Michael Hill, a mixed martial arts competitor born and raised in Powell River, has lost the Battle of Canada.
Pitted against Montreal’s Mike Ricci, the two fought a much-hyped fight. It was shown on Friday night, November 30, on Sportsnet’s show The Ultimate Fighter 16.
Dana White, president of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), said he expected, “a more explosive fight from both guys.”
Ricci took Hill to the ground, but could not finish him off in the fight that saw the relationship between the two turn sour after Ricci asked to fight his fellow Canadian.
The reality show features 16 welterweight fighters who spend six weeks locked up in a Las Vegas mansion except for training or fighting.
Lyle Campbell is a fan of the show and said he thought Ricci dominated.
“He’s got good ground skills,” said Campbell. “Hill doesn’t have a background in jujitsu or judo or wrestling.”
Ricci is moving up to the semifinals where he will fight Neil Magny. Jon Manley will fight Colton Smith.
Despite his loss, Hill is determined to keep training and chasing his dream of fighting in the UFC.
“I worked so hard and overcame so many obstacles,” said Hill. He was disappointed “to watch that show my whole life and then to be on the season that is one of the worst and not be able to participate in the finale.” But, he’s not giving up.
This year the show’s live finale on December 15 in Las Vegas will not see a reunion of all 16 fighters and will only be fought between the semifinal winners.
“I didn’t get a chance to showcase my skills on the show,” said Hill. “It wasn’t me. It’s different with all the lights and cameras and applause.”
Hill hopes that he’ll get a shot at fighting in the UFC when it comes to Vancouver in 2013.
