Nicolas Ott is a prominent French Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) coach and performance expert, currently recognized as the head coach for elite UFC fighters including Benoît Saint Denis, Nassourdine Imavov, and William Gomis. Early Background: Born in France, Ott began gymnastics at age 7 and later transitioned to Taekwondo, where he competed at a national level. Higher Education: He specialized in sports science (STAPS) in France before moving to the United States to study at The University of Texas at Austin (Class of 2010). During his time in the U.S., he interned at a specialized institute where he worked with experts in exercise physiology and nutrition, which shaped his scientific approach to coaching. Fighter Background: Before focusing on coaching, Ott was a competitive fighter. He achieved a 3rd-place finish at the IMMAF Amateur World Championships and holds a professional MMA record of 2-1-0, with wins in promotions like Cage Warriors. MMA Factory Paris: For over a decade, Ott served as the Head of Performance at the renowned MMA Factory Paris, where he oversaw the physical preparation of world-class athletes, including former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. Smartfight: He founded Smartfight, a coaching platform and training philosophy centered on the "Basics First" principle—prioritizing technical mastery and scientific performance modeling over fitness trends. In 2024–2025, Ott's reputation surged as he took over as the head coach for Benoît Saint Denis. He is currently regarded as a central figure in the "golden age" of French MMA, credited with orchestrating high-profile victories, such as Nassourdine Imavov's major wins in the UFC middleweight division.