SBG geared up for Kalispell Kombat
The night before professional mixed martial arts will be showcased at UFC 129 in Toronto, Kalispell resident Chhi'med Kunzang will step into the ring for the first time for a simple reason.
"I'm 38 years old. I realized that if I don't do it now, that window is going to close," Kunzang said.
The local Straight Blast Gym competitor will appear in one of 12 scheduled fights at tonight's Kalispell Kombat mixed martial arts event at Majestic Valley Arena at 7:30. Doors open at 6:30 with live music playing for an hour.
This year's FightForce event features celebrity guest Anthony Johnson, who has a 6-3 record in the UFC, as well as familiar local fighters Jake Oyler, Zach Dickson and Gus Nolte. Six fighters from SBG who will compete along with Eddie Dolzadelli from Kalispell and three from Polson - Cody Weaving, Alonzo Bringsyellow and Josh Williams.
"Obviously I know what to expect from guys like Jake, Zach, Gus - guys that have been training with me for some time. I feel confident about them," SBG coach and owner Travis Davison said. "I fully expect, unless there's some major mistake or slip-up, I expect that we'll go 6-0."
"Our guys are in tip-top shape," coach Phillip Moore said. "They've been training really hard and they've been working on all different aspects of the game."
Oyler, who has a 2-2 record in pro fights, said he won't be as nervous this time around compared to past events when he was newer to the ring.
"I feel I fixed a lot of things and I feel really good about (tonight's fight)," he said. "It helps as far as relaxing. It's not such a big deal. You don't get all worked up and that doesn't help you, it can make you gassed."
Others are preparing for their first experience, like Kunzang.
The California native has a background in Japanese martial arts, which is more standing oriented compared to mixed martial arts. But never has Kunzang fought competitively, which is something he's always wanted to try but never did until now.
"I really got in here bcause I realized this is what the serious people do, so if you want to test what you can do, you gotta go and do it with those people," he said.
"He's fighting for the right reasons," Davison said. "He came up to me about a year ago and said ‘Hey, I'm 38, I know I'm not going to make a career out of this, I just want to try it one time. I just want to see what it feels like to get in the cage. I just want to know what it's like to have one fight.'
"To me, that's the only reason you should get in that cage, is for those reasons. No ego reasons, no paycheck; just to go in there and see what you're made of."