Seats and tickets are still available for the April 9 event.

For more info. email snadeau@hartford.edu.