115 - Nam Phan - First Vietnamese Fighter in the UFC

The Vietnamese with Kenneth Nguyen

Nam began training martial arts at 8yrs old under Grandmaster Ha Quoc Huy. He trained Quyen Dao (a Vietnamese martial art) for 9 years and earned his black belt at age 17.

In 2000, Nam started Brazilian jiu jitsu under Carlson Gracie Black Belt – Franco De Camargo. He studied for 5 years with Sensei Franco before moving on to train with Marciol Feitosa at Gracie Barra. Over time, Nam began to slowly move away from Gi jiu jitsu and in 2005, solely devoted his training to No Gi JJ. At this time Nam met friend, mentor, and coach Jeremy Williams, where he trained full time at Apex Jiu Jitsu; until his tragic death in May 2007.

Nam continues to train No Gi JJ at Nam Phan MMA, as well as Subfighter Gym with Rick Estrada, Russ Muira, and Adam Lynn at Laguna Hills, CA.

To become more versatile, Nam began boxing as well. He started in 2004, and his amateur record is 5-3. He became a professional boxer in 2006 and currently holds a pro record of 3-0. He trains under Art James of Team PunchOut of Anaheim, CA.

Nam’s well rounded MMA skills also include a wrestling component. He began in his early high school days when he was on the Rancho Alamito wrestling team in Garden Grove, CA. He was a league champion and CIF finalist. Nam also wrestled for Golden West College in 2002. In addition to BJJ, boxing, and wrestling, Nam also trains Muay Thai kickboxing under Master Fumi Fujimoto.

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