Merrick Duggan Pauses Retirement for Last Dance at Unified 39
Nov 25, 2019
EDMONTON — After half a decade away from the cage, one of the biggest stars in the history of Unified MMA, Merrick Duggan, is stepping back into the spotlight at Unified 39.
“I never miss a Unified show as a fan and I’m friends with a lot of the athletes. The itch to compete never left,” says Duggan, now a successful real estate agent in Edmonton, ahead of his rematch with former Unified champ Tim “Shady” Smith on Dec. 6 at River Cree Resort & Casino in Enoch, AB.
Whether it’s in business or in the cage, Duggan is a competitor by nature. When presented with an opportunity to avenge one of his losses on the final Unified event of 2019, he happily obliged.
“Turning this opportunity down is something I’d definitely regret down the road,” Duggan, now 8-2 as a professional fighter, says. “The opportunity came up and I jumped in feet-first!”
Stepping back into training camp was a jarring experience, Duggan admits, especially under the Shaved Bears banner — a team that boasts a number of current and former Unified MMA champions.
“I haven’t won a lot of rounds in training,” he says with a laugh, “but I’m going to win the three rounds that matter on fight night.
“Obviously I want that W,” he adds. “I’m training hard, I’m going for the finish, and I’m going to be prepared for the fight wherever it goes. Whether it’s KO, submission, I’m coming for it hard.”
How would Duggan like to be remembered after the final bout of his career?
“Hopefully as classy,” he says, smiling. “A game, prepared opponent, a helpful training partner and good student. Someone who respects their opponent and the sport itself.”
