Prestige FC has its newest champion.
Dan Kovalchuk (now 5-1) defeated Mark Mosure (now 4-1) via second round submission at Prestige FC 11 on Friday night in Fort McMurray Alta., becoming the new Prestige FC amateur welterweight champion in the process.
“It’s exciting for sure, but there’s a reason I gave the belt to my coaches,” said Kovalchuk.
“All the thanks goes to them and all my teammates that train with me.”
In his post-fight interview, Mosure said he would like an immediate rematch on the next Prestige FC event, which is scheduled for June.
Kovalchuk said he’s looking to take a little time off after a hectic past few months, but said he’s fully open to the idea of giving Mosure a shot at winning the belt back.
“If things work out and they want the rematch to happen, then it’ll happen,” said Kovalchuk.
“I’d be honoured.”
Title Shot Earned
In the co-main event, Samson Bieri (3-1) bounced back nicely from his first amateur loss, submitting Jay Whitford in the second round.
Typically known more for his striking, Bieri said it felt good to get his first submission win under his belt, which gives him confidence moving forward.
“It feels wild. I’m known as the knockout guy, so it’s just a new experience getting that submission,” said Bieri.
“Hopefully it keeps guys off me in the grappling department so we can stand and bang a little.”
Following his win, Bieri said he was offered a shot at the amateur featherweight title against a to-be-determined opponent at the next Prestige FC event.
Bieri said he’s excited for the opportunity to compete in a five-round fight and to add another big win to his record.
“At the end of the day, it’s something on the resume and another achievement along the way,” said Bieri.
“Every fight we win is huge, but a chance to go five rounds instead of three is really going to test my grit in training camp and in the fight, so I’m just really excited.”
Fight of the Night
In one of the more intriguing bouts on the card, Usman Khattak (now 4-2) took a unanimous decision over Semir Ali (now 2-1), in what was the fight of the night.
Both Khattak and Ali did attempt and secure their share of takedowns throughout the fight, but it was the violent exchanges on the feet that left the crowd cheering.
“I wanted to use my striking more this fight. I knew Semir was going to try and take me down, but I have lots of wrestling experience, so I just tried to make it a sprawl and brawl fight,” said Khattak.
“It worked out the way I wanted it to.”
With the 2019 National Amateur Championships fast-approaching, Khattak said he’s been on the fence regarding whether he’ll compete or not, but is now leaning towards making the trip.
“I think I’m probably still going to do Nationals. School is the only thing that might stop me,” said Khattak.
“Hopefully everything works out the way I want and I’ll be able to go to Nationals.”
Nationals-Ready
In earlier action, David Garcia (now 2-1) delivered a nasty second round knockout to Colin Rapitta (now 0-1).
On the surface, Rapitta appeared to be the more active fighter in the first round, landing several significant shots of his own. But Garcia said that’s just part of his game plan.
“I like to stay patient. I’m not a fast starter,” said Garcia.
“I like to read my opponent before I start picking my shots, and that’s exactly what I did.”
Much like his Dynamic MMA teammate, Khattak, Garcia said he intends on competing at Nationals in April.
While the majority of fighters tend to jump up a weight class for Nationals due to same-day weigh-ins, Garcia said he will remain at welterweight for the tournament.
“I’m super excited for it, and I’m just going to take it fight by fight,” said Garcia.
“I just see myself taking each fight as it comes, and see where I go from there.”
Robert Noble, Seth Buss, Austin Kuchinka and Kirby Tilley were also victorious on the night.
