Combat Sports Offer More Opportunities Than Before, Says Northern Marianas Fighter

Kelvin "The Big Hit" Fitial, a 42-year-old former mixed martial arts fighter from the Northern Mariana Islands, has emphasized the growing opportunities within combat sports for younger generations.

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MMA isn't an easy sport. It demands everything from you-physically, mentally, emotionally.

Fitial recently achieved a first-round knockout victory over an American opponent at Big Dawg Bare Knuckle Boxing 7 in California. This win marks his return to form after a previous loss and signifies his continued transition from MMA to bare-knuckle competition. He noted the distinct challenges and raw nature of bare-knuckle fighting, stating, "It's just you, your skill, and your heart."

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I've experienced both sides of it - fighting with gloves and bare knuckle. And honestly, bare knuckle is a different level. It's raw, it's real, and in many ways, I feel like it's better than gloves because there's no hiding behind anything.

Reflecting on the evolution of combat sports, Fitial observed a significant increase in developmental support. "Back then, we didn't have many options-we just showed up, worked hard, and made the most of what we had," he said. "Now, it's a different story. There are opportunities, there are teams, there are communities being built, and that's something special."

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It's just you, your skill, and your heart.

Fitial's success occurs as the CNMI's combat sports scene endeavors to re-establish its local event schedule, which was disrupted by super typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi. Despite the challenges, local organizers like Justis "Cuki" Alvarez of Trench Tech Purebred Saipan report a strong pool of eager young fighters awaiting opportunities to compete.

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Over the years, the sport of MMA has evolved in so many ways, and I'm proud to see how far it's come. Back then, we didn't have many options-we just showed up, worked hard, and made the most of what we had.