For the seventh time, Vancouver will play host to one of the most dangerous sports in the world.
UFC Fight Night at Rogers Arena will see five bouts in the octagon, featuring two fighters from the Great White North, including Canadian MMA star Jasmine Jasudavicius.
The St. Catherines, Ont., native is no stranger to fighting on home soil. Jasudavicius has won all four of her fights in Canada, and says the upcoming fight will give her the edge she needs for a shot at the flyweight belt.
“It’s so exciting to take in everyone’s support, everyone’s energy. It’s not just me in there, it’s our whole country in there, battling against this girl,” Jasudavicius told CityNews.
She says UFC has a big fan base in Vancouver.
“The stadium is going to be packed, and the energy is going to be there. Canada will be on my back when I’m in there. I can feel it already.”
Jasudavicius has won five consecutive fights and is ranked the fifth-best fighter in the world in her flyweight class. Of her 14 professional wins in the octagon, eight were awarded by unanimous decision.
She says going the distance in fights is all a part of her game plan.
“Wear them down, bring them into deep waters, put people in that uncomfortable state that they don’t want to be in. I’m used to being there in a dark place, and so I say, ‘Come into that dark place with me.’”
Nominated for female fighter of the year, Jasudavicius hopes to become the first ever Canadian to take home the award, while inspiring the next generation of women in combat sports.
“For other women to try martial arts, or even anything that challenges you that you think you’re too scared to do: Have the courage to do it just one time and you’ll have the courage to continue.”
Jasudavicius will square off against second-ranked flyweight Manon Fiorot in UFC Fight Night at Rogers Arena on Oct. 18. Tickets go on sale Friday.