Julien Leblanc

What does it mean for you to fight for the UFC? It means everything. It's a dream come true. I have been working for this since I'm 16 years old. I have never stopped believing in my self and I have always been a hard worker and to see that my hard work finally paid off means the world. I am really grateful for this opportunity.

When and why did you start training for fighting? I started martial arts at the age of 16 years old. I was not a super athletic teenager. I couldn't do a push up and was just feeling ashamed of my self. At 16 years old is also when I started to see GSP on TV and started to know about the UFC. I decided to go try out a class at Patenaude Martial Arts where some of my highschool friend's were training. Got beat up the first class but loved it. I decided to join right away, put in a lot of hard work and here we are today.

Who is your favorite fighter and why? Jon Jones is my favorite fighter. I like his style and the way he dominates his opponents in all aspects of the game. 

Do you have any heroes outside of fighting? I come from a family of hockey players and I also played hockey for many years of my life. I would say someone I have always looked up to is Sidney Crosby. He is one of the greatest hockey player of all time and I think his work ethic and love for the game is unmatchable. If you want to be the best and succeed at a professional sport, I think Sidney Crosby is the best example of how to do so.

What are your current ranks in martial arts? I have no specific ranks but I have a good back ground and I am very high level In Jeet Kune Do, Kickboxing and Jiu-Jitsu (nogi).

Specific accomplishments in pro competition? Samouraï MMA Middleweight Champion.

What fight do you consider to be the key fight in your career and why? I think it was my fight against Darian Weeks (former UFC fighter). It was for the Samouraï MMA Middleweight title and it was my biggest test ever. Winning against him for sure gave me a lot of confidence in myself.

Is there a cause that you want to use your platform for? I just want to be a good person and try to help people out. I know life is hard and a lot of people are struggling in life and if I can be a model or help in any ways that is my goal. 

Beyond a championship or money, what motivates you? Being different than other people. Being in the 1% of the world. Fighting is not an easy career choice but the feeling of getting in the cage is something I could never find somewhere else. Being in the UFC with the toughest and best people in the world means more than anything.

Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn?  Yes, I did a bachelor's degree in criminology at Ottawa University.

What was your job before you started fighting? I was a high school teacher for the last couple years and was doing it while fighting.

Favorite grappling technique: Arm Triangle

Favorite Striking technique: Round house kick

Tell us about your life outside of fighting: When I am not training I like to be with my family. I have a beautiful wife to be, we are going on 10 years together. I have a son that I love more than anything he is now 6 years old and my girlfriend is pregnant with our second boy who is due in June. I also have a dog that I love a lot, she is now 13 years old so I am trying to enjoy every moment I can with her because I know she doesnt have much longer. I also like to spend time with my parents. For me it's important to spend time and give your time to the people that matter.