Pytlik is primed for title defence
‘Pride of Kitchener’ looks to extend 7-0 record at Unified 36, and get UFC attention
KITCHENER — Somehow Pat Pytlik still has something to prove.
You’d think a perfect 7-0 mixed martial arts record — all wins by knockout — would be enough to get the attention of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
But the Kitchener native continues to chase his dream of fighting in the world’s top MMA promotion.
Pytlik was hoping for a shot after winning Unified MMA’s superlightweight strap (170 pounds) with a gutsy fifth-round knockout of Vyron Phillips this past September, but the call never came.
“I thought I was going to get picked up after my last fight,” he said. “Most people did.”
But word of the hard-hitting knockout machine sure got around.
Several agencies from across North America bid for his services. Pytlik ended up signing with Florida-based First Round Management, which also represents current UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
And now Pytlik will put his belt on the line for the first time when he takes on veteran Jake Lindsey in the main event of Unified 36 at the River Cree Resort and Casino just outside Edmonton March 1.
“When you win a title some people might say maybe it was lucky,” he said. “But I want to prove to everybody that not only am I the champ, but I also belong in the UFC.”
Deliver a devastating knockout blow and Pytlik should be able to punch his ticket into the UFC or the organization’s Contender Series, which is an online program that features fighters auditioning for contracts.
Lindsey (13-8) lost all three of his fights during his UFC run, but has also competed in Bellator MMA, another top promotion. The 32-year-old owns five submission wins, five knockouts and three decision victories.
“This is Pat’s toughest bout yet,” said Ed Kapp, director of communications for Unified MMA. “Jake Lindsey has fought at the highest level and he’s got his sights set on getting back to the UFC.”
Pytlik expects Lindsey, a proficient wrestler, to try and take the bout to the ground.
“I know he’s going to be afraid to stand with me,” he said.
“I imagine that he’s going to try and take me down and grapple. But everybody I’ve fought has tried the same thing.”
And while Pytlik has made his name with his vicious power and Muay Thai game, he’s crafty on the mat, too.
In his last scrap, Phillips tried to submit the “Pride of Kitchener” with a triangle choke, arm bar and omoplata (shoulder lock), but Pytlik escaped.
“I have pretty good wrestling and jiu-jitsu, but I’d rather keep it on the feet,” he said. “It brings risk, but I think the benefits outweigh them. I’ve been training standup most of my life and I just see myself having an edge over most guys.”
Pytlik has been training at Kitchener’s Guard House BJJ and TKO Fighting Arts, in preparation for the fight. But he’s also working with boxing coach Stevie Bailey — who also corners local Olympian Mandy Bujold — from Guelph’s TNT Boxing and Fitness Academy.
The 29-year-old heads west Sunday to hook up with his western coaching crew at Hayabusa Training Centre in St. Albert, Alta.
“This is a huge fight,” said Pytlik, who is currently looking for sponsors.
“There is a little more pressure on this one. But I’m good with pressure.”
I want to prove to everybody that not only am I the champ, but I also belong in the UFC. PAT PYTLIK MMA fighter