By Nick Dube

local sports

MMA showcase returns to Prince George

Oct 2, 2025 | 4:48 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – Fans of MMA will be making their way to the Roll-A-Dome Arena this Saturday night as the Second Annual Lheidli T’enneh Champions of the North is taking place. The event is part of a growing trend of combat sports gaining popularity in Northern British Columbia. Champions of the North will feature boxing, kickboxing, MMA, and Pro Wrestling. On the heels of last years successful first edition of Champions of the North owner of Kaiten MMA Karmjeet Manhas says he expects a full house with an evening full of combat sports.

“Last year was an absolute, totally sold out action. There will be boxing and prime time wrestling for the entertainment in between fights. There’s also going to be kickboxing and mixed martial arts. We had six guys originally on the bout from Prince George, but there’s people coming in from Saskatchewan, Vancouver, Victoria and Alberta as well.” said Manhas.

Local fighter Javier Hartgerink will be headlining the card against Victoria’s Waylon Asp. Hartgerink is coming into the fight fresh off of representing Canada at the 2025 Amazing Muay Thai World Festival. Despite not getting the results he wanted overseas after an injury cut his time short Hartgerink says it’s bouncing back that makes him a more complete fighter.

“It takes a lot of experience, time and dedication. The big thing is just having a good will and showing up every day. What’s the number one thing that makes a good fighter is showing up consistently. No matter if you fight and you lose you still got to keep coming if you want to be good. That’s what makes you a good fighter is coming back from losses and understand what that is. I’ve had some losses back in my karate days and that’s what makes me a good fighter because I understand what it’s like to lose and it’s not fun. ” said Hartgerink.

On Demand

February 24, 2026: CKPG News on Demand

12h ago

Puerto Vallarta

Family of Prince George radio host impacted by Puerto Vallarta violence

15h ago

Ukraine refugees

Ukrainian refugees remain after four years

15h ago

Lheidli T’enneh Champions of the North 2 takes place this Saturday at Prince George’s Roll-A-Dome Arena with doors opening at 5:15 p.m. and tickets are still available.