Interviewing “The Demon”

Dec 4, 2018

“We sometimes need adversity to fathom our true depths.” – Pat Riley

On a recent call with Curtis “The Demon” Demarce, an athlete coming off a submission victory over Travis Gerais, one couldn’t help but feel that the 18-13 fighter has a newfound hunger and was steering towards a new path in his MMA career.

Nine weeks ago, Demarce ventured to Sacramento, Calif., to train at the storied Team Alpha Male gym, led by MMA icon and future UFC Hall Of Famer, Urijah Faber.

His camp wrapped, and on Nov. 30, Demarce flew back to Canada — a place that he’s always called home. “I just have my conditioning and weight cut to focus on.”

Six years ago, Demarce was at a crossroads in his MMA career, as a young fighter with a long road to recovery ahead of him. Things were looking grim for Demarce.

When asked what his walkout song would likely be, Demarce was quick to suggest one he’s used in the past. “’Don’t Call It A Comeback,’ by LL Cool J. It always pumps me up.” A fighter, coming off of a win, isn’t the first that comes to mind, in need of a comeback. But it’s this refocus and commitment that is driving Demarce to reach new heights.

On a fateful March day in 2012, Demarce was en route to his final training session in his hometown of Brandon, Man. A driver ran a red light and broadsided his car. The fallout was devastating. This all came just before heading down to San Diego to train for an upcoming main event fight. The fight didn’t take place. In fact, they postponed it indefinitely, as Demarce needed nine months to recover. His right arm was broken in five places, and it was believed that he may never be able to fight again. He suffered a lengthy recovery.

And now? “Pins and needles in arm — always complications. But I love MMA to the point where I’m not going to let it bother me.”

Demarce  went skydiving recently and fell in love with it. Now he’s taking larger risks, as he’s planning on relocating to California to train at Team Alpha Male. He left his job, working at a clinic, and for the first time in his career, will be training fulltime.

“I said goodbyes at the clinic, and left to train in Sacramento.” After the upcoming fight, he has designs on relocating there permanently.

What do you know about your opponent?

“I saw my opponent a decade ago, once. In the last five years. He comes straight forward, (and he’s) aggressive. Good Muay Thai skills, but my package, my level changing is going to be too much for him. He’s a tough dude, but I’m ready.”

Demarce faces Edmonton’s Neal Anderson at Unified 35 on Friday at River Cree Resort & Casino in Enoch, AB. Anderson is a local talent, who’s riding high on a four-fight win streak

On Friday, “The Demon” meets Anderson in a match that will determine the No. 1 contender for the Unified MMA Lightweight Championship.

“I came close to my goal before, but i had my car accident and really never gave myself the chance to make a run.”

An experienced fighter, now laser focused on achieving his goals, with fewer distractions in his way, Curtis Demarce appears ready for what’s ahead of him. And we’re excited to see what that may be.

By Christopher Barnard