From Sher Dog
As recently as March of this year, Nam Phan was unsure of what was going to happen with his mixed martial arts career.
Nam Phan will make his Bellator MMA debut on Nov. 15. | Photo: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com
The 31-year-old bantamweight had just been released from his contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship and was wondering if he would get another shot on the big stage. Though he was a popular fighter within the Las Vegas-based organization, capturing two “Fight of the Night” awards, three consecutive losses spelled the end for his time inside the Octagon.
According to Phan, personal distractions led to a lack of focus and turned him into a different fighter. But, after eradicating the toxicity in his life, Phan resumed training and hasn’t looked back.
“I’ve cut some people out of my life that were distracting me, so everything’s good,” an elated Phan told Sherdog.com in a recent interview. “I feel better than ever. So far, so good. I have learned how to cut weight better and my training has gotten better than it’s ever been.”
The results of the changes in his life speak for themselves. The Californian has reeled off back-to-back wins in Japanese organizations — both by first-round stoppage — and has now been granted a second lease on life in a big-time MMA promotion.
Last month, Phan signed an exclusive, multi-fight deal with Bellator MMA, for whom he will debut Nov. 15 against Mike Richman on the main card of the much-publicized Bellator 131. To say Phan is ecstatic about fighting on the big stage again would be an understatement, and he knows full well how crucial the fight will be.
“I look at every one of my fights as being critical, but because this one is on the big show, it’s even more critical,” he said. “The more fights you win, it obviously enhances your career. You get more money, more exposure, and I have to keep it going. Losing definitely hurts, so every fight is more important than ever. This one is the most important to me right now.”
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