(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

MMA

‘When I smell blood, I’m just going to attack’: Rohovich prepares for return to the cage

Jan 23, 2020 | 2:51 PM

Prince Albert’s Ryan Rohovich has a big fight coming up next month, one that will mark his return to the cage after a lengthy absence.

Rohovich, who has a professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) record of 4-4-0 will face Shawn Wallace (8-2) from Charlottetown, P.E.I. at Fight League Atlantic’s next event on Feb. 8.

“It’s been almost two years since I fought and I’ve been itching to get back in there,” Rohovich told paNOW.

Rohovich vs. Estremadura at Battlefield Fight League (BFL) 55. (submitted photo/Nelson Yeo Photography)

Rohovich’s last fight was May 26, 2018 against Achilles Estremadura for the BFL’s then vacant world lightweight championship (155 lbs) Rohovich lost by decision, after going five rounds.

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“I was a little too hesitant and I kept it standing when I should have taken him to the ground. I knew it was a five-round fight, so I took my time. This time I am going to speed it up and push the pace a little more than I did in my last fight,” Rohovich said.

Rohovich, a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, is currently ranked 60th in Canada (first in Saskatchewan) for active pro lightweights, and 35th in Western Canada. Wallace, a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, is ranked number one in the maritimes, and 18th in Canada. Despite his opponent’s record, Rohovich remains confident.

“It’ll be a good opportunity to take a win and boost my rankings,” he said. He plans to approach the fight like any other, with good conditioning and to be ready to take whatever Wallace can give.

“I’m just gonna stay calm and read him and pick my shots, and when I smell blood, I’m just going to attack,” Rohovich said.

Conditioning will not be an issue for Rohovich — a student at LDP Martial Arts in Prince Albert. To prepare for his upcoming fight, he has maintained a busy training schedule. He goes to the gym for four hours a day, six days a week. The fight with Wallace is scheduled for three rounds, and will take place Feb. 8 at the Community Centre in Truro, Nova Scotia.

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nigel.maxwell@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell