Unified MMA kicked off its 2022 schedule with a memorable evening.
The 10-fight Unified MMA 43 card unfolded Friday evening in Edmonton, Alta., delivering everything the sold-out crowd hoped for and more.
Capping the night in the featured matchup, Shane Campbell (now 22-8) kept his momentum rolling across the regional circuit, earning a unanimous decision against fellow former UFC fighter Kyle Prepolec (now 15-8) and extending his current run to five straight wins.
Promoted as one of the finest all-Canadian matchups in Unified MMA history, Campbell felt the bout exceeded expectations.
"This marked my 111th bout, so it's really just business as usual for me," Campbell told MMA Empire after the bout.
"It was easily one of the fiercest contests I've experienced inside the Unified cage, and I believe we delivered an incredible performance. He landed a few clean strikes on me, I landed a few on him, and we were both hungry for a finish. I think the audience got exactly what they came for."
After leaving the UFC, Campbell has compiled a 10-2 record with six of those wins coming by finish.
He's steadily building his argument for another shot at the sport's biggest platform, though Campbell acknowledges the path isn't straightforward.
"People need to grasp the practical side of how this works," Campbell explained. "For the UFC to bring me in, there's the matter of securing a P1 visa, which takes roughly six weeks. They can't simply add me to a card two months out and expect the paperwork to clear in time."
"If the UFC does come to Canada, I'll be on that card without question. I could be off my mark though—perhaps they don't want me back after a previous stint and prefer to spotlight newer fighters instead."
In the supporting featured bout, KB Bhullar (now 11-3) and Strahinja Gavrilovic (now 8-6) delivered an entertaining battle, with Bhullar claiming a unanimous decision.
Bhullar unloaded numerous significant strikes throughout the contest, none of which seemed to trouble Gavrilovic—a fact that didn't catch Bhullar off guard.
"I was completely certain he'd be as rugged as he turned out to be," Bhullar shared during his post-fight remarks.
"As I mentioned beforehand, I've sparred with Strahinja before and that's the kind of fighter he is. He'd absorb heavy shots and keep pressing forward. He's an incredibly tough competitor. We exchanged plenty of trash talk heading into this fight, but I genuinely respect the man. He showed his toughness tonight."
Bhullar now sits at 3-1 since stepping away from the UFC last year, having competed in four bouts across eight months.
The ex-Unified MMA middleweight titleholder says reclaiming the belt isn't his primary goal right now.
"Winning belts isn't really what drives me," Bhullar said. "My focus is simply getting back out there and continuing to compete."
"I want to maintain activity and keep improving. I can already see mistakes I made tonight that I need to address, and I'm feeling the effects right now."
A former fan favourite on the Canadian MMA landscape, Ryan Ford (now 23-5) returned to competition after more than seven years away and did it with style, downing Dawond Pickney (now 18-16) via submission in round two.
Ford used to draw massive crowds whenever he stepped into the cage over seven years ago—and that appeal remains unchanged, as the loudest roar of the evening erupted after Ford secured his victory.
"I'm E-town's king of combat. I represent my city and the city backs me up," Ford told MMA Empire.
"From day one, I've respected everyone who comes out here. They give me incredible support, and I owe it to them to give something back. Folks often forget that without fans, we don't get paid. That's a crucial point for me. I'm the type of fighter who'll happily pose for photos with anyone—that's just how it should work."
Now that his first MMA outing in over seven years is behind him, Ford made clear this isn't a one-time appearance.
He intends to keep fighting regularly in MMA while also pursuing his boxing career concurrently.
"I'm going to continue fighting MMA. If a boxing opportunity comes my way, I'll take it. I plan to do both. For me, staying active is the priority. If it pays well, it makes sense. The Real Deal has returned, so if you want me in the cage, reach out. But be prepared to bring those dollar signs, because you witnessed exactly what I deliver."
Neal Anderson, Zack Powell, Ali Charkie, Mac Laursen, Tony Rojas, Shane Bell and Connor Krebs also departed Unified MMA 43 with wins on their records.
