By Bryan Eneas

‘A big step for Sask. MMA’: Fighter weighs in on Modern Fighting Championship

Feb 17, 2018 | 12:13 PM

The first bout on the inaugural professional fight card to appear in Saskatchewan following the UFC’s appearance in 2015 will be kicked off by a Prince Albert resident.

When Ryan Rohovich, who’s trained in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) for the last five years, takes to the ring against Josh Goodheart from Manitoba on Feb. 23 in Saskatoon, it will mark the first time the Modern Fighting Championship has hosted an event in Saskatchewan.

“[Combat sport] is new to the province. For a long time, we never had a set commission in the province, so professional MMA was illegal in Saskatchewan,” Rohovich explained. “This is a big step for Saskatchewan MMA.”

Rohovich is trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing out of LDP Martial Arts. He’s also spent time in Montreal working out at Tristar Gym with Coach Firas Zihabni. While in Montreal, Rohovich said he met UFC legend George St. Pierre and other professional MMA fighters.

In preparation for his upcoming fight, he’s training two times a day if his schedule allows. He’s also preparing to cut his weight down this week to meet his fighting weight of 155 pounds.

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“You’ve really got to change your diet and drink a ton of water and cut out all your carbs and salt,” Rohovich said. “It makes it really difficult, the last five days, but it’s all worth it in the end.”

While Rohovich loves combat sports and loves fighting, his goal is to take his passion as far as he can go.

“I’d love to get the call to the big show one day,” he said.

While the fight card features a number of athletes from around Saskatchewan, another northerner will take part; Devon Smith. Smith initially planned to retire from combat sports, however, he too is fighting on Feb. 23 for the inaugural event.

bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On twitter: @BryanEneas