MMA fighters possess a unique combination of physical prowess and mental toughness, which serves them well in both combat sports and intellectual pursuits like poker. While the former requires raw power, agility, and endurance, the latter demands strategic thinking, mathematical ability, and mental endurance.

“Poker is like fighting, but with cards instead of fists,”

says Georges St-Pierre, a former UFC champion and successful poker player. St-Pierre’s comment highlights the transferable skills between the two sports. In both MMA and poker, one must be able to analyze their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses, adjust their approach accordingly, and remain focused under pressure. Terrence Chan, a 44-year-old MMA fighter from Vancouver, is another example of an athlete who excels in both combat sports and poker. Chan’s MMA career was marked by notable victories, including a win against Sung Un Kim in the Road FC: Into League 1 in 2012.

• Chan made his professional MMA debut in 2012, beating Alex Lee at the Legend Fighting Championship (Legend FC) 8.
• He won three other professional bouts, including at Underground Battle Mixed Martial Arts (UGB MMA) Championship 14 (2016), the BFL 45: Ascension (2016), and the Xcessive Force Fighting Championship (XFFC) 18: Diablo Fight Series (2018).
• Chan’s poker career started in the early 2000s, and he has since participated in hundreds of online poker tournaments, including the World Series of Poker (WSOP).

Despite his MMA success, Chan has yet to compete at the highest level in the UFC. However, he has experienced significant achievements in poker, including a partnership deal with PokerStars and a first-ever WSOP bracelet in August 2023.

In a 2016 interview with Card Player, Chan shared his experience of winning the UGB MMA Championship 14 in Manila, a significant achievement for him. He expressed his hope of one day competing in the UFC, but unfortunately, his MMA career was cut short. “I have always been fascinated by the strategic aspect of poker and how it can be applied to various situations in life,” says Chan. He is currently taking on new challenges, including competing in online poker tournaments and continuing his MMA training. A notable aspect of Chan’s online poker career is his partnership with PokerStars, a major online poker site. In a 2019 interview, Chan recalled working with PokerStars during a time when the WSOP Main Event was still attracting relatively few players. “It was a different era for poker, but we were all excited to be part of the growth and development of the game,” says Chan. He is now looking to win a WSOP bracelet at an in-person event in Las Vegas, showcasing his remarkable ambition to advance in professional poker while still pursuing his passion for MMA. Georges St-Pierre is not the only MMA fighter who has excelled in poker. Terrence Chan is another example of an athlete who has successfully transitioned from combat sports to intellectual pursuits like poker. Chan’s achievements in both MMA and poker demonstrate the unique combination of physical prowess and mental toughness that defines MMA fighters. “The key to success in both MMA and poker is the ability to analyze your opponent’s strengths and weaknesses and adjust your approach accordingly,” says Chan. This quote highlights the transferable skills between the two sports and emphasizes the importance of mental preparation and strategy in achieving success in both MMA and poker. In conclusion, the combination of physical strength and mental toughness required to excel in MMA has also enabled many fighters to succeed in intellectual pursuits like poker. Terrence Chan’s achievements in both MMA and poker demonstrate the unique qualities that define MMA fighters and highlight the potential for athletes to excel in multiple fields.