The River Cree Resort & Casino once again serves as the stage for Canada's toughest test as Unified MMA 45 arrives this Friday night.
Edmonton, Alta.'s Ryan Ford (23-5) returns to the octagon chasing the vacant Unified MMA super welterweight championship. He faces Atlanta, Ga.'s Robert Hale (11-5) head-to-head in the featured bout.
Ford, 40, holds genuine regard for anyone brave enough to accept his challenges, yet following a charged exchange online, he's eager to prove himself inside the ropes.
"He's an average fighter. I've studied his tape and he hasn't shown me anything I haven't already encountered," Ford told MMA Empire.
"I've been there, I've accomplished it, and at the end of the day it's just another fight. He traveled all the way out here, so he isn't going to simply fold. Fans are in for a solid contest. I hope all that chatter he's been spewing means he's prepared to stand behind it. Fighters who gab too often usually learn otherwise."
Seasoned veteran Ford knows the time for verbal sparring has passed, and he intends to carry zero emotional baggage into the cage—just a strictly professional approach.
Having faced world-class opposition across more than 52 professional bouts, Ford aims to deliver yet another memorable performance for the home-town audience.
"It's simply part of the sport. He needs to build himself up somehow," Ford noted.
"No one has ever stopped me in the opening round, and truthfully, he's more of a 155-pounder. Props to him though—he has plenty of confidence. Most folks realize I don't waste my breath talking. I let my hands, my legs, my elbows, and my knees speak for me. Some guys try to market a fight, but this one sells itself. It's Ryan Ford in Edmonton."
During his most recent appearance, Ford returned to the cage after a seven-year absence at Unified MMA 43. He delivered a standout result with a submission victory over Dawond Pickney, displaying zero signs of ring rust in what proved to be an impressive showing.
"It was a blast. You know, many folks don't grasp that I genuinely love competing," Ford shared.
"That's who I am—it's in my DNA. After dedicating seven years to boxing, stepping back into the cage and closing with a triangle choke just proves that wherever the action leads, I know how to fight."
To gear up for his next clash, Ford recently headed to Montreal for top-tier sparring sessions.
He earned the chance to spar rounds alongside reigning IBF and WBC light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev—an experience he described as remarkable for the battle-tested competitor.
"It's a different tier; he's 17-0 for good reason. Just being in the same space with him is incredibly valuable," Ford reflected.
"I've never felt impact like that. He strikes like a freight train, and he's rightfully regarded as the most dangerous light heavyweight on the planet."
Already recognized as a dangerous striker, having spent much of the past seven years honing his craft in boxing, Ford has elevated his stand-up game considerably.
While Ford may have fallen on the losing side of several tight decisions during his time between the ropes, he consistently provided thrilling entertainment and never declined a challenge.
"I'm still breathing, you know. I'm alive and I'm healthy—that's the real priority over a long career," Ford observed.
"I took some close decisions I didn't deserve. Anyone who understands boxing and watched those tight bouts knows who truly won. It stung at times because nobody enjoys losing, but nobody else takes the risks I do. The most important thing for me as a fighter is adapting to whatever unfolds and continuing to grind."
Ford's shoutouts
"Wolfhouse MMA and all my training partners. Sponsors: CBD Dream, Tap Labs, More than Doors, Moo's Protein Muffins, Bull Nutrition, Royal Empire Jewelry, Elite Auto and Cornerstone BBQ and Spice Company." Follow Ford on social media: FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM