Ford defends his crown for the final time against Bursell at Unified 50

Feb 8, 2023

EDMONTON – It’s “The Last Dance” for Canadian combat sports legend Ryan “The Real Deal” Ford as he enters the cage for the final time of his historic career. He defends his Unified MMA Canadian Super-Welterweight Title against American Fay Bursell at Unified 50, March 31 at River Cree Resort & Casino in Enoch, AB, LIVE on UFC Fight Pass.

A pillar of Canadian combat sports for more than a decade, Ford has enjoyed impressive careers in MMA and professional boxing. He’s made it clear that this is the final time that fans will see him in the cage as he closes the door on his historic MMA career. Ford’s MMA record is 24-5 (13 knockouts, nine submissions), including back-to-back stoppage victories on Canada’s Ultimate Proving Ground in 2022. Ford has also represented Canada as a professional boxer, boasting a 17-8 record with 12 knockouts on the international stage.

Fighting out of Washington State, Fay Bursell returns to the Unified MMA cage after earning a hard-fought victory over Ali Charkie at Unified 47 in Calgary. The fast-rising American’s record is 6-2 and he’s aiming for his third knockout victory against the outgoing legend Ford. Bursell brings a two-fight win streak heading into his title fight, and has won five of his past six bouts.

Also on Unified 50 is a highly anticipated rematch between UFC vets KB “The Bengal” Bhullar (11-4, 1 NC) and Curtis “Curtious” Millender (19-9, 1 NC), with more exciting fights to be announced soon.