Ovince St. Preux is making a name for himself in mixed martial arts. The former Vol, who appeared in 17 games as linebacker and defensive end at Tennessee from 2001-2004, has a career record of 16-5 as a fighter. He has won his last five matches and will be the main event of UFC Fight Night 47 this Saturday.
It’s been ten years since St. Preux played for the Vols, but he speaks fondly of his days at Tennessee.
“Playing in front of 110,000 people was incredible,” he said. “It’s get’s so loud you think you’re in an earthquake.”
St. Preux was actually introduced to mixed martial arts while he was in Knoxville.
“One of my fraternity brothers introduced me to it as a way to stay in shape.”
Even though he played his career for the Vols before the “Vol for Life” program was implemented, St. Preux knows what it’s all about to bleed Tennessee orange.
“V-F-L, Volunteer for life,” St, Preux said proudly. “No matter where you go you always come back — you’re always going to be a Vol. I get to use the facility; I go back to the stadium and I run the stadium.”
Tennessee head coach Butch Jones understands why St. Preux is successful in mixed martial arts.
“Everything in our program is about being a champion,” Jones said. “He’s a true champion in every sense of the word. He’s a legend here. All of our players know him — all of Tennessee knows him. He’s one of our own. He’s a Vol for Life and we’re very proud of him.”
Even though his football career didn’t work out as he might have hoped, the talented fighter has no regrets.
“I always believe things happen for a reason,” St, Preux said. “It was meant for me to come to the University of Tennessee and play football, and from there start off a mixed martial arts career. If I’d of went to any other school it would have never happened.”
This Saturday, Ovince St. Preux faces Ryan Bader in the main event of UFC Fight Night 47 in Bangor, Maine. You can see the event live this Saturday on FOX Sports 1 at 10 p.m.
Your Volunteer family is pulling for you, Ovince.