Isaiah Metituk takes on Tyrell Giselbrecht shortly, with both men making their professional debuts at Unified MMA 40. The event goes down Saturday, March 14 at River Cree Resort in Edmonton, Alberta. Unified MMA continues to carve out its place on the Canadian MMA circuit. These two fighters have a wealth of amateur experience and are both known throughout the Western Canada scene. We were fortunate enough to get some time with Metituk ahead of this pro-MMA debut.
Isaiah Metituk Q&A
Our first interview was one year ago. What would you say the biggest difference is between Isaiah Metituk then versus who you are now?
Composure. I see what I’ve planned to do in my head and come fight night I’m going to go out and execute what we’ve drilled to a science for weeks, no more doubt.
You’ve had a couple of close calls with your pro debut, fights fell short for a myriad of reasons, and now it’s finally taking place. How does it feel to be days out from the debut when you consider this timeline?
It feels like everything’s come full circle, 0-0 and a fresh canvas to paint my picture on. And I’m ready to paint a destructive masterpiece against a very tough opponent.
You said MMA saved your life (per our Champion Gym interview in March 2019). You have been at Champion since 15, homeless when you were 18. Can you put into words how much this gym has meant for you, not just on an MMA fighter development level but for providing structure to your life as a whole?
I really can’t, I would be on a totally different path in life if it wasn’t for MMA and I’m so blessed and thankful God put me in the gym and on this path.
Unified MMA 40
How has the new location for Champion Gym been treating you?
Very nice, we have even more room and top-notch mat space.
Ten years in the game and ten amateur fights. Why did now feel right to make the pro debut?
After a discussion with my coaches, we decided I’m ready to take the training wheels off and make a run at doing this for a living. A tough amateur career like I had will really pay dividends especially in the earlier part of my pro career with all the extra cage time I have.
Kajan Johnson spent time with you ahead of this fight. What kind of insights were you able to get from a UFC veteran and a truly great representative for Canadian MMA internationally?
The mental aspect more than anything. How to embrace this moment and have fun in it. You only get to make a pro debut once.
This is your debut with Unified MMA. Mostly have fought for XFFC. How does it feel to be getting ready to fight in arguably the biggest modern show in Canadian MMA?
It’s great, the more eyes the better and I look forward to shining on the biggest stage yet.
Always making predictions for MMA Empire. What’s your prediction for this fight?
My hand raised and a win to start my pro journey.
