Myrtle Beach Mixed Martial Artist Headed to UFC

Grand Strand MMA fans now have one of their own to cheer on the sport’s biggest stage.

MMAJunkie.com reported today that Nissen Osterneck, a 2003 graduate of Coastal Carolina University who has trained out of Myrtle Beach, is headed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Though a date has yet to be determined for his first UFC fight, MMAJunkie says that Osterneck expects it to occur in early 2009.

Osterneck is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist who has gained early acclaim for his striking ability, and has compiled a 5-1 MMA record since turning pro just over two years ago. His move to the UFC comes on the heels of his previous organization, World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC), transferring his contract upon elimination of the WEC’s 185- and 205-pound weight classes. WEC and UFC are sister organizations owned by parent company Zuffa, LLC.

MMAJunkie.com wrote a fairly in-depth piece on Osterneck last year, offering insight on his fighting background, his move from Hawaii to South Carolina, and how he was able to sustain his mixed martial arts training through outside business ventures.