Cree MMA fighters push for glory at Montreal Fight League
CBC
In Wolinak, Que., the roar of the Montreal Fight League crowd mixed with the sound of glove against mat as Cree mixed-martial artists and their supporters packed into the venue, ready to test themselves on fight night.
Fighters from across Eeyou Istchee — some making their debuts, others chasing title opportunities — travelled to Wolinak for the latest Montreal Fight League event last Saturday.
Among them were Logan Tomatuk, who earned a win in his first MMA bout; Caleb Neeposh, who swung for a championship belt; and Phoenix Weistche, who says combat sports have helped him steer away from a difficult path. Their stories reveal how the sport has become both a challenge and a source of purpose for many young Cree athletes.
Tomatuk, 18, arrived at last weekend's event knowing he had something to prove.
“I just had one year to prepare for this. I took the time to really sharpen out my skills, my techniques, my weak points,” said Tomatuk, who is from the Cree Nation of Eastmain.
He spent the first round studying his opponent — measuring reach, style and weaknesses — before the bout shifted to the ground in the second.
“In the second round I really paced myself out. He's a good wrestler. He's a strong kid. Had me on the ground,” said Tomatuk.
By the final round, Tomatuk said, the moment demanded everything he had. Using his height and kickboxing, he pushed forward.
“In the third round, it was do-or-die. It was either go hard or go home. I went hard. I took the win and I feel good. I feel accomplished,” he said.
While Tomatuk celebrates the beginning of his amateur career, another young fighter, Phoenix Weistche, describes how MMA became a lifeline for him. Now in his second year of training and competition, Weistche says the sport helped him turn away from negative influences.
“Combat sports is the only thing that would help me get out of that tough, negative life,” said the 18-year-old from Waskaganish, Que., in Cree.
Weistche began fighting with the Montreal Fight League (MFL) two years ago, earning two wins and one loss. He added another win on Saturday, he says, and hopes his success inspires others in his community.
Many fighters who make the trip south come from inland communities like Oujé-Bougoumou, Mistissini and Waswanipi, while some fighters who come from coastal communities like Eastmain and Waskaganish are slowly being introduced to competitive mixed martial arts.
“I used to play hockey but since I realized I can be the only one who can do this for my community, Waskaganish, I’ll do it,” Weistche said.
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