Combat sports offer young people opportunities 'we didn't have, Northern Marianas fighter says
Kelvin "The Big Hit" Fitial, 42, shared his thoughts after his first-round knock-out win over an American opponent at a bare knuckle competition in California.
In the world of combat sports, a Northern Mariana Islands native has spoken about the opportunities available to young fighters today. Kelvin "The Big Hit" Fitial, a 42-year-old former mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, has found success in bare-knuckle competition. Following a knockout victory over an American opponent, Fitial reflected on the evolution of combat sports over the years.
He believes that modern fighters have access to more resources, teams, and communities compared to the past. Fitial praised the development of combat sports, noting that while gloves create a level of protection, bare-knuckle fighting is more authentic and exposes fighters to their true skills. He also thanked the stakeholders who have played a role in nurturing the sport's growth, stating that it offers aspiring fighters a path not readily available to previous generations.
Despite the recent disruption caused by typhoons, the CNMI's combat sports community remains active. Fighters continue to compete abroad, and local events are being planned to reestablish the sporting calendar for the upcoming year.
Written by urgent.news from RNZ Pacific's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
