Zak Ottow

Zak Ottow (born December 22, 1986) is an American mixed martial artist. He is currently signed to Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he competes in the Welterweight division. A professional competitor since 2011, he has also competed for King of the Cage.

Background
Ottow was born  and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended Air Force Academy in Colorado and earned a degree in kinesiology from University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

Ottow started training in wrestling and football when he was in high school. After his college football career has finished, he made the move to concentrate in MMA training and started his professional career not long after. Ottow's typical day of training splits into three sessions. He starts his early morning with strength and conditional training; he works on his wrestling or boxing during the midday, and finishes off his day with BJJ training.

Early career
Ottow participated in various regional MMA promotions primarily in the Upper Midwest such as King of the Cage, North American Fighting Championship, and Legacy Fighting Championship. He amassed a record of 13–3–0 prior signed by Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Ottow made his promotional debut on a short notice, replacing Bobby Green against Josh Burkman on October 1, 2016 at UFC Fight Night: Lineker vs. Dodson. He won the fight via split decision.

Ottow faced Sérgio Moraes on November 19, 2016 at UFC Fight Night: Bader vs. Nogueira 2. Moraes was awarded a split decision victory.

Ottow next faced Kiichi Kunimoto on June 11, 2017 at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Hunt. He won the fight via split decision.

Ottow faced Li Jingliang on November 25, 2017 at UFC Fight Night: Silva vs. Gastelum. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.

Ottow faced Mike Pyle on March 3, 2018 at UFC 222. He won the fight by technical knockout in the first round.

Ottow faced Sage Northcutt on July 14, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 133. He lost the fight via knock out in round two.

Ottow is expected to face John Pickle on December 15, 2018 at UFC on Fox 31.

Personal life
Ottow worked as a bartender and worked in Wall street for a year before making his career choice to be a professional fighter.

He owns Pura Vida BJJ gym.