Another Unified MMA event and another Teddy Ash title fight.
This time around, Ash (12-3) will defend his middleweight title against another UFC veteran in Dominique Steele (17-11) at Unified MMA 35 Friday night.
Ash, 28, is coming off a fight-of-the-year candidate with Seth Baczynski at Unified MMA 34, which saw him win the middleweight title via a TKO stoppage with just two seconds left in the war.
Ash said he learned a lot about himself in what was a fight for the ages.
“I know that there’s no break in me and that I’m never going to give up,” said Ash in an interview.
“I know I’m going to fight right till the buzzer, if I can’t get the finish.”
While it’s going to be difficult to replicate the brawl he had with Baczynski, Ash said he believes Steele is the type of opponent that could lead to a similar showing.
Ash, fighting out of Edmonton, Alta., said Steele’s nickname is ‘Non-Stop Action-Packed’ for a reason and said anyone in attendance or watching online are in for an intense show.
“It’s going to be an action-packed fight,” said Ash.
“You guys know what I’m going to bring, and anyone who’s seen him fight knows what he’s going to bring, so it’s a recipe for one hell of a fight.”
Ash Looking For Improvement
Ash’s last three fights have all been title fights in which he emerged with the belt around his waist at the end.
He currently holds both the Unified MMA middleweight and light heavyweight titles, along with the Prestige FC light heavyweight title.
In now his fourth-straight title fight, Ash said although it would feel fantastic to earn the win and remain champion, this one has a different feeling.
“For me, it’s more of an internal reward this time around,” said Ash.
“I’ll be more happy if I can correct things from my last fight and show the things I’ve improved on. That’s what’s most important to me.”
With each victory over high-calibre opponents, Ash continues to make his claim for the UFC even stronger.
But although he’s certainly waiting for the big call, Ash said as long as he continues to prove himself against tough opponents, that’s what really matters.
“The main thing is not where I’m fighting, it’s who I’m fighting,” said Ash.
“I’m fighting good guys with good records and lots of experience, and that’s what I want. They’re making me better every single fight.”
Ash’s Shoutouts
“I’d like to thank my coaches, Jeff Montemurro and Keijiro Noda, and all my teammates. I’d also like to thank my sponsors: Birch Mountain Enterprises Ltd., Paul Peddle Services, Saskana, Clearwater River Outfitters, Fort McMurray Roofing, Oil City Edibles, BBN Consulting Inc., Sketch Inc., The Clinch Fight Shop, PK’s Corner, and Spirit Wine and Liquor.”
