The vast majority of MMA fighters will never get the chance to face one of the sport’s pioneers or legends, so when Chad Olmstead was offered an opportunity to take on 100 fight plus veteran and UFC Hall of Fame member Dan Severn, the Edmonton heavyweight knew immediately what to say.

“When I was asked to fight Dan, I was excited to be given the opportunity, but yet nervous,” said Olmstead, who was given the chance to fight the decorated fighter at King of the Cage Canada’s upcoming July 30^th, “Lock Down” event in Edmonton. “Dan is a legend in the sport and still very active. When I was asked I didn't hesitate; I instantly said yes. I know he is still dangerous, but come July 30th I will give it all I got and see where I stand against ‘The Beast’. I am honoured to fight Dan Severn.”

A lot can happen in a year-and-a-half, and if you want proof, examine the budding MMA career of Fort St. John fighter Brad Stewart. Despite having only begun training in martial arts earlier last year, the 26 year-old-fighter has wasted little time demonstrating that he’s a quick study in fighting, going 3-0 since he began competing professionally last September.

“About a year-and-a-half ago I started training,” said Stewart, who after training for approximately 4 months, fought Lee Lepoidvin at KOTC Canada’s “Disturbed” event and won by second round TKO. “I met Clint (Parker), who had been grappling for a while, he entered the NAGA grappling championship in Vegas; he knew quite a bit of stuff and we started training. Then I decided to take a fight.”

It’s been over six months now since Ryan Chiappe last competed for King of the Cage, and the Revolution fighter is hoping to change that next month. In Chiappe’s last KOTC appearance on November 28th, the former Prince George resident laid claim to the Canadian KOTC middleweight belt, by tapping out Jason Volpe in the first round. After an injury prevented Chiappe from fighting Jarid Bussemakers at KOTC Canada’s “Fearless” event in April, the renowned grappler is now hoping to compete on the promotion’s annual Rexall Place show, July 30^th.

“This would be my third Rexall show,” said Chiappe while discussing KOTC Canada’s upcoming July 30^th event in Edmonton, Alberta. “It’s the biggest venue I’ve fought in and it’s always nice. I realize the history of the building with the Oilers winning all the cups there. So anytime I can fight on a big show like that, and with it probably being a title fight for me, it should be a main event, co-main event, it’s going to be very special. When I heard about the opportunity to fight at Rexall again I definitely jumped at it.”