Caleb Ermine is ready for battle. (Facebook/ Caleb Ermine)

By Nigel Maxwell

Mixed Martial Arts

Sturgeon Lake man prepares for pro fight debut

Nov 8, 2021 | 5:00 PM

The Battlefield Fight League’s (BFL) next big event, will include the first professional fight for a man from Sturgeon Lake First Nation.

Caleb Ermine, 33, will be locked in the cage with national wrestling champion Ozhan Yalcin.

“I don’t think they realize how good our jiu-jitsu is,” Ermine said, when asked if he had concerns about his opponent’s style.

A proficient striker, Ermine said he has been travelling to Saskatoon twice a week to train at Alliance Martial Arts, where he can work on his wrestling. He also trains five nights a week at North Wake Martial Arts in Prince Albert.

All this while Ermine has been dealing with some signifiant personal losses. Within the past three weeks, five members of his family have passed away; his parents have been placed in self-isolation due to COVID concerns; and his older brother was in a coma.

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“I’m just trying to stay focused because I know my big brother would tell me to keep going,” he said.

(Facebook/ Caleb Ermine)

Adding to the stakes is the fact the event on Dec. 3, will be shown on UFC fight pass, which could potentially give Ermine international exposure.

“I’m kind of speechless on that to be honest because I don’t know how to comprehend it because all of a sudden social media just took off,” he said, adding he has also had a lot of support from around his community.

Also on next month’s fight card is Prince Albert’s Ryan Rohovich (4-4), who after having a number of scheduled fights cancelled due to various issues with his opponents, will take on John Nguyen (3-2). The winner will be guaranteed a future shot at the featherweight title.

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell