Cesar Gracie's Dan Marks Looks to Restart MMA Career

I enjoy interviewing rising MMA talent that look to break into the UFC one day, and occasionally find fighters I believe can make a splash.

One such fighter is Cesar Gracie BJJ brown belt Dan "Damage" Marks, who hopes to end a three-year layoff and fight again sometime this spring.  With a pro record of 6 - 1, Marks has a bit of experience but needs to fight again so he can slowly climb the ladder.

In addition to being a strong grappler, Marks trains with a very strong Gracie camp. Marks currently trains with Strikeforce Middleweight champion Jake Shields, Strikeforce Welterweight champion Nick Diaz, Strikeforce lightweight champion Gilbert Melendez, and Nate Diaz.  He has also cross trained with the American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) in San Jose, Calif.

via www.dannydamage.com

Marks almost found his way into The Ultimate Fighter 5 house, but likely was passed over by Spike producers because he wouldn't stand out on the show.  The quiet fighter instead continued to train and help teammates prepare for fights, even though his future remains unclear.

"I'm still not sure what's happening right now," Marks recently said.

Since fighting in Feb. 2007, the fighter focused on personal issues, but stayed in the gym and trained.  The brown belt looks to fight this spring, but has already had several fights fall through.

If his career is brought along at the right pace, I think Marks has the ability to have success against tougher competition. He has a very good grappling background, strong work ethic and trains at a good MMA camp.  Anyone interested in learning more is invited to visit Dan's official web site, which can be found here.