Draft:Tom Nolan (MMA Fighter)

Tom Nolan is a professional MMA fighter, currently competing in the lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. . Prior to competing in the UFC, Nolan primarily fought for Eternal Fighting Championship in Australia; he earned his UFC contract via first round KO on Season 7 / Week 1 of Dana White's Contenders Series.

BACKGROUND
Nolan was born in Toowoomba, Queensland Australia on March 8th, 2000. He began training MMA as a way to stay in shape for Rugby League during the off-season, but quickly gave up rugby league to fully commit himself to MMA. At 16, Nolan made his amateur debut with Eternal MMA, going 6-1 as an amateur before turning pro in 2020. Nolan went 5-0 (3 wins by KO/TKO) before being called up to DWCS. At the time of his signing, Nolan was ranked the #1 Lightweight in Australia/New Zealand by tapology.

UFC CAREER
Tom Nolan earned his UFC contract during Season 7 / Week 1 of Dana White's Contenders Series, via vicious 1st round KO of Bogdan Grad. The violent knockout quickly went viral, drawing positive reactions from Dana White who called Nolan "A straight Killer," and upon offering Nolan a contract told him "you have a bright future."

Nolan made his official UFC debut against Nikolas Motta on January 13, 2024 where he took his first professional loss via 1st round TKO.

Nolan made his second UFC appearance on May 18. 2024, winning with a 1st round TKO via knee to the body over Victor Martinez.

Tom Nolan is scheduled to next appear for the promotion August 17, 2024 at UFC 305 against Alex Reyes.

PERSONAL LIFE
Nolan got his "Big Train" nickname from the UFC video game, when a friend gave the name to his character as a reference to Thomas The Tank Engine.

Prior to becoming a pro fighter, Nolan was a plumbing apprentice under his brother Luke Nolan. Luke has been in the corner for everyone of Tom's UFC fights.

Following his second UFC fight, Nolan used his win money to purchase an engagement ring for his then girlfriend, their engagement was confirmed shortly after.