Chris Kelades (photo via UFC.com)

By Kelsey Mowatt

After earning a victory over Chris Beal at UFC Fight Night 74, it sounds like Nova Scotia’s Chris Kelades will be spending more time in Florida…

Kelades worked his way to a split decision win over Beal earlier this month, and in doing so, moved his Octagon record to 2-1. Kelades was coming off a submission loss to Ray Borg heading into the fight, after he scored a UD win over Patrick Holohan in his Octagon debut last October.

In preparation  for UFC FN 74, Kelades decided to spend some of his camp at the renowned American Top Team gym in Coconut Creek, Florida.  Following the 34 year-old’s victory over Beal, Kelades appeared on Full Contact Fighter Radio, and had this to say about the experience.

“Ya. I’d like to. That’s for sure,” said Kelades, when asked if he plans to return to ATT. “It’s different when you’re just getting kind of established there. Now that I have some connections with some of the guys there a little stronger, and the coaching, I’m looking forward to trying it again and just kind of growing from it for sure.”

“It was great experience,” added Kelades, who continues to train out of the Nova Scotia based Fitplus gym, which is also the camp that TJ Grant came out of. “You know, having a little bit of time, it worked, but I worked a lot with Din Thomas and he helped me a lot.”

Thomas announced he was retiring from fighting last year, but the BJJ black belt and UFC vet continues to guide and coach fighters at ATT.

“He’s the kind of guy that if he’s going to do something, he’s going to do it the best that he possibly can,” Kelades said about “Dinyero”.  “He won’t do it unless he knows that he can do it exceptionally well. So that’s reassuring too that he takes what he does seriously…He’s a pretty good guy. I like him and he’s a good character.”

While Kelades clearly enjoyed his time with ATT, the flyweight did run into some issues as his August 23rd bout neared.

“I got sick, and was battling some stuff a little bit, the last few weeks, but I worked through it, and I think in the end it affected my cardio a little bit,” Kelades revealed.  “I was in really good shape but I don’t know what happened as far as in the fight. I gassed a little bit more than I have in the past, but I had enough. I had more I guess than what he did. So it was good.”

With the win, Kelades moved his record to 9-2, and Beal saw his drop to 10-2. UFC FN 74 took place in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.