Young gun on the rise; Hrynchyshyn eagerly awaits next tests in new deal
By MFC Staff
From Day 1 of his MMA career, Nick Hrynchyshyn was touted as a young gun. Just two fights in, the young gun has blossomed into a potentially destructive cannon.
Eyeing a long-term future, the Maximum Fighting Championship has inked Hrynchyshyn to a new multi-fight deal, and the welterweight prospect hopes to become one of the organization's top upcoming stars.
"It is like a dream come true. There's no place I'd rather be right now," said the product of Sylvan Lake, Alberta. "The Pavelichs take good care of me and I'm stoked about the signing. Mark came up with a solid contract for me and I feel like I've found a home in the MFC and I don't plan on going anywhere for a long time.
"I think it's the best career move I could have made at this time and I know it's the best thing for me in all aspects - the money, the great competition, the organization, the promotion I get, everything. I feel very lucky."
Luck very nearly wasn't on Hrynchyshyn's side in his last outing, but the fight certainly proved one thing. Faced with adversity, the six-foot-one 170-pounder is able to pull himself out of the fire and, in the case of the fight against Jesse MacDougall, put the heat right back on his opponent. Badly cut and up against some dangerous ground-and-pound action, Hrynchyshyn was in danger for a spell, but reversed his fortunes and roughed up
MacDougall until the referee had no choice but to step in at 4:29 of Round 2. It was a far cry from his first outing when Hrynchyshyn needed all of 45 seconds to finish his outgunned foe, but it served as a stepping stone and learning experience for a developing fighter.
"I really enjoyed my last fight and I have no problem going through a war each and every time I fight," Hrynchyshyn said. "The last thing I will ever be is a boring fighter. I hear so many fighters say, 'Oh, I'll never give a boring fight' but then they get in there, take a shot and start running. We are paid to fight, that's what the fans want, this is the sport, and this is what I'm here to do.
"Every time I step into the ring I could not imagine losing the fight or even going to a decision. I'm in there to finish every time. I love strategic fights and I will showcase more of a strategy in my future fights but I will never get a few takedowns and land a couple good shots and then stay away from my opponent to take the decision.
"I am a huge fight fan. I love wars - who doesn't? But on the other hand I am a fighter and I love strategy and showcasing amazing skills so really I don't prefer either one. I love them both, but I'm always up for anything a fight brings."
There were no boring spots, lay-and-pray, or lackluster moments in the bloody battle with MacDougall. All it did was garner Hrynchyshyn a whole new set of fans amongst the sold-out crowd at MFC 22 and solidify the young fighter as a hero to the wild throng of supporters who specifically came to the show to back him.
"I love my fans - I love all MMA fans, they are why I do this," added Hrynchyshyn.
"First and foremost I fight for me to test and prove something to myself and after that I'm here for the fans. The fans are what make this sport what it is and I'm willing to put my head on the line to keep them entertained. I'm extremely happy that I have so many fans at my fights cheering for me because that shows me I'm doing something right and giving them what they want.
"I'm so grateful for all of them. My fans help give me the strength to keep pushing forward. People always ask me why I fight and I tell them because I want people to hear my name so whether they love me or hate me, cheer me or boo me, I'm happy, as long as they know it's me."
Hrynchyshyn is bound to hear his name called several times in 2010, likely starting out at MFC 24: Heat XC on Friday, February 26 at the River Cree Resort and Casino. What lies ahead is up to him - success will breed bigger challenges but that's right up Hrychyshyn's alley.
"For 2010 I just want to stay undefeated and get in some good ring experience," said Hrynchyshyn. "I didn't fight a bunch of bums in lesser organizations before moving to the MFC - I'm starting out here and it's no joke.
"This year I just want to get some experience and keep working hard and get better and better each fight. I really want to get my name out there and develop a solid fan base and let everybody see what I'm capable of and get myself prepared for some of the bigger tests later in my career.
"I hate saying it because I wish I had a more exciting answer but I don't have anyone I want to call out or anyone I'm dying to fight right now. I'm only two fights deep and I go to every show that I'm not fighting in to watch the competition and I don't have a problem with anyone in my weight class or see anyone who I'm itching to fight yet. I'm sure later this year or after a couple more fights that answer will change. I hate when fighters get that question and they say, 'Oh, whoever my promoters want me to' but I truly don't care or know of anybody so far. I want to take smart fights and come up in Heat XC and MFC properly. I'm not in a rush to get to the top guys at rapid speed but I will definitely be ready when I get the call."
