Saskatoon, Saskatchewan is set to host the debut edition of Modern Fighting Championship on February 23, and three competitors from Alberta are preparing to shine on the card.
Patrick Ward and Chad Anheliger, both representing Calgary, alongside Grande Prairie's Alex Martinez, will travel across the province for Modern FC 1 at the Saskatoon Soccer Centre.
The headliner pits Ward (1-1) up for the Modern FC bantamweight championship against Denys Zelenskiy (6-0).
Ward's modest professional record has left some observers questioning how he earned the opportunity to fight for the belt, but he insists he's ready to prove them wrong.
"I spent years building my foundation as an amateur, and I've been stepping onto the mats since I was seven," Ward shared during an interview. "Facing steep challenges doesn't intimidate me."
"If people are curious about how a fighter with just two professional bouts landed a title opportunity, I'll answer that question on February 23rd — and my name will stick around after that night."
At 27, Ward enters the bout against a formidable opponent. Zelenskiy has finished all six of his victories.
Still, Ward isn't fazed by the undefeated mark or the finishing ability.
"Any opponent Denis has faced, I can handle in a single fight," Ward stated.
"When I picture Denis, I just see a compact, stocky competitor. I don't bother looking at his statistics or highlight reel — those numbers don't define the outcome."
Anheliger Seeks Fifth-Straight
Chad Anheliger (6-5) aims to string together five consecutive victories in the co-headliner when he squares off against local fighter Eric Wilson (7-7) for a professional bantamweight slot.
Following a setback at Hard Knocks 37 back in 2014 that pushed Anheliger's record to 2-5, the 31-year-old decided it was time for a shift. He transitioned from Canuckles MMA to Champions Creed MMA after that loss, and hasn't lost since.
"I'm proud of that decision—I know some folks questioned whether I went too far, but look where I've landed. Everything's been moving in the right direction," said Martinez.
"That experience has carried over beautifully into my pro fighting life, which has been fantastic."
AI CONTENT END 1
