In the spotlight of the main event, Mark Mosure is looking to cement himself as the champion.

Fort McMurray’s own Mosure (4-0) will defend his Prestige FC amateur welterweight strap against Dan Kovalchuk (4-1) at Prestige FC 11 in Fort McMurray, Alta. on Friday night.

Mosure, 23, defeated Regan RunningRabbit at Prestige FC 10 to become champion, and is looking forward to the opportunity defend his belt for the first time.

“I think defending it definitely means you deserve it,” said Mosure in an interview.

“They say you don’t really have a title until you defend it, so I’m excited for sure.”

Mosure started his career with two quick first round finishes before going the distance in his most recent pair of wins, including a five-round battle with RunningRabbit.

With Kovalchuk yet to have gone the distance in his career, Mosure said he should have the upper hand if the fight reaches the later rounds.

“I was very happy my last two fights did go the distance. I feel confident. I feel leaner, meaner, and in better shape too,” said Mosure.

“I think I’ll definitely have the advantage if it goes into the later rounds.”

After this bout, Mosure will head straight into another training camp to prepare for the 2019 Canadian National Amateur Championship, followed by another potential fight for Prestige FC in the summer.

Mosure said Friday night is the perfect opportunity to prepare for Nationals and add to his undefeated amateur record.

“I’m just trying to get better every time I fight and keep the ball rolling,” said Mosure.

“It’s going to be a busy few months with lots of fights happening, so I’m looking to keep the momentum going.”

Change of Scenery

Kovalchuk, 22, will be fighting for the first time since joining the team at Dynamic MMA in Calgary. He spent the past few years training at Canadian Martial Arts Centre in Lethbridge while he was attending college, but has since moved back home.

He said his time at Dynamic MMA has been great so far, and has high hopes for this fight and his future in MMA.

“Dynamic has been a good change. They offer some things that I really like,” said Kovalchuk in an interview.

“They have a bigger team of younger fighters as well, so there’s a lot of guys with a lot to offer you and vice versa.”

Kovalchuk has shown his versatility and variable skills so far in his career, with wins by submission and strikes.

While he said Mosure is going to be a physically strong test, Kovalchuk believes his skill set will be enough to overpower Mosure’s strength.

“I’m expecting strength from him, but I believe I’m more skillful because I prioritize that,” said Kovalchuk.

“I’m also strong myself for my weight, so I don’t think his strength will be too much of a dominating factor.”

This will also be Kovalchuk’s first crack at a title in his young career.

He said he’s really looking forward to the opportunity and the challenge, and wants to win the belt for everyone that’s been there for him and helped him so far in his MMA journey.

“There’s a lot of people who have contributed to me being where I am. There’s many coaches and teammates I’m really happy I’ve had the chance to train with,” said Kovalchuk.

“It’ll mean a lot to me to do well and represent them well.”

Mosure’s Shoutouts

“I’d like to thank my friends, family, coaches and training partners. Without them, I wouldn’t be anywhere.”

Kovalchuk’s Shoutouts

“I’d like to thank all my coaches and teammates at Dynamic MMA, and also everyone at Okotoks Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”