Maximum Fighting Championship

Pair Pumped for Prime Opportunity

Teammates Steele, Robertson ready for MFC debuts at Retribution

By MFC Staff

September 10, 2010

 River Cree Resort and Casino

Edmonton, Alberta (Canada)

Though they come from the same camp in the same town, they are two vastly different personalities.

Yet these two fighters have a common goal – a successful and lasting first impression in their MFC debuts.

Tyson Steele and Ford Robertson are both slated to step into the Maximum Fighting Championship ring for

the first time at MFC 26: Retribution, and while both have clear intentions on coming out on top in their

respective matchups, they certainly have different outward approaches.

The undefeated Steele (6-0), who will lock it up with Curtis Demarce in a lightweight bout, has a quiet

demeanor and while excited about the opportunity before him, has a much more laid-back approach.

Robertson (3-0), who will round out the undercard in a middleweight battle with Andrew Buckland, has an

all-out bluster that is sure to endear him to an MFC crowd that likes its fighters will a healthy dose of

bravado.

While their avenue towards pre-fight hype differs, both have a desire to show their worthy of the opportunity

on the big stage.

“I’m not aggressive by nature, but I like to start quick, put the pressure on early and not give my opponent a

chance to get comfortable. I want a quick start and finish things in the first round,” said a reserved-toned

Steele, whose unbeaten streak comes complete with a run of stoppages inside the opening five minutes.

Robertson has a more in-your-face way attitude and a nature that leads one to believe he will be attack-

minded to back up his talk.

“Basically I like to hurt the other guy. I want to finish the fight and I’ve done so every fight so far,” declared

the 25-year-old, whose record includes a pair of first-round stoppages including one over Heat XC veteran

Chad Sherman.

“That’s how I go about things. I want to get in there and if I can finish the fight early, all the better. I just bring

it and if I see a finish, I go for it. I’m very aggressive and very offensive. I’m focused on what I want to do and

that’s finish the fight.”

Steele will get the biggest test of his career against Demarce who has a decided edge in experience with 17

fights to his credit. Yet the six-foot, 23-year-old has a quiet confidence about him.

“I’m ready to take things to the next level and I know I have to take him very seriously,” said Steele. “I think I

just have to stick with the game plan and put him in bad positions where he can’t be dangerous. I have to

control him to win, put him in bad spots, keep the pressure on, and finish it.”

Steele has the added incentive of making his debut as the first bout of the HDNet Fights televised main card.

It’s quite a jump for a young fighter who has fought in obscurity but Steele feels ready for that additional

pressure.

“When I got the call I was very excited. To be the first fight on TV, to get that opportunity, I feel very fortunate

because that kind of thing doesn’t come along very often,” he said. “Now I want to put on a good show and

prove to everyone that I was there for the right reason.”

Robertson, meanwhile, will also be out to prove he belongs in the MFC ranks. Confidence is not an issue for

the five-foot-nine Robertson who is counting on years of action in top-rated amateur wrestling circles to

suplex any jitters. A former University of Saskatchewan Huskies wrestler, Robertson was ranked as high as

fifth in the nation and took on eventual 2004 Olympic champion Cael Sanderson at a prestigious meet in

Winnipeg – an event that also featured Josh Koscheck and Muhammad Lawal.

“It’s a big deal to be coming to the MFC but I’m not worried about the nerves or the pressure,” maintained

Robertson. “I’m really excited and I’ve increased my training because of it. I’m putting in the extra effort

because it’s going to be such a big night.”

Tickets for MFC 26: Retribution on Friday, Sept. 10 at the River Cree Resort and Casino just outside

Edmonton , Alberta , are going fast. Tickets can be purchased by calling the MFC Ticket Hotline at (780)

504-2024 or via Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.ca and charge-by-phone (780) 451-8000.

For more information, please visit: www.maximumfighting.com

- Press Release from the MFC

- Photo courtesy of the MFC

Subject to change

  (9/1/10)