Teddy Ash got precisely what he wanted: a rematch.
The Edmonton fighter Ash (12-4) steps up to defend his Unified MMA middleweight championship in a second encounter against UFC veteran Dominique Steele (18-12) during the co-main event of Unified MMA 36, taking place Friday evening in Enoch, Alta.
Their initial clash at Unified MMA 35 in December saw Ash's six-fight winning streak come to an abrupt end with a first-round TKO defeat to Steele.
A victory in the rematch would restore Ash to his previous standing, according to the fighter himself.
"I'd erase that loss and swap it for a win, putting me right back where I was before," Ash explained during an interview.
"Every fight has made me stronger. Stepping into the cage this Friday, I'll be sharper and more dangerous than I was last time."
Ash's title remained intact after their first bout despite the loss, as Steele failed to hit the weight limit.
Now, Ash hopes both fighters make weight so the outcome produces a legitimate champion for the Unified MMA middleweight division.
"There was some ambiguity since he missed weight and I lost," Ash noted.
"I really want both of us to make weight so we can have a proper title fight. No one will be able to question the result—the victor walks away as Unified middleweight champion."
Ready For War
Ash's training camp featured plenty of grueling sparring sessions with several teammates who are also fighting on this card.
His gym mates include Pat Pytlik, Menad Abella, Graham Park, KB Bhullar, and Matt Klute, all training out of Shaved Bears and Frank Lee's, and all set to compete on the same event.
"We're all good friends, pushing each other to new heights and keeping things competitive," Ash shared.
"The gym atmosphere is electric—we're constantly improving each other."
Before facing Steele, Ash competed in two memorable battles against Kobe Ortiz at Unified MMA 33 and Seth Baczynski at Unified MMA 34.
Until the late first-round stoppage, Steele's fight seemed destined for another classic brawl—the kind Ash envisions for the rematch, just with a favorable outcome.
"I'm always hunting for the finish. That's what I want and what fans want," Ash declared.
"But I'll fight for the full 25 minutes if that's what it takes."
Ash's Shoutouts
"I appreciate all my coaches and teammates: Jeff Montemurro, Keijiro Noda, Tanner Boser, Spencer Jebb, Graham Park, KB Bhullar, Mike Newton, Menad Abella, Scott Campbell, Jeff Porter, Alyssa Krahn, Megan, Wes Matthew, Justin Sander, Ian Rousseau, Mike Scarcello, Pat Pytlik, and Matt Klute. I also want to acknowledge my sponsors: PPS – Paul Peddle, Birch Mountain Enterprises, BBN – Brian O'Keefe, Clearwater River Outfitting Ltd., Death Defied, Thickwood Barber Shop, The Clinch Fight Shop, Sketch Ink, Fort McMurray Roofing, NC Transport & Equipment, Printing Unlimited, Talitha's Hope 4 a Cure, CIMC, Oil City Edibles, PK's Corner, and Timberlea Car Wash."
