Ovince Saint Preux, a renowned fighter in the light heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), is a professional mixed martial artist with an impressive track record. With experience in notable events such as Strikeforce, Xtreme Fighting Championship (XFC), and Shark Fights, Ovince has showcased his skills and techniques, gaining recognition for his expertise in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. Particularly known for his submission move, the Von Flue Choke, Ovince has secured twenty-two victories, including seven wins in the UFC. His proficiency in choking his opponents has led to sixteen of his triumphs being achieved through submission moves. Currently ranked number 6 among the top UFC light heavyweight contenders, Ovince Saint Preux continues to make his mark in the world of MMA.
Quick Facts
- Age: 40 Years
- Family: father – Markinise Saint Preux, mother – Mercilia Saint Preux
- Born Country: United States
- Mixed Martial Artists
- American Men
- Height: 6’3″ (190 cm)
- Ancestry: Haitian American
- Notable Alumni: University Of Tennessee
- U.S. State: Florida
- Education: University Of Tennessee
Childhood & Early Life
Ovince St. Preux was born on 8 April 1983 in Immokalee, Florida, USA. He was born into a tight-knit Haitian-American community and has six siblings. His father, Markinsie St. Preux, was a construction worker and farmer who abandoned Ovince and his mother, Mercilia, when she was three weeks away from giving birth to twins. Ovince’s family, like most families in the neighborhood, was extremely poor.
Interest in Sports and Education
Ovince developed an interest in sports and focused on developing his skills in athletics during his high school days at Immokalee High School. He excelled in wrestling, finishing a fight with a score-line of 26-1 in his favor. He also excelled in other sports and was recruited by the University of Tennessee, where he became a part of the defensive team during the 2001-2004 football seasons. He was named Defensive Football Player of the Year by Naples Daily News. He also became a state-level champion in 110 meters, 300 meters, discus throw, and relay. Ovince graduated with a degree in sociology in 2004 and continued playing football while also starting training in boxing.
Shift to Martial Arts
Ovince eventually quit playing football and shifted his focus towards martial arts. He began his training at Knoxville Martial Arts Academy in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he is now the chief trainer.
MMA Career
Ovince started his mixed martial arts (MMA) career with Victory Fighting Championship (VFC), fighting against Rodney Wallace. After losing two consecutive fights, he registered his first win against Robert Turner. He then participated in Strikeforce, a MMA and kickboxing organization, where he won eight consecutive matches. In 2014, he replaced an injured Jimi Manuwa to fight against Maurício Rua in UFC Fight Night 56 and ended up winning the match. Ovince has had both victories and losses in his career, including a memorable fight against Jon ‘Bones’ Jones in UFC 197 where he continued fighting despite breaking his left arm.
Philanthropy and Achievements
Ovince is actively involved in philanthropy and works towards saving kids at risk of developing drug and alcohol abuse. He donates a major share of his income to charities and has even launched his own line of T-shirts called ‘Fight4Haiti’ to raise funds for Harvest107, a non-profit organization providing fresh and sustainable food to low-income communities in the United States. Ovince’s achievements include having the most victories in the UFC light heavyweight competition since 2013 and being second in the light heavyweight category for winning by technical submission.