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Phil De Fries advocates for mental health in MMA after dealing with crippling anxiety during his career

It’s impossible for Phil De Fries to forget the way he felt before every single fight when he was competing in the UFC.

The British heavyweight came to the organization with an undefeated record and he picked up a unanimous decision win in his debut. He then went 1-3 in his next four fights, which ultimately led to his release from the promotion.

According to De Fries, his UFC career was plagued by something he thought was just pre-fight nerves as he sat in the backstage area getting ready to walk out to the cage.