From U.S. Marine to CFFC Prospect: The Tale of Eric “Night Time” Nolan
Eric ‘Night Time” Nolan (2-1) made his professional debut last year at CFFC 104, after winning CFFC’s Next-Gen Welterweight belt at CFFC 95. On December 16th, Nolan will look to make it two wins in a row at CFFC 116 against Derrick Ageday (6-8) at the Hard Rock AC.
Fighting out of Dante Rivera BJJ under head coach and both CFFC and UFC veteran, Dante Rivera, Nolan expects to have a big night at CFFC 116. Although, the North Jersey native began his journey to MMA unlike most. Instead of jumping into college or MMA after high school, Nolan found himself entering into something different - the United States Marine Corps.
“I joined the United States Marine Corps as an infantryman,” Nolan stated. “I was seventeen years old when I joined. I served for four years.” Nolan knew from an early age that he wanted to serve his country. “I wanted to join since I was in sixth grade because of my grandfather who was a Marine,” Nolan said.
After serving in the military for four years, Nolan decided to get a college education by attending Monmouth University. Through the Marines and his college education, the welterweight fighter found his passion for fighting. In fact, Nolan credited his time in the Marines as the reason why he finds him fighting in the first place. “When it comes to fighting,” Nolan began, “the whole reason I started is because of the Marines.”
Although the transition out of the military and into the MMA scene wasn’t easy, says Nolan. It came with its challenges and adjusting to the world outside of service. Nolan credits close people around him for helping him with the adjustments, and pushing him towards his goal for not only his academics, but his fighting career. With a huge support system, Nolan expects many of them to be in the crowd of CFFC 116, cheering him on to victory in Atlantic City.
“So I, almost immediately getting out of the military, had a huge support system to see me succeed in my academics and fighting career,” Nolan continued. “Many of which will be at CFFC 116.”
For Nolan, fighting is more than him. There is more that stands outside the cage. It’s not about racking up wins or creating an impressive resume, even though all those are goals of his. Instead, fighting is about representing those that are just like him - veterans. Nolan expressed his desire to be the fighter that is putting on top notch performances every time he steps in the ring. For Nolan, that veteran representation matters.
“I want to be the hope for Marines getting out. A fighter the whole military can cheer for on the weekends on a big fight card,” Nolan stated. “And I will be that guy.”
With his performance at CFFC 116, Nolan hopes to show the world the fighter he is. Whether it’s by a first-round knockout or second-round submission or even a decision, Nolan is focused on getting the job done.
“For CFFC 116, I want to show the world who Eric Nolan is, show everyone who ‘Night Time’ is,” Nolan said. “I’m not afraid of the pressure anymore. I’ve expected it and its elevated my game. CFFC 116 will be my night.”
Nolan continuously looks back at how the Marines shaped him, and pushes him to continue with his fighting career. Nolan stated how the Marines taught him not only to be a good man, but how to be a leader and always find a way to win. He hopes his performance in the ring can return somewhat of the favor.
“I know what those men and women go through and sacrifice day in and day out. They are my inspiration,” Nolan said. “And I hope I can be their inspiration too.”
ARTICLE BY: SERENA GARCIA