Teddy Ash focused on the task at hand at Unified 35

Dec 7, 2018

EDMONTON — Teddy “Bear” Ash is set to defend his Unified MMA Middleweight Title at Unified 35 tonight at River Cree Resort And Casino.

Ash is hopeful that his next victory could take him to the upper echelon of the sport.

The 28-year-old Ash is weeks away from his 29th birthday and is hopeful that he’ll end 2018 with a bang.  This Friday’s fight versus American Dominique Steele will be his fourth fight of the year. This year he added a second Unified MMA belt to his collection when he defeated 11-time UFC vet Seth Baczynski in the main event of Unified 34.

Just a few days away from the big event, Ash says he’s just staying focused at this point; MMA remains his sole focus, as the Alberta talent says he’s fully committed to his goals within the sport.  

“I quit my job after a difficult fight,” Ash recalls. “I was working long hours and was taking two steps forward and one step back.  I needed to pursue MMA full time.”

This all-in attitude has moved his career forward with great momentum.  A football player growing up, Teddy Ash has been a lifelong athlete.  

“Now it’s just Sunday football with the boys,” he says with a laugh.

Ash spoke candidly about how he sees the sport progressing, mentioning advancements in training, as well as in technique and coaching or analysis of fighting.  Everything is accounted for. Every detail. He and his coaches ensure that all aspects are covered in training, to ensure the best possible outcome.

I asked, “You study the sport. You’re also a fight fan: was there anyone that you modeled yourself after? Anyone, growing up, that you looked up to or idolized?”

An emphatic, “Tie Domi,” followed, referencing the former Toronto Maple Leafs enforcer. “He was a fighter.”

No walkout song has yet been chosen by the champion. But he did mention that he’s a major proponent of local Fort McMurray artists Fire Net Time a punk rock outfit he supports.

“Walkout music is superstitious for me,” he offers. “I will often choose it before my fight just before.”

Ash appears determined to make a statement this Friday.

By Christopher Barnard (@cbarnard82)