Sherdog’s Top 10: Canadian Mixed Martial Artists

Mike SloanSep 01, 2016

7. Denis Kang
Kang struggled out of the gate -- he was 7-7 with one no-contest through his first 15 appearances -- but once he found himself, he became a force. Kang was a star in Korea’s Spirit Martial Challenge organization and eventually landed a spot on the Pride Fighting Championships roster.

Between April 4, 2003 and Nov. 5, 2006, Kang went 21-0-1 with one no-contest. Five of those wins took less than a minute. He made his Pride debut in April 2005, submitting Takahiro Oba with a first-round armbar at Pride Bushido 6. Wins over Mark Weir, Murilo Rua, Amar Suloev and Akihiro Gono followed, as Kang advanced to the 2006 Pride welterweight grand prix final, only to lose a split decision to Kazuo Misaki. A Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt who spent time at the powerhouse American Top Team and Tristar Gym camps, he later made his way to the Ultimate Fighting Championship. His arrival was met with high expectations, but a disappointing three-fight run ensued.

Kang made his Octagon debut at UFC 93 in January 2009 and submitted to an Alan Belcher guillotine choke before rebounding with a unanimous decision over Xavier Foupa-Pokam two months later. However, Kang was released following a technical knockout loss to Michael Bisping at UFC 105. He has gone 3-4-1 since and last fought at Dream 18 in 2012, when he lasted just 50 seconds in a TKO loss to Melvin Manhoef.

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