A busy weekend in the octagon yielded great results for fighters from Vernon's Unity Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) gym.

Four fighters from the gym competed in events in Kelowna and Seattle.

In Kelowna, during the Victory International Promotion Fight Night event on Saturday, Feb. 1., Vernon's Ethan Northcutt stepped up on 24 hours notice to grapple with Kelowna's Pacific Top Team Kyle McLaughlin. 

Northcutt battled a game against McLaughlin, eking out a decision victory.

"I was very impressed with his performance," said head coach and Unity MMA owner Raja Kler. "He took it on short notice and was able not only to win, but wow the crowd with a huge slam."

Northcutt now moves to 2-0 in his amateur career after nabbing his first victory at the Okanagan Fighting Championships' first event in July 2024 in Vernon.

Also fighting at the Kelowna event was Ryan Lebedoff. The Unity MMA scrapper won a hard-fought decision in Muay Thai to move to 2-0 in his amateur career in the specific martial art style.

Across the border in Seattle, Dominic Perry and Rylie Marchand each battled in the Combat Games.

Perry made his amateur debut against an experienced kickboxer and won by technical knockout in round one. 

Marchand made her pro debut against veteran Lorren Dullum. Despite a great first round, Marchand lost steam and had to retire at the end of the second round.

"I was proud of how she fought," Kler said. "I know that with adjustments and more elbow grease, she will have a bright future in MMA, and one day could be in the UFC."

Unity MMA is offering free week trials. Contact Kler at 250-550-4295 for more information.