Andrew Kloot, a Drumheller native, is heading into the ring for his second mixed martial arts (MMA) fight. Kloot is hoping to come out the victor once again at AFC 12 Domination on November 2 at the Telus Convention Center.
    The event is a way for Albertan fighters to showcase themselves.
    “They’re a great local event. They support a lot of local fighters and give opportunities for fighters to showcase themselves,” said Kloot.
    Kloot will be facing Christopher Gervais of Red Deer, another newcomer to the sport. Because this will be Gervais’ first fight, Kloot doesn’t know what to expect when he enters the ring. The two will be fighting in the 155 lbs. category.
    “This is his first fight, so we’re both pretty new. I don’t know much about it, so we’ll see how it goes. That’s the nature of it at the level I’m at. You can’t find much information about the people you fight. I’m just going to have to go in there and do my game plan. Try and fight my fight,” said Kloot. “I like to be prepared for everything. I’m happy with my striking and jujitsu. My wrestling could use a bit of work, but it’s coming along. I plan to be well rounded and good to go wherever the fight goes.”
    Kloot fought his first MMA fight in April of this year in Trail, British Columbia. The match only lasted for a minute. Kloot won using a triangle choke hold.
    Afterwards, he took some time off. He worked hard to get back into fighting shape and now he feels confident he’s ready.
    “I took some time after my first fight and got out of shape, so it took me awhile to get back into training properly. I started a job that I’ve been working hard at, so I had some time off,” said Kloot. “Sometimes it’s hard to get fights too, but now I have one and I’m back in shape.”
    Kloot first began training when he joined the MMA club at Mount Royal University. He then started at Champions Creed. Kloot admits the training, especially getting back into shape again, can be difficult.
    “The hardest part is to keep showing up to the MMA training classes and go to the gym everyday. You have to take your lumps to get back in shape and build your body again, It’s pretty tough, but it’s what a fighter has to do for the ring mentally,” said Kloot.
    “We try to hold back a bit, but things escalate naturally, so we can get going pretty hard by the end of training. We take care of each other, so we wear padded gloves and headgear to minimize injuries, but you have to train how you fight. If you train at 50 per cent, when you get into the fight, you only fight at 50 per cent.”
    Kloot grew up in Drumheller. In his teens, he played for the Drumheller Titans and was involved in minor hockey. Prior to starting MMA training, he had only done a little karate when he was a kid. He got interested in MMA after watching the sport on TV.
    After the fight on November 2, Kloot hopes to keep going, previously hinting he’d like a pro match someday.
    “I’m going to keep training and keep doing what I’m doing. If I come out of this one without too many physical problems then maybe I can take another fight right away,” said Kloot.