Red Deer’s Jett Grande is ready to make a big impression on the world of mixed martial arts.
The 23-year-old MMA fighter will make his pro debut in the main event of the Xtreme Fighting Championships YoungGuns 3 event at Deltaplex Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on Friday.
“I’ve been looking to make my pro debut for the last year now. I had a couple of opportunities to (fight overseas), but unfortunately, with the COVID situation, that ended up not happening,” Grande said about a week before his first professional fight.
“I’m going in there and always looking to showcase the improvements I’ve made. I’m looking to dominate and to get back in there to do what I do. I’m excited to get back in there after a two-year layoff.”
Grande said he has a four-fight deal with XFC, which is an American-based company.
“It was a really good opportunity – it’s a big, solid promotion,” he said.
“Being in the main event of in my pro debut for YoungGuns, it’s going to be huge, especially if I get the victory. It’s going to get my name out there a lot more.”
Grande will take on American fighter Damon Morosko, who is also making his pro debut.
After finishing his training camp this past Friday, Grande said he’s looking forward to showing MMA fans what he can do.
“I’m a smart fighter, I’m disciplined. I’m very explosive, strong and I’ve got good pressure. I’m experienced – I’ve had a lot of fights, so I kind of know what to do in every situation,” he said.
“You can expect me to always be patient, but I’m always looking for that finish too.”
RELATED: Red Deer MMA product Jett Grande wins world title
Grande won 15 of his 16 amateur MMA bouts around the world – his resumé includes a world championship, Pan American Title and national championship.
The Red Deer man said he wouldn’t have been able to get to this level without his sponsors and management team.
XFC CEO Steve Smith said Grande and his opponent Morosko are “the type of athletes who will be the future of the XFC.”
“We’re excited to give them a global platform to showcase their skills and dramatically grow their following,” Smith said in a release July 20.
Tiffany’s Steakhouse and Lounge in Red Deer will be showing the event, which starts at 5:30 p.m. For more information on how to watch YoungGuns 3, visit www.xfcmma.net.
sean.mcintosh@reddeeradvocate.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter