‘For the fighters, by the fighters’: London’s former MMA stars involved in new amateur promotion

Former MMA fighters are taking amateur fighters under their wings ahead of the Rising Stars Fight Series event in London. CTV's Brent Lale reports.

Chris Horodecki has seen it all in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) fighting.

“We’ve been in the hotels with bedbugs, and we’ve been in the venues where you are scraping by to get water,” said Horodecki, who fought 30 times professionally from 2005 to 2016. “So, we’re going to treat the fighters differently.”

Horodecki, along with London’s former UFC fighters Mark Hominick, Sam Stout and Windsor’s Rino Belcastro are part of the new Rising Stars Fight Series, which is making a stop in London on April 18.

“Our motto is ‘For the fighters, by the fighters’,” added Horodecki. “The guys that are putting this together have all been fighters who competed at the highest level. We know what it’s like. We’re going to be showcasing some of the top up and coming talent in this region and internationally.”

At Adrenaline MMA on York Street, the next generation of local MMA fighters, kickboxers and grapplers are training to get ready.

“I’m working extremely hard six, six days a week getting ready for this amateur show,” said Stevie Doxtator, a London fighter originally from Oneida Nation of the Thames. “We’re training like professionals over here, and I train twice a day. Strength and conditioning are intact and I’m making sure all the bases are covered.”

He’s soaking in all the information he can get from his former professional instructors.

“It’s a true privilege to learn under them and for their guidance and their experience,” he added.

Beside him in the cage downstairs at the gym is Brayden Todd of Ingersoll.

Todd is a seven-time national champion wrestler, who has competed in the Pan Am Games but is now trying MMA.

“We’re evening everything out now,” said Todd, who will be the main event against Hector Salazar from Chicago, Ill. “My hands are getting as good as my wrestling and everything is starting to flow. I’m just super excited to represent Adrenaline. They’re just trying to do something a little bit different and make us feel a little bit more welcome like we’re a bit more than just amateur athletes.”

Horodecki has been involved in the sport since he attended a seminar at age 13.

The now 38-year-old has been a fighter, coach, broadcaster, ring announcer and now he’s taking on the promotion side.

“We’re giving these athletes a chance to fight at home, a chance to compete often we’re going to be pumping shows basically on a monthly basis,” said Horodecki. “We’re taking this show on the road to Windsor, Brantford, London and we’re getting these guys ready for hopefully one day getting into the professional leagues, if they so wish to take it there.”

The Marconi Club will be sold out Saturday night with multiple bouts. Those on the card, including Doxtator, are excited they don’t have to travel to Montreal, Ottawa or Toronto to get a sanctioned bout on their record through the Ontario Athletic Commission.

“The fact that we can fight in our hometown and have a little bit of comfort because on fight day it’s so stressful,” said Doxtator. “We can have a little bit more extra comfort on that day and being in your hometown just makes you that much better.”

You can find more on the upcoming fights online.