THE SASKATCHEWAN MMA SCENE

By: Scott Zerr

Prestige Fight Club is very excited to be hosting Prestige FC 2: Queen City Coronation presented by 104.9 The Wolf on Saturday, March 12th at the George Reed Auditorium inside The Orr Centre.

Prestige FC is rapidly becoming a frontrunner in Canadian MMA as this upcoming card is stacked with talent from across Canada and the United States. Just as important for our organization is the development of local, Saskatchewan-bred fighters, many of whom could become serious contenders in Prestige FC and eventually make their way to the highest levels.

Hosting a first-class, entertaining show is the primary mandate of Prestige FC owner Derek Daku and CEO/matchmaker Cord Crowthers, both of whom call Regina home and are determined to see their organization and the sport of mixed martial arts as a whole grow within Saskatchewan.

Already four Saskatchewan fighters highlight the main card for Prestige FC 2, led by Saskatoon’s Kurt “The Hurt” Southern in a matchup for the featherweight title against American Nick “Nyquil” Rhoads. Kurt’s teammate Adam Lorenz is in a featured featherweight tilt against rival Curtis “The Demon” Demarce, and Devon “Mr. Boomtruck” Smith will engage with American Keith “The Banana” Smetana in a middleweight bout. Closer to home for this fight, Sheldon Leblanc, who is from Regina and now trains in Weyburn, will also be in action in a welterweight battle. Sheldon’s popularity is soaring following his convincing submission win at Prestige FC 1 and he expects to have a huge throng of supporters in attendance on March 12th.

Another key local fighter on the card is Regina’s Sean Quinn, a longtime fixture on the Canadian scene who is getting back into action following a lengthy layoff due to injury. Now a local gym owner, Sean is eager to show he’s still a strong competitor and he’ll be taking on rival Eric Wilson from Saskatoon in a rematch of their hotly contested first bout.

Regina will also be well-represented by Matt Zemlak who is making his professional debut. Matt is a full-time IBEW electrician at the K+S site in Bethune, Sask., but he’s a dedicated student of the game and is avidly training in anticipation of his first pro fight.

MMA enthusiasts and first-time fans are encouraged to attend Prestige FC 2 to support their local athletes and see the very best of the finest mixed martial arts that Saskatchewan and the entire country of Canada has to offer.