Reviewing the growth & development of our league
By Leah Sobon
Changing the culture surrounding MMA in Ontario is no easy feat. However, for founders, Irene Starr and Shari Carruthers, the task of forging into uncharted and stigmatized territory left them unfazed when they created BTC Fight Promotions back in 2017. Being women, in a field predominantly run by men, did nothing to slow their speed towards developing a successful promotions company for a sport, that up until this point, had little recognition in Ontario.
Located in Burlington, ON, this internationally recognized Pro Mixed Martial Arts league has proven that their local Canadian MMA athletes are just as hungry and talented in the octagon as some of the MMA fighters you see in the UFC. When speaking about its’ conception, President Irene Starr explained, “We are MMA fans who support the growth and development of MMA athletes competing at all levels across North America.”
Ring Announcer
Starr, an avid lifelong MMA fan, opened Burlington Training Centre back in 2010, where she hired three coaches, that over time, became the main fighters of BTC Fight Promotions. Starr and Carruthers had one goal in mind, and it was to get local MMA fighters a chance in the octagon - and that is what they did. BTC fighters Adam Assenza (lightweight), Scott Hudson (super lightweight), and Serhiy Sidey (featherweight) all represent BTC Fight, holding impressive fight records and title wins.
“BTC 1 Genesis” was BTC Fight’s inaugural event held in Toronto, ON in front of a sold-out crowd with a fight card that displayed what local MMA athletes were capable of. BTC 1 was the catalyst that set fire to the stereotypes of mixed martial art events in Ontario. MMA has not always been accepted as a pro sport in Ontario, in fact, at one point it was prohibited. You could train at your club but fighting locally, in an octagon, was never a possibility. It was not until the strings were loosened in 2011 that local MMA fighters re-shifted their focus to the octagon. Adam Assenza, UFC potential and BTC’s inaugural lightweight champion, explains why BTC 1 Genesis was such a monumental event. “Fighting at BTC 1 Genesis was a milestone in Canadian MMA history,” says Assenza. “The fight was downtown Toronto at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, during the famous Toronto Pro Show, which is one of the biggest fitness expos in Canada. Until this point, there had not been any professional MMA shows in Ontario for a few years, and none with the circumstances that BTC 1 was around.” Assenza goes on to say, “The event was important to me because I had a long layoff and was one of the feature fights on the card. It meant a lot to be able to compete at such a well-run show. I knew then that BTC Fight would be the future of Canadian MMA, given such a great location and large amount of exposure.”
Adam Assenza
BTC Fight follows strict guidelines and expectations set forth by their local health commissioner. Producing an event in Ontario is a full-time job that requires copious attention to detail and safety. When asked about some of BTC Fight’s responsibilities, Carruthers responded, “Putting on a show/event in the province of Ontario is a lot of work, but every aspect is necessary as they are in place for the safety of our athletes and fans. We work tirelessly ensuring we have met all of our deadlines with the OAC, Insurance companies as well as the City that is hosting us. We do not believe in cutting corners. We learn something from every show/event and we carry those policies and procedures over effortlessly to the next event.”
Since that event, it has been full steam ahead for BTC fight Promotions, who were planning their tenth event this June, but had to postpone it due to Covid 19. There are four BTC events a year, drawing fights with overseas competitors and crowds into the thousands. These events, though on a smaller scale, are no different than what you see on your UFC pay per view. They include the same level of dedicated players, the teams that run everything you don’t see in the background, and the promotions team that keep the event alive and electric for the crowds.
For those unfamiliar with MMA, it is a combination of several different martial arts (commonly Muay Thai, Kickboxing, and Jiujitsu) utilizing talent with hand and footwork, plus groundwork – probably the most important aspect of MMA fighting. These athletes train no differently than any Olympian you see on tv. Training regimens are strict and leave little room for personal and social time. These fighters have one goal in mind, which is to win. Unlike boxing and kickboxing, MMA fighters also utilize submissions, such as chokes or joint manipulation, to win a round, and ultimately, the fight.
BTC Fight Promotions stands alone when it comes to local competition. Recognized by the UFA (United Fight Alliance), BTC Fight has secured a deal with the UFA that airs BTC events across the United States, making it possible for fans to watch their favourites, no matter where they live. BTC Fight hopes that this level of exposure will help to keep Canadian Pro MMA fighters on the map and in the eyes of scouts for the UFC. BTC Fight has fostered the professional MMA careers of many fighters in North America. With former BTC Fight competitors reaching the UFC and other top-tier leagues around the globe. BTC Fight has also hosted UFC vets Cody Pfister and Jesse Ronson during BTC 9, their last live event.
BTC Fight stays focused on their goals of providing a pro league and venue with great matchups. The fighters might be the main event, but the crowds and fans are what brings the sport to life. Much like the crowds at a UFC event, BTC Fight offers the same atmosphere by personalizing the fan experience. “BTC Fight works continually to make each event/show better than the one before,” says Carruthers. “We pride ourselves on growing from each event and working towards adding something new and exciting to the next event for our fans. That could be in the form of giveaways, t-shirts thrown into the crowds, flying a big screen etc. Not to mention the great matchups, which goes without saying! We want BTC Fight fans to leave our event knowing they have seen something truly special!”
Despite the current pandemic, when given the green light from the Ontario Athletic Commission, BTC Fight plans to continue hosting their events adhering to new rules and social distance guidelines. Until then, fighters are remaining focused, utilizing adaptive training programs that keep social distancing in mind.
What can you expect from BTC Fight in the future? “Big things,” according to COO Shari Carruthers. Carruthers would love to see BTC Fight acquire a TV deal that expands viewership and accessibility to pro MMA in Ontario. Carruthers would also like to expand their event settings to bigger ticket venues, such as Las Vegas. Carruthers believes that by holding a BTC event in Las Vegas, it would create a show that is dynamic and exciting for the fighters and fans, amplifying the entire experience.
Keeping focused and staying on track with their company plans is what BTC Fight is currently putting their energy into. At the end of the day, they have created an internationally recognized promotions company that has been so successful that the only way for the company to move now, is forward. BTC Fight hosts sponsored events and encourages local advertisers to get involved. “BTC Fight is always looking to grow and we can't do that without the help of our cities and communities,” says Carruthers. “We need fans of the sport and fans of the fighters to come out and support. Purchase the live stream and play it at your restaurant or bar. Be a part of the BTC Fight Family and advertise with us, we offer so many different price levels and opportunities so that everyone can be a part of this experience.”
For further information on purchasing tickets or live streaming BTC Fight events, please visit BTCfight.ca/live. If you’re a business looking to advertise at a live BTC Fight event, please contact shari@btcfightpromo.com to customize your advertisement package.
