Kurt “The Hurt” Southern (13-6) is preparing to fight Gabriel Solorio (12-10) at Prestige FC’s October 24th debut, which will take place at Crescent Point Place in Weyburn.
It will mark the first time that this Saskatchewan-born fighter has fought since he dropped two title fights to Gallicchio, which took place under the Maximum Fighting Championship banner last year.
Southern started wrestling when he was eight years old, and continued wrestling until he was 21. He spent the last two years with the University of Saskatchewan huskies and the Saskatoon wrestling club.
“After a couple of years of not competing I just felt something was missing in my life. Around this time I started watching this new reality show put on by the UFC called The Ultimate Fighter(TUF).”
“I was always a casual UFC fan but watching TUF let me see how similar the training was to wrestling and I joined a local MMA Gym within the next month or so,” said Southern.
There are many challenges to being an MMA fighter. Southern said that for him, it is the training that is the hardest. “Cutting weight sucks, sacrificing time with family and friends is tough.”
“That’s what it’s all about is rising up to these challenges and realizing you can push yourself much more than you ever thought possible!!”
He goes to the gym about five to seven days a week, and tries to maintain a very healthy diet year round. “If you maintain a high level of fitness at all times you can spend more energy on your game plan and fight specific training.”
To prepare for his fights, Southern likes to visualize the fight. “I see myself executing the game plan over and over. Then on fight day I just try to relax.”
His favourite move has his own fighter nickname included into it: “The Hurt Maker. “It is an overhand right that has hurt many of my opponents. The North-Southern choke is another move that I’ve had a lot of success with in the past!!”
Many MMA fighters get a lot of support from their training teach and coaching staff.
“I think that people don’t realize how much we rely on our team to prepare us for our fights. It’s an ‘individual’ sport but having great training partners and coaches is so important!! I’m lucky to have a great team at Modern Martial Arts Center in Saskatoon.”
In addition to fighting, Southern has a full-time job as he co-owns the Modern Martial Arts Centre and does his own training. “This doesn’t leave much time for hobbies.”
“I just like to hang out with my wife and our two dogs, friends and family too when I have time.”
Southern is looking forward to the opportunity to fight for local fans during the Prestige FC “Atonement” event.
“I’m looking forward to putting on a show they will never forget!! I want them to be outta they’re seats with excitement!!”
“I can’t wait!! Being the home fighter I would love for the people of Weyburn to get behind this Saskatchewan boy.”
