MMA card on tap in Vernon
The last time Extreme Fighting Challenge was in Vernon, the recreation centre auditorium sold out the day before the fight. Mixed martial arts Fans were thoroughly entertained by a 10-fight card featuring good local talent mixed in with some superb knockouts and cringe-worthy submissions.
It was highlighted by Vernon’s Len Smith stopping Prince George’s Josh Gallant with a slick rear naked choke submission in the main event.
This time around, Extreme Fighting Challenge 8 boasts 12 fights – six professional and six amateur. The event goes Saturday at the Rec Centre auditorium.
The pro bouts will follow UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) rules, with three five-minute rounds.
The pro lineup includes: Matt Baker (Grande Prarie) vs Brian Coldwell (West Kelowna); Myles Merola (Vancouver) vs Hans Pangilinan (Vancouver); Charlie Zac (Germany) vs Matt Bagshaw (Lethbridge); Jules Russel (Vancouver) vs Leith Optland (West Kelowna); Dan Shenk (Prince George) vs Nolan Clark (Kamloops); Rakan Khatib (Vancouver) vs Derek Marchant (Kelowna); and Dan Lin (Vancouver) vs Mark Delgato (Kamloops).
On the amateur card: Nick Ghaeni (Vancouver) vs Curran Allen (Vernon); Jeremy Smerek (Lethbridge) vs Jon Kozac (West Kelowna); Jessie Wiserman (Vancouver) vs Mike Shilder (Lethbridge); Ryan Heck (Prince George) vs Ethan Owusa (West Kelowna); Kaym Winter (Vancouver) vs Aamon Judge (Kamloops); and Russel Davis (Kelowna) vs TBA.
“The young fighters you will see at the XFC will range from amateurs just getting started, to very talented up and comers looking to break into the big show,” said promoter/fighter Bill Mahood.
Mahood notes the card is subject to change, as fighters sometimes get injured while training for these bouts.
“We like giving these kids a place to showcase their very formidable skills. The only difference in our top fighters is they have not yet been discovered,” added Mahood.
Big promotions like the UFC are taking place everywhere – Ireland, England, Germany, Canada and the U.S. Montreal actually holds the attendance record for a live MMA event in North America (21,451 attendees for UFC 97).
There are also big shows in Japan, Korea and Russia.
“I think it is the fact that MMA is so exciting and unpredictable that drives the exploding fan base,” said Mahood.
“MMA is the hottest sport in North America, and for that matter, the world.”
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