Kickboxing icon Simon Marcus is ready for anything at Unified 57

Jun 5, 2024

TORONTO — Simon “The One” Marcus is ready for battle.

The former Glory Kickboxing world champion will enter the Unified MMA cage on June 14 at Toronto’s Rebel Entertainment Complex for Unified 57, LIVE worldwide on UFC Fight Pass.

The 37-year-old Toronto product has prepared for scores of kickboxing matches over the years, but this is just his second MMA bout. He’ll take on Grady Behrens, who’s making his highly anticipated pro debut after a 5-for-5 run in the amateur ranks.

Marcus holds notable kickboxing victories over former UFC champion Israel Adesanya, and Dustin Jacoby, who returns to action Saturday at UFC Louisville. Marcus also twice shared the ring with current UFC champion Alex Pereira.

“The approach is the same,” Marcus says when asked about his preparations for this fight.

“I’m venturing into territory that I haven’t been very familiar with in terms of competing – wrestling and jiu-jitsu – so I’ve been working very hard in camp to be prepared for anything that comes my way.”

Marcus doesn’t like to make predictions heading into his bouts. He just wants to let his preparations take center stage on fight night.

“I’m prepared for any situation,” he says,“but I predict a win.”

Marcus is just getting started. The former world champion kickboxer wants to garner similar credentials in his new sport.

“I’d like to dominate in MMA in the same fashion that I have in Muay Thai, as well as kickboxing,” he says.

“Long term, I’m looking to sign with the UFC, and be a world champion there.”

ABOUT UNIFIED MMA

Unified MMA is Canada’s leading mixed martial arts promotion, showcasing the country’s top-ranked fighters, LIVE on UFC Fight Pass. The organization has successfully promoted 56 events across Canada since it was founded in 2009, and has propelled several athletes to the UFC’s Octagon.