Excitement is building for the upcoming Okanagan Fighting Championship (OFC) event on Saturday, June 14, at the Vernon Curling Club. This will be the second time the championship has taken place, after a thrilling debut last year.
Founded by Raja and Alisha Kler, owners of Unity MMA and Kickboxing, the OFC brought mixed martial arts back to Vernon for the first time since 2019. Raja Kler reflected on the success of the inaugural event, noting it had the highest attendance for an amateur fight card in British Columbia’s history. “The energy was electric, and the crowd was outstanding,” he shared.
This year’s main event features local fighter Ethan Northcott, who boasts a perfect 2-0 amateur record, with both wins coming via submission. Last year’s performance left a lasting impression, with fans chanting his name as he captivated the audience. Northcott, who trains at Unity MMA, is currently ranked sixth in Western Canada. He faces veteran fighter Robert McConnell, who holds a record of 2-2 and is known for his experience in the ring. The winner will receive the new OFC Status Champion belt.
Also on the card is Dominic Perry from Vernon. He recently made headlines by winning his first fight with a swift technical knockout in Seattle. Perry has been training consistently at Unity MMA while managing the demands of college classes for his engineering degree. He will fight Ethan Layden from Innisfail, a well-rounded competitor looking to challenge Perry’s rising trajectory.
Riley Huston, another notable fighter from Unity MMA, is eager for a comeback after losing earlier this year. Originally from the Yukon, he will compete against Vancouver’s Argot Gill, a nationally ranked wrestler known for his strong grappling skills. Huston’s resilience and determination make him a fighter to watch.
With the surge in interest for MMA events, statistics show a 20% increase in attendance at live sporting events over the past few years, according to a recent survey by the Sports Marketing Agency. This reflects a growing trend of fans wanting to experience the thrill of live sports firsthand.
As the event approaches, excitement continues to build within the community. Fans are eager to witness the local talent and the fierce competition that the OFC promises. Remember, this is more than just a fight; it’s an opportunity to support local athletes and feel the energy of the crowd.
For more information on tickets, head to Showpass. All ages are welcome to join in and cheer on the fighters as they strive for victory!
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MMA|Vernon