By Craig Beauchemin

Moosomin First Nation fighter looks for professional life in the cage

May 4, 2016 | 12:00 PM

Darnell Chakita wants to be a professional MMA fighter by 2020 and, if his first career amateur fight is any indication, he’s off to a successful start.

Chakita, a member of both the Moosomin and Mosquito First Nation, fought Dawson Armstrong at the Rumble in the Cage event in Lethbridge April 16, winning by arm bar in the second round.

“I have a string of family that likes fighting and I just kind of fell into it too. Seeing them work out, you have nothing else to do so you train too,” Chakita explained.

Chakita’s father Clifton is one of his trainers. The fighter said he enjoys the extra time he’s able to spend with his father. While dad mostly helps with Jiu-Jitsu, Chikita’s brother teaches him kicks and his boxing coach trains his hands.

Chakita trains three times a week at Chakita Mixed Martial Arts in North Battleford with a variety of training exercises.

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“We do some wrestling, jiu-jistu and I also run a kids boxing class. The class was just something I wanted to do to get more involved, and it helps keep me in better shape,” he said.

Chakita said he didn’t change his training regime to get ready for his Lethbridge fight, as he is constantly working to get better.

The Rumble in the Cage event is Canada’s longest running MMA event. It began in 2000 and features twice annual fight cards of both professional and amateur fighters.

cjnbsports@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @craig_beauch