The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Kelly Carrington Staff Writer What started out as a fun way to train and get into shape has quickly turned into an undefeated record for one local mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter. Derek Abrahamson, 26, began his training with some friends five years ago. 'I got involved...sort of randomly when I heard a few guys in town had started training in a converted garage,' he said. Today, Abrahamson remains undefeated in his MMA career. Most recently, the fighter took to the cage at an event in Grande Prairie, Alta., coming away victorious. 'Winning my fight in Grande Prairie was great,' Abrahamson said. 'It's a tough sport where one small mistake can cost you the fight. '...after working so hard getting ready, winning just makes all the sacrifice worth it.' Preparing for the fight took time and commitment. Abrahamson got ready with a few local trainers. As well, he spent 10 days in the Manitoba capital at the Winnipeg Academy of Mixed Martial Arts. 'Fight training consists of a mix of jiu-jitsu and kickboxing,' Abrahamson said, noting that there is plenty of sparring and pad work involved. When he's not training himself, the MMA fighter works with the wrestlers at Hapnot Collegiate. In a week, Abrahamson typically spends four days on the mats at Hapnot, with his own training following. Kickboxing On the weekends, the athlete is working on his jiu-jitsu or kickboxing as well as hitting the gym. '...in Winnipeg I hit up afternoon and evening classes training with some of the best in the country,' Abrahamson said. Abrahamson has the full support of his dad, brother and friends. 'My dad's a huge supporter,' he said, as his father made his way, along with his older brother, to Grande Prairie to watch his recent fight. Brother Jared was 'on pins and needles waiting for the results' as he was in Los Angeles pursuing his acting career. 'So...all the guys are on board 100 per cent,' he said. His mom and girlfriend, on the other hand, still haven't fallen in love with the idea. 'They get pretty worried,' Abrahamson said. Abrahamson has competed as an amateur fighter in the 145-lb. weight class. Currently, he sits at 135 lbs. MMA keeps Abrahamson enthused and on his toes _ something he enjoys. 'I am motivated by all the guys I train with in Flin Flon and in Winnipeg,' he said. 'Especially the guys who don't compete, but continue to push themselves.' Nerves fade Standing inside the cage, touching his opponent's gloves before a fight, Abrahamson's nerves tend to fade away. 'There are nerves that come and go in the weeks leading up (to a fight), but on fight night it's more just joking around and go out and have some fun,' he said. '(You) try to be as relaxed as possible.' When he stepped inside the cage for his first amateur fight, he says the adrenaline carried him through. 'But, I guess you get past that,' he said. An MMA fighter can remain in the sport for decades if he so chooses. But Abrahamson takes things one fight at a time. 'I don't like to look anywhere past winning my next fight,' he said. Abrahamson says while plenty of fighters peak in their 30s, there are some who continue well into their 40s and even at age 50. 'I guess it really depends on injuries and a person's own aspirations,' he said. Dale Belcher, a former Flin Flonner and a friend of Abrahamson's, continues to box into his 40s. According to Abrahamson, Belcher looks to move into MMA fighting before he turns 50. Abrahamson's Grande Prairie fight, in the Fivestar Fight League, was the highest level at which Abrahamson has competed. Up against a black belt in judo with four professional fights behind him, the Flin Flonner earned his win and kept his record undefeated. Abrahamson hopes to continue in the sport, see the country and fight in different cities.
