Training for MMA on a full-time basis is undeniably grueling, yet Nick Hrabec has pushed past conventional limits.
Beyond dedicating himself to MMA training, the Edmonton-based Hrabec holds down four part-time roles just to give himself the freedom to devote his days to preparation. Alongside his training schedule, he bartends, teaches kickboxing, serves as a personal trainer covering all facets of MMA and functional fitness, and contributes to a supplement brand.
The 24-year-old admitted he wouldn't choose to keep juggling every job, but he sees it as an investment toward a promising future.
"Everything I'm doing right now is to get where I need to be," Hrabec explained during an interview. "Working a standard office job alongside training isn't going to take me where I want to go. I have to train two to three times each day."
"I'll do whatever's necessary to train full-time."
Like most rising MMA prospects, Hrabec envisions making it to the UFC eventually.
At 5-4 currently, a record that features several hard-fought defeats, Hrabec acknowledges that building a winning streak strong enough to land on the main stage will require patience. Still, he remains convinced he'll arrive there.
"The sky is the limit. I know I'm going to get to the UFC," he stated.
"As the winning streak builds, everything will fall into place. I know I'm going to make it—it's just about collecting those wins."
Driven by the UFC Dream
His push toward the UFC really kicked in when he was 19, right after finishing high school.
Hrabec recalled that the decision to commit to MMA came when he and a close friend both chose to pursue their ambitions rather than settle into ordinary careers.
"I always believed I had the ability, I just hadn't been putting in the work," Hrabec said.
"From that moment forward, I committed myself to this path. I knew I was meant for something bigger."
After stepping away from UFC Gym in Edmonton, Hrabec began training with Jeff Montemurro and the top roster at Little Sweatshop and Shaved Bears MMA ahead of his most recent bout at XFFC 17, while also maintaining his Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu work at Complete Fitness and Martial Arts.
Hrabec credited Montemurro's coaching approach and training alongside partners such as Mike Scarcello, Teddy Ash, Tanner Boser, Neal Anderson, Menad Abella, Graham Park, Spencer Jebb, and Garret Nybakken for pushing his overall game to a new tier.
"This is easily the best MMA team in Western Canada," Hrabec asserted.
"What Montemurro brings elevates my game completely. I've become a much more well-rounded fighter."
Fueled by Shaolin Muay Thai Roots
Though Montemurro is currently coaching Hrabec, his foundation traces back over five years to muay thai specialist and UFC veteran Shane Campbell, when the two met at Kyle Cardinal's gym in Edmonton.
Campbell noted he's mentored countless students who shared their championship aspirations—including Hrabec—but Hrabec demonstrated he genuinely possessed the drive to succeed.
"Nick arrived with serious ambition and actively sought out the best instructors available," Campbell remarked during an interview.
No one understands the journey to the top better than Campbell, who has already competed in five UFC fights.
Campbell believes that if Hrabec stays on this trajectory and maintains his dedication and passion, he has everything required to reach the summit.
"He's a gifted young fighter with plenty of time ahead," Campbell observed.
"If he stays committed and keeps grinding, he absolutely can reach the big show."
