Canadian UFC History Made by The Greek Assassin

                                                                    Photo by Allan Zilkowsky

You may remember my article back in May about Chris Kelades a PK (Pastor’s Kid), who lived in Sussex from age 5-15, and made his way into the world of professional mixed martial arts fighting.   His story continues,  with five days’ notice Chris Kelades (The Greek Assassin) made Canadian UFC history Saturday night in Halifax.

Chris, a flyweight replaced an injured fighter on the UFC televised Fight Night show 54.  Finding out Monday that he was on the card that he had bought tickets to see meant only five days to prep for his first UFC fight admitting he was close to 150 pounds when the UFC call came. This triggered a condensed weight cut.

Chris, who now resides in Cole Harbour, walked out to Jimi Hendrix's "All Along the Watchtower" and got a rock-star reception from the sold-out hometown crowd at the Scotiabank Centre.

Chris was up against Patrick (The Hooligan) Holohan as a 3-1 or 4-1 underdog. "It was great," he said. "There was a moment where I was starting to just get a little too excited and I was like 'OK, bring it down a little bit. You've got to get the job done.' And then you can kind of let it all hang out.”

Chris had veteran UFC lightweight T.J. Grant in his corner.  Watching Chris going into the fight I would have to describe his demeanor as calm, cool and collected.  Chris ended the first round fighting off a choke with Holohan on his back.

In the second, Chris (8-1) took control of Holohan, who seemed to run out of gas while Chris remained energized.  Chris rammed a series of knees into Holohan, and the crowd went wild as if it was the main event. Chris ended the round attempting an armbar after pounding away from the mount position.  Holohan (10-1-1) needed work from his corner between rounds.

Chris appeared confident going into the third round, he kept coming forward, taking Holohan down and blunting his offence as the crowd cheered him on.   

When the fight ended, Chris got up from the floor and put his hand in the air while the crowd gave him a standing ovation. He then ran around the cage with the Nova Scotia flag.  Chris emerged victorious, winning a unanimous 29-28 decision over Holohan. “After the fight I knew right away that I had won so I just began to celebrate. The crowd was incredible and I can't say that I have ever had that kind of feeling before! The support and energy that was there was unbelievable” he said.

Following the fight Christ mentioned to media that it was “A decision, I didn’t think that would happen because I wasn’t sure I’d have the gas tank to go but I was able to kind of punish him a little bit and bring his battery down to my level, so it’s great. I’m thrilled.”

In addition to the win, Chris made history by becoming the first Canadian in his flyweight division to fight in the UFC and his fight also earned fight-of-the-night honor landing Chris an extra US$50,000. Chris mentioned he thought about things happening like this but never really expected it to. Having fight of the night is a pretty big deal and was “super pumped” to have that honor and the bonus that goes with it!

With three additional fights left on his contract with the UFC I’m sure we will be seeing more great fights.  As for Chris he says he’s just going to continue to train, get better and wait for their next call.

For those reading the article in Kings County Record a headline writer mistakenly called Chris a former wrestler....if wrestling with his brother and friends count I guess he was.