In only his second mixed martial arts (MMA) bout, Drumheller native Andrew Kloot might be getting a reputation as someone to watch out for.
This past Friday, Kloot was on the bill as part of Aggression FC 12 in Calgary. Kloot shocked fans, and perhaps most of all his opponent, when he won the fight in a blistering 22 seconds.
“It didn’t last too long. I caught him pretty early. I could see his hands were pretty low, so I threw a combination, caught him, and backed off for a second. Then, I came at him again, hit him pretty hard so he went down, hit him in the stomach, and then the ref stopped the fight,” said Kloot.
Kloot, a MMA rookie, was pitted against veteran fighter Keegan Cassell after his original opponent, who was a rookie as well, dropped out.
“The original guy [he was to fight] broke a rib during training, so they offered me this guy. He had a lot more experience. He was 3-3 and had won his last three, so he was on a bit of a tear,” said Kloot. “It was a little more nerve racking fighting a guy with more experience, but it worked out in the end.”
Kloot used a flurry of strikes to keep his opponent at a distance and counter any chance for Cassell to get in close and grapple.
“He was supposed to be more of a grappler and wrestler. I knew I would have a better chance standing up and moving, so he wouldn’t be able to take me down. That game plan worked out,” said Kloot.
Family and friends from Drumheller made the trek out to Calgary to see the fight, something for which Kloot is extremely grateful.
“I really appreciate everyone who made the trip down to watch,” said Kloot. “My parents were really relieved I won. My mom refused to go to the fight, because she was scared. My dad was there.”
The win is the second of Kloot’s MMA career. The first came in April in B.C. when he knocked out his opponent in one minute. Afterwards, he took a little break and had to work hard to get back in shape for this fight.
“I think I’m there. It took awhile to get back in shape, but I feel I’m back where I was and my technique is as good as it's ever been. I’m going to keep learning and getting better and better,” said Kloot.
His next fight is scheduled for December 14 at the Century Casino in Calgary. Kloot will be taking on another rookie in ring. After the fight, Kloot hopes to take a little break.
“I’ve got my next fight lined up. Then, I’ll probably take a break for a few months, keep training, and get another fight,” said Kloot. “Next year I might go pro.”
To see the fight, visit
