Canadian martial artist Claude Patrick, has been hosting annual MMA trials in Toronto Canada, giving up and coming fighters a chance at making contacts and receiving contracts to compete in the countries premier organizations. Since MMA began to grow in Canada, different organizations came and went, and there was no real way directly into the big leagues without taking the long road as other pro fighters did before. TKO led the way for many of today’s Canadian stars in the UFC but soon thereafter other Canadian shows started to pop up such as Hardcore Fighting, APEX, KOTC, which have also produced some excellent productions and fighters as well.
With the Ultimate Fighter never really holding auditions in Canada, Canadian martial artist Claude Patrick, has been hosting annual MMA trials in Toronto Canada, giving up and coming fighters a chance at making contacts and receiving contracts to compete in the countries premier organizations.
This year the trials were held at CHUTE BOXE Canada’s new headquarters TorontoBJJ. The trials consisted of a conditioning warm-up, striking testing, takedowns and groundwork. The group who attended was asked to showcase their stuff in front of event promoters and potential sponsors from across Canada and the United States. Contracts were given to different fighters and some people left content with an excellent chance to be coached and train amongst new partners from a wide variety of styles and backgrounds.
Representatives from Freedom Fight, Gladiator Challenge, TKO and Rumble on the Rez were on hand to scout out new talent and hopefully find the next Canadian super star.
Amongst the people watching, were a camera crew from Much Music Canada, who filmed Much Music celeb and Canadian rock star Robin Black. Robin is currently filming a television show for the Canadian station following his grappling and potential mixed martial arts career. Robin was able to stand out with some high flying moves and submission attempts. Local heavyweight Darren Johns was highly scouted and is reviewing pending offers from 3 promotions presented that day.
Some of the attendants were more experienced than others, however the camaraderie and positive vibe brought on by the promoters and coaches was excellent and nobody left disappointed as the each got to train hard with some good people.
The sponsors of the event included:
TorontoBJJ/Chute Boxe Canada- www.torontobjj.com FIGHT PLANET-Canadas #1 Fight Shop (www.fightplanet.ca) Elite training Center-(www.mississaugaelite.com)
EXTREME FIGHT GEAR (www.xtremegear.ca)
STAREDOWN FIGHT GEAR (www.staredownfightwear.com)
Canfight- www.canfight.ca Canada MMA- www.CANMMA.COM