Dickson wins pro debut

Kalispell resident Zach Dickson won his professional mixed martial arts debut with a come-from-behind submission in Dickinson, N.D., last weekend.

Dickson, 29, secured a rear naked choke hold on Brett Nichols of Idaho Falls, Idaho, after absorbing an opening of punches and won via submission at 1:48 in the first round of their professional bout at the MayDay Mayhem.

Dickson, who trains out of the local Straight Blast Gym of Montana, entered with six amateur wins in a row coming by either submission or knockout.

"Zach has a strong ground game. His jiu jitsu is top notch. Nichols had a lot of energy and was hungry to win, but Zach was composed and relaxed. His style is the perfect style for professional fighting. He doesn't feel anxious when he's in the cage. He does it for fun. He truly enjoys the sport," said Travis Davison, Dickson's coach and owner of Straight Blast Gym of Montana.

SBG is slated to have fighters compete in next month's FightForce Kalispell Kombat at the Flathead County Fairgrounds. The mixed martial arts event is scheduled for June 11.