“Atonement”, the upcoming mixed martial arts event hosted by Prestige Fight Club will be a huge draw for Weyburn.
Especially, after a new fight was just added to the card for Saturday, October 24. Prestige FC announced a long-sought-after female fight that is sure to be an action-packed clash to the Atonement lineup.
After two previous encounters, top-10 ranked Charmaine “Not So Sweet” Tweet and Anna “Smiles” Barone will complete their trilogy and long-standing rivalry (pending Commission approval).
The bout will take place at a catchweight of 155 pounds, and will be one of the main-card feature fights inside Crescent Point Place on October 24.
“Both sides have been trying to nail down a third fight and end this rivalry once and for all,” said Cord Crowthers, Prestige Fight Club Matchmaker.
“Tweet and Barone want to settle the issue between them. The time is right to make it happen.”
“Prestige FC 1 is Saskatchewan’s first true home-bred mixed martial arts event so it is fitting that we have what will be the clear-cut best women’s fight in Canada in 2015.”
In another women’s bout, Bobbi Jo Dalziel of Ontario, who was slated to be Tweet’s original opponent, will now face rugged Christina Barry of Manitoba, in a catchweight bout at 150 pounds.
“It is a great opportunity to put on a show this size in a community in Weyburn,” said Crowthers. “The city has supported us from day one and we are definitely going to put Weyburn on the map with this event!”
Crowthers estimates that nearly half-a-million of tourism dollars will be spent during the week leading up to Atonement.
“We are really lucky to have lined up all the cards we have for this fight, it will be the biggest show in Canadian history — outside of the UFC.”
Another important mandate for Prestige Fight Club is that they donate funds back to local sports organizations. Crowthers said that a percentage of ticket sales will be used to help local athletes get new equipment, or to cover their own travel costs.
“Every ticket sale does help. Plus, the event itself is a lot of fun! In addition to the fights, there is also food, mingling and a great show put on.”
Dean Hodgkin, from the Weyburn Mixed Martial Arts Club, said it is very exciting to have Prestige FC bring “Atonement” to Weyburn. Especially since the event will feature a couple of local fighters.
“Already, this event is drawing in a good crowd,” said Hodgkin. He said that the fights are an excellent way to get mixed martial arts name out there.
“A lot of people do get the wrong impression about MMA,” said Hodgkin. In fact, his club promotes the learning aspect of the sport, in addition to exercising and learning some self-defense moves.
Now in their sixth year of organization, the Weyburn Mixed Martial Arts Club meets at 46 13th Street, sharing a facility with Weyburn Crossfit 639.
“We are geared towards beginners, so no experience is required,” said Hodgkin. They have classes for both youth and adults.
