UFC Welterweight Niko Price is a rising star in the world of MMA, coming off a big win in Tampa FL at UFC Fight Night 161, in the form of knockout via Upkick that earned him “Performance of the Night”.
Just a Kid from SouthWest Florida
So where did “The Hybrids” journey begin? “I had a lot of dreams of being a professional athlete,” says Price “ I wanted a steady job. I actually wanted to be a cop! I filled out the paperwork and everything but one day I walked into a gym to start training (for the academy) and found MMA. Never looked back” says Price. That’s an understatement, as Price has an MMA record of 14-3-1 (one no contest)
But before the MMA, Price had three businesses which he ran to provide for his family, who just welcomed their newest member, a baby boy in December of 2019.
Price got his start in the world of fighting with kickboxing matches he found in Southwest Florida, near Lee County where he grew up. He would go on to fight his first MMA bout and go all three rounds, further fueling his fire. In the amateur leagues, Price would go undefeated, 9-0 before getting a phone call in just two weeks before UFC 207 to fight Brandon Thatch.
When asked how he felt when he got that phone call: “About time… no but seriously it was such a blessing” Price would go on to win that fight via submission in the very first round. “It made me feel like I was the one percent that belonged here. It should have been an eye-opener to be a division that no one wants to fight me because I’ll give it all I got. They’ll have to train as hard as they can”
Price’s fighting style has been described as unorthodox but he believes that’s what’s him so dangerous. “There’s no stopping me..I’m going to hit you as hard as you can. My mission is to put you to sleep, and I have enough faith in my power that I can get it done every fight. We can be friends after, but until then you’re in the way of the food my kids need” Price goes on to talk about his kids and them being his driving force for being successful. “I’m coming with everything I have,” says Niko Price. “I have 5 kids I have to provide for. I’m coming with the pressure of 6 each and every fight. I want to give my kids everything”
When asked about his next fight, Price didn’t mince words “Anyone who wants it can come to get it. I’ll fight anyone anytime. I want to beat anyone and everyone to prove I AM the best.” When asked if he had anyone in particular? “Mike Perry. I want to fight him badly. He keeps talking but nothing has been actually done yet” when asked if he could tell Perry anything? “Sign the contract and let’s go.”
Niko Price has been looking for his next fight since the Upkick knockout in October of 2019. “I can’t wait. There’s nothing like walking under those lights and into the octagon” His goals for 2020? “Beat anyone and everyone in my way,” says Price with a chuckle. “Not even trying to be cocky. I just want to be the best. I want a shot at the top dogs in the division.” And invites any Welterweight to a fight. “Anybody. Anybody” says Price, who’s smile can be heard through the phone.
Fans have come in flocks for Niko Price, a testimate to his humble nature and down to earth personality. In Lee County, FL, where Price is from. He tells of how the whole county and local area are behind him “Tell my fans I love them! Keep retweeting, let these guys know I’m ready to fight” and reminds those, fan or foe, who are watching: “Don’t Blink. You never know what I’m going to do once I’m in that ring”.
Follow me on Twitter @EMT_Ashlie and check out a snippet of my interview with Niko Price.
