Mississauga’s UFC Fighter: Elias Theodorou

Mississauga is home to the latest UFC: The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) TV show winner Elias Theodorou. Elias might not look like a typical fighter — he’s been on six Harlequin romance covers — but don’t let his devilishly good looks fool you inside the octagon. By winning TUF Canada VS Australia, Elias has earned a contract with the UFC and he plans to take full advantage of the opportunity.

insauga.com had a chance to chat with Elias Theodorou:

How did you get in to the sport?

I got into MMA after my first year at Humber College for my BA in creative advertising. I was enlightening the mind and I thought the body should follow. I went to one class and never left.
 

How does it feel to be in the UFC?

Being in the UFC is a dream come true. I have devoted the last six years of my life to something and it has truly paid off. It’s a big risk not going straight to your typical 9-5 job after graduating, but big risk, big reward.
 

How did you get your nickname “The Spartan”?

I’m Greek, so the shoe fits. With that said, my first coach was Greek, too. When I started, I wasn’t the best, but refused to quit. He said I had that Spartan mentally in me.
 

How was the entire TUF experience? What was the craziest thing that happened and what did you learn?

The craziest part about TUF was the once –in-a-lifetime experience I was a part of. Many people want to be where I am today. I am so thankful for the experience and I’m quite lucky. I wouldn’t have changed a thing.
 

What’s your favorite strike/submission to use in any fight?

My favourite weapon in a fight is the mind. All combative athletes must use their mind to best their opponent. The actual form, be it strike or submission, is a means to an end. The mind makes it happen. It’s chess, not checkers.
 

Who is your biggest inspiration?

All those who came before me — the fighters who did it for little more than guts and glory.
 

Which team are you training with in preparation for your next bout, and why?

I train with many gyms. I’m kind of a nomad. My home gyms are Headrush Training Centre and Tapout Burlington. But for this camp, I am constantly in Montreal training at TriStar, BTT and Titian’s Gym.
 

Who have you gotten a chance to train with that blew you mind?

The most powerful experience would have to be Anderson Silva two years ago when he was still unstoppable. He had an aura around him.
 

Do you like to stand with your opponents or take them to the ground?

Each opponent is different, and my tactics reflect that. I personally love to break them with my pace and cardio. Then I can do what I want with them.
 

What does it mean (for you) to be a fighter?

I get to love my life enjoying the journey, on my terms.
 

What holes do you see in your next opponent Santos’s game?

He’s a grinder who does not look to finish. I’m looking to stop him and put him away.
 

What separates you from every other fighter in your division?

I refuse to loose.
 

If you could have one dream fight with anyone, who would it be?

Each fight is the biggest fight of my life. I am living my dream.
 

What do you want to be remembered for at the end of your career?

Other than the hair? Haha. That I love to do what I do and I enjoy the ride.
 

What did you do before you started fighting?

I played many sports, like baseball, hockey, skateboarding, etc.
 

What are five things can’t live without? 

Food. My Phone. Twitter. The internet. MMA.

Next Fight:
VS. Bruno Santos
UFC Fight Night
October 4, 2014
Halifax, Nova Scotia

Quick Facts:

What is your Mississauga connection?
Born and raised.

What high school did you go to?
Meadowvale Secondary School

Favourite food?
Anything and everything. During my fight camps, I am very strict with my diet. I cut 30 pounds for a fight. So afterwards, I eat everything because I know it will come to an end soon!