Pulsating fighting action will once again be showcased front and centre in Vernon.
Okanagan Fighting Championship's (OFC) second-ever event will take place on Saturday, June 14 at the Vernon Curling Club.
The OFC was created by Unity MMA and Kickboxing owner Raja Kler and his wife Alisha. Last year's inaugural event was the first MMA event in Vernon since 2019.
"The fights last year were fantastic, the crowd was amazing and the B.C. Athletic Commission was completely blown away with the energy," Kler told the Morning Star. "The event had the most attendance for an amateur fight card ever in B.C."
Headlining the competition is local Ethan Northcott. The Vernon native has a 2-0 amateur record, both submission wins. He wowed the crowd at last year's OFC.
"He had the loudest pop, the crowd loved him," said Kler. "They were chanting his name, so it will be great to see him back this year."
Northcott, who trains at Unity MMA, is ranked number six in Western Canada and will have a tough test against the veteran Robert McConnell.
"McConnell is very experienced, so it will be a good fight against Ethan," added Kler.
The Prince Rupert native also fought on last year's OFC card, and is 2-2 in his amateur career. The winner between Northcott and McConnell will take home the new OFC Status Champion belt.
Also competing on the card is Vernon's Dominic Perry. The lightweight (155 pound) won his first-ever fight a month ago, with a technical knockout in round one at the Combat Games in Seattle. He will scrap with Innisfail, Alta's Ethan Layden, a well-rounded fighter.
"Perry started training at Unity MMA nearly three years ago," said Alisha Kler. "He has managed to stay consistent in his training and skill progression despite a heavy load of college classes towards an engineering degree."
Riley Huston is another Unity MMA fighter who will be attempting to wow the crowd. A transplant from the Yukon, the light heavyweight (205 pounds) is ready for a comeback match after losing earlier this year. He will fight against Argot Gill from Vancouver, who is a nationally ranked wrestler.
For tickets, visit showpass.com/ofc-mma-2-okanagan-fighting-championship. All ages are welcome.
