Canadian MMA 2026 New Year's Resolutions
Every December MM-EH reaches out to the fighters, coaches, promotors, and other stakeholders in the Canadian mixed martial arts community, and asks them to share their resolutions for the following year.
This year we had an incredible response.
All of the major Canadian and international fight organizations are represented.
I am confident that I have forgotten to invite more than a few who really should have been included, and for that I sincerely apologize. This was a pretty big undertaking this year.
I would like to thank everyone who took time out of their busy holidays to give thoughtful and sincere insight into what they hope for themselves in the coming year.
Keep fighting the good fight everyone, and enjoy the read.
Sincerely,
Andy Cotterill
(MM-EH Andy)
PS- Every name is linked to the person’s Instagram page, so check them out and give them a follow!
Saeed Abi-Issa – I wanna be as active as possible in the new year going pro. I wanna be one of the top prospects by the end of 2026 to make it to the UFC in 2027.
Mo Ado – Get back on my winning streak! And be more active in 2026!
Erfan Ahangarian – My resolution for 2026 is working on my fight skills to earn 3, 4 wins and can get my UFC contract through DWCS. Also wish everyone especially fighters health, happiness and a happy new year.
Amin Almelik – Continue to enjoy life get a couple of fights make it to the UFC. Understand it’s a journey and that I’m blessed to be chasing my childhood dreams.
Chad Anheliger (UFC) – In 2026, I’m excited to show off all my hard work over the last year. I have been out of action for a year with injury, but have been able to work hard and improve my physicality! I’m coming back bigger, stronger and more powerful than I have ever been. I’m ready to remind everyone why I’m one of the best in the world!
Aiden Appel – Stay as active as possible and win an ammy title or two.
Adam Assenza – This year, my focus is simple: steady improvement, service to others, and the discipline to meet every opportunity with purpose.
Marc-André Barriault (UFC) – So my 2026 resolution is to simply keep moving forward and staying open to all the amazing opportunities that this journey brings to me!
Kevin Bastien-Popowick – My new year’s resolution is to wear my seat belt this year.
Derek Bergen – My goal for 2026 is to keep improving and continue my winning streak in the cage, as well as continue getting better at coaching and as a cornerman.
César Bonilla – My goal for 2025 was to get back into the win column and i managed to string together an undefeated 2025 with a 3 fight win streak. My goal in 2026 as my final year as a pro, is to keep the streak going end my career with a banger in the summer time hopefully fighting in Toronto and get a bunch of my killers coming up to shine in the spotlight!
Leo Bonin – My new years resolution is to fight another banger March 27th on Unified and then go for the belt in my division. No padding the record for this guy. PED testing this year is gonna weed out a lot of guys in my division. I believe my fight against Nick Leblanc has situated me at the top in Canada. This year is gonna be the year I get the UFC’s attention.
Aaron Bronsteter (Sportsnet) – It’s simple this year – less time on my phone, more substantive time with my loved ones.
Gabriel Brown – Same goals going into 2026; keep honing my fight skills, entertain the Unified MMA fans and challenge for the Unified Flyweight title.
Justin Bruckmann – Build community. Help create strong, confident young men and women through martial arts. Eat Less cheese.
Kristopher Bryan – With Jehovah first, I fight with discipline, build my business with purpose, love my woman fiercely, lead my dogs strong—and rise again as a champion. New class. New build. New goals. This is the way.
Valentyn Bulat – In 2026, my goal is to have 3–4 more fights and stay undefeated. I want to grow as a fighter, learn as much as possible, and improve in every area. Most importantly, I want to stay healthy, keep moving forward, and continue training hard. And of course, to keep traveling and exploring the world.
Alex Caporicci (Unified MMA Matchmaker) – For 2026, I want to keep helping Canadian MMA grow by creating more opportunities for up-and-coming fighters, putting on great events, and continuing to move the sport forward in a positive way.
Pat Carroll – 2026 I’m coming in bigger, stronger, faster.
Nick Castiglia – Continue to help martial arts school owners take their schools to the next level with Legacy Martial Arts Consulting!
Derek Clarke (Fight League Atlantic) – Personally, I want to see Abdel Abdelaziz in the UFC & continue to grow our promotion to new heights while highlighting the talents of Canadian athletes. I would also love to be on the mats as much as possible this year with my kids BJJ program & maybe compete a couple times at Black Belt!. Happy New Year to everyone.
Chris Clements (UFC Veteran) – Turning 50 in February. Working on being in the best shape of my life even better than when I was in the UFC. Also looking to expand my teaching expertise on the mechanics of striking.
Alana Cook – In 2026, I want to capture my first Pro belt, fight overseas, and keep becoming the best fighter I can be! But above all… practice gratitude.
Jake Craig – In 2025 I’d like to remain healthy. Defend the Unified Light Heavyweight belt. Id like to fight again in boxing. Compete in Jiu Jitsu. Aside from martial arts, I’d like to begin to further my education and volunteer more. Id like to see my teammates at Shaved Bears MMA, and Alliance Boxing club continue their success.
Melissa Croden (UFC) – Moving into the new year after earning my UFC contract, my focus is shifting from simply “getting there” to elevating and refining my craft. In 2026, I want to stay active, aiming for at least four fights and with each one, showcase more creativity, confidence, and freedom in my movement. I’m especially committed to evolving my striking so I can express my full potential inside the cage. This year is about proving that I belong and that I’m only just getting started.
Radley Da Silva – New Year’s Resolution is to get 2 more fights and finishes in the books before they start making match ups for contenders series and get in there again and get another win, this time showcasing my full potential. To improve as a martial artist and improve on my physicality. To create more great memories with my young daughter, wife, teammates, and friends.
Adam De Freitas – Prove to these young guys that with proper planning and a good check hook, no one is safe. I also want to show my sons with every fight I take in 2026, how a man wins with honour or loses with dignity. That there is no excuse for leaving that ring with anything but self respect.
Anis Dehiles – My goal for 2026 is to be the best MMA amateur fighter in Europe in my division.
Luc de Ste Croix – My goals for 2026 are to fight 3 times and get 3 wins, as well to make more money along the way.
Jo Duarte – Athletically my goals are to stay healthy, continue getting stronger and smarter in the cage, and fight professionally. Personally a goal I am always working on is staying present and slowing down a bit to appreciate every minute of our son growing up, while still putting the work in to chase what’s worthwhile to me. And HAVE FUN doing it!
Jarred Dumond – Don’t die and keep on keeping on.
Fred Dupras – Get some W and be the best Dad I can be.
Nick Felber – My goal for 2026 is to continue growing my bare knuckle record and become ranked for BKFC. I would also like to break into dirty boxing, Mike Perry’s promotion.
Chris Franco – My New Years Resolution is continuing to operate a great community program in Vancouver for children, teens and adults. Maintaining the level of excellence established and offering the students of FKP my very best. Also wanting to take my wife and daughter on a trip to visit their family in Italy for the very first time.
Gino Ghalehpardaz – Compete 5 times next year across all disciplines (with at least 3 in MMA). Learn more about maximizing the full potential of the human body, mind and spirit and applying that knowledge. Read 8 books. Continue to learn more about economics, finances and the psychology and science of money. Become more handy. Grow our gym. (Bonus: finish up my tattoos lol)
Lance Gibson Jr (UFC) – I’d like to continue to spread love, light, and positivity. I will continue to inspire others by following my dreams with unwavering faith.
Lance Gibson Sr (UFC Veteran) – As I step into 2026, my intention is simple — to live in harmony and peace. To keep inspiring, healing, and helping others grow through Martial Arts and my Men’s Retreats… and to keep honouring my creative path by booking more acting roles in film and television. Always evolving. Always serving. Always fearless.
Rory Gillis – I want to beat someone I’m supposed to lose to.
Faber Glace – For 2026 I just want to continue what I started in 2025 and keep advancing even though the unknown is uncomfortable.
Taj Gordon – Get good.
Scott Heathcote (2025 UWW MMA Amateur World Champion) – This year I don’t just train harder — I train smarter. Every round has a purpose, every weakness gets hunted, and every day I become harder to beat than yesterday.
Josh Hill – Enjoy the hell out of this final chapter of my career.
Mark Holst (UFC Veteran) – My goals for 2026 are to continue growing the GB Ottawa fight team amateurs and pros. Hoping for the amateur fighters to bring in as many titles as last year and also have a few of them turn pro. Also looking forward to spend more time with my wife and 2 boys watching them grow.
Mark Hominick (UFC Vet) – We had a strong second half of the year with our young fighters, so we’re focusing on carrying them momentum moving forward. We won our last seven fights of the year, which was motivating for the young guys. My daughters are in grade 7 and 9 and are both busy with BJJ and soccer so focus on helping them through that as well.
Jamey Lyn Horth (UFC) – For 2026, my focus is on showing up every day as a professional, training smarter, taking care of my body, and continuing to grow both inside the cage and within the Canadian MMA community. I want to keep pushing myself while being a good teammate, competitor, and role model.
Jasmine Jasudavicius (UFC) – My hope, desire and goal for 2026 is to be world champ.
Aaron Jeffery – Don’t die, and be nice.
Matthew Jelly – My goal for 2026 is to keep helping win fights and branch into new avenues of sport… then maybe end up in a civil war, who knows.
Charles Jourdain (UFC) – Find way to do tax evasion. Take undetectable steroids. Happy New Year!
Jeremy Kennedy (PFL) – My goals for 2026 are 3 big wins at lightweight, have a second child, and begin planning the opening of my martial arts gym.
Bojan Kladnjaković – Very grateful for the year I had in 2025. Many accomplishments achieved. For 2026 my only real resolution is to walk again, regain my health, and return to the mats by this time next year when MM-EH asks me what my 2027 resolutions are.
Josh Kwiatkowski – In 2026 I want to have 3 wins, starting Feb 19th with a highlight, then sneak one more fight in before my wedding and honeymoon. 2025 was my best year to date so I wanna keep the momentum continuing becoming a better fighter, coach, partner, brother and person. Much love and god bless everyone.
Dejan Kajic – This year I’m hopping to have at least 1-3 fights, and I’m going to focus on doing more grappling tournaments and compete as much as I can.
Yohan Lainesse (UFC Veteran) – I want a belt and comeback in the UFC. I want to test myself against the best in the world. My gym is now very well fixed I have 3 golden globe champions in boxing and prospects in amateur MMA. I want more kids. Life is good.
Josh Lam – My 2026 resolution is to have 2-3 fights.
Mac Laursen – I just wanna make my dad proud and show him I’m not a failure and become the fighter I’m supposed to be!
Hunter Lee – Goal for 2026 is to add 4-5 more finishes to my record. Maybe another twister too, that would be cool.
Tommy Morrisson – 2025 has been a good year and I’m grateful for everything it brought. In 2026, I plan to keep building on my momentum. Having completed my computer engineering degree, I will be able to focus fully on MMA. I will continue to live by my pillars: hard work, discipline, consistency. 2026 will be an important year in my career, my biggest to date, and I’m excited for it!
Willow Morton – My goals this year: be grateful, keep being me and living my dreams!
Cam Nelson – Ideally fight 3 times and keep on improving everyday!
Kyle Nelson (UFC) – My new year’s resolution is to spend as much time with my family as possible, fight 3 times in the UFC, and get a full time firefighting position.
Fawaz Olayemi – Mine are to continue to get better at jiu jitsu and judo and keep improving as a father, husband and, person… and maybe try to eat less sweets.
Nicolas Ouellet – My goal for 2026 is to stay healthy and keep fighting as often as possible against the toughest guys. I want to continue gaining experience against the top guys in the country and put on exciting fights and finish the year with a win streak.
Aso Palani – My 2026 MMA goals are to keep improving and have 3-4 fights and win the BFL titles.
Marta Pankiv – I’m looking forward to a few more fights and to put a new belt on my shoulder – then signing with the UFC, seeing my dreams come true, and making my family proud.
Keanan Patershuk – This year’s focus is simple. A couple more regional fights, then being ready when the UFC call comes. Whether that’s a prelim opportunity or Contender Series, the goal is to end the year fighting as a UFC athlete, while improving every day as a man, a father, and a husband.
Edwyn Petrea – My main goal for 2026 is to make a major step in my career by transitioning to the professional level. This is the change I’ve been working toward, and I truly feel ready for it — both physically and mentally. I am training harder than ever, working closely with my father every day, and preparing alongside one of the best teams in the world at Tristar Gym in Montreal, under the guidance of coach Firas Zahabi. Having such an elite environment around me pushes me to improve constantly. I’m also grateful to have Kru Alin by my side, supporting my development and keeping me focused. I feel confident, motivated, and extremely well prepared. I can’t wait to show what I’m capable of and prove myself at the next level. See you in 2026.
Shion Phelan – My New Year’s resolution is to level up my martial arts across the board, achieve higher education, and fight at least 3 times.
Geno Poirier – My goal is to fight at least 4 times this year and get closer to the big league.
Olivier Poisson – Just keep winning . Keep training and improving my game . I would like to be 8-1 by the end of the year and looking for good opportunity.
Adam Posener – Goals for 2026 are to start the year off with an impressive finish Febuary 19th, and if I get the opportunity I’m going to take it, get my UFC contract, and maybe get a UFC debut. But if I don’t get the shot after BFL 86 then I will get another impressive finish on the regional scene and get on the tail end of contender series and earn my shot in the UFC.
Anton Potocki – My goals for 2026 include making a successful return to the cage, having an active competition year, and to be more of service to my teammates and students.
Zack Powell – Just be the best possible dad I can be!
Kyle Prepolec (UFC) – To keep what I’m doing at the highest level and get back on a good win streak. With that being said get that win streak and get another contract with the UFC and keep going till I can’t no more. Aside from fighting I’m doing my best to become the best father of two so far and husband while balancing work life and home life.
Chris Prickett – My New Year’s Resolution is to continue growing as a coach while helping my athletes develop, improve, and reach their full potential.
Clayton Pye – Learn how to speak Farsi.
Davis Rapagna – In 2026, I will continue growing on my personal journey by seeking meaning each day, staying active in competition though new challenges, and being more intentional with the people I care about.
Faisal Rehman – The last year has been a rough one for our planet. War, injustice, poverty, bigotry and homelessness have dominated the news. My New Year’s resolution is that I hope that in my own small way, I can be a part of bringing our local communities together to effect positive change for all of us.
Luke Roberts – Get more fights and help the upcoming pros and ammys.
Ramston Rodrigues – My New Year’s resolution for 2026 is to be a better human being! Hopefully get more opportunities to showcase the work I have been putting in over the years!
Tony Rojas – My goals are to stay as active as possible and fight minimum 2 times. I’m hoping to continue growing and by the end of 2026, being a lot closer to a DWCS or UFC shot.
Jesse Ronson (UFC Veteran) – Win the BKB light heavyweight title in March. Be the 1st Canadian bare knuckle champion ever, then win the Gamebred bare knuckle MMA 170 title in May. A 2 sport champion. Then fight Mike Perry and make big bucks.
Ligrit Sadiku – My New Year’s resolution is to focus on building and maintaining daily habits that support growth across all areas of my life and set the foundation for long-term success.
Gabe Sagman – My goal is to keep growing as a person outside of the cage. In 2025 I was able to stay involved as a coach and referee. 2026 will see another big return to fighting. I’ve got plenty more left in the tank!
Mostafa Salehizadeh – For 2026, my main goal is very clear: to reach the UFC. I’m fully committed to taking the next step in my career and proving that I belong at the highest level. Another important objective for me this year is to stay active and bring my professional record to 10–0 through consistent performances, discipline, and growth, both as a fighter and as a person.
Louie Sanoudakis – My goal for 2026 is to be as active as I can, stay in the win column, and keep pushing forward. Wherever it is, whether it’s competing locally, or somewhere bigger, I just wanna keep evolving and show my years of experience. I just want my sons to be able to watch me when they’re older and say, “wow, my dad did some cool stuff when I was growing up.” That’s my hopes and dreams, man. Simple.
Sunny Sareen (Unified MMA) – 2026 will be the biggest year yet for Unified. All the best to everyone working hard to grow combat sports in Canada.
Cole Smith (UFC Veteran) – After hitting our goal of 3 events this year, we’re hoping to do another 3 for 2026 including our first MMA show.
Matt Smith – 2025 was definitely a year. Frustrating and heartbreaking to say the least. It was a year full of injuries and the one fight I had I still to this day believe I was a robbed of a win. That being said I have been grinding harder than ever. 2026 is going to be a big year for me. My plan is to get as active as possible and to finish all of my fights. No more decisions! Here’s to the future and 2026. Happy New Year to all!
Tim “Shady” Smith – Continue to grow as a human in all areas! Keep my relationships with my friends, family, girlfriend, and work healthy! Stay fit, win a few fights and get a chance to fight for the Unified MMA 165 title!
Nelson Spreeuw – I feel like I have the same New Year’s Resolution every year and it’s just to keep having more fun this year than I did last year.
Sam Stout (UFC Veteran) – I’d say this year my resolution is to stay the course. Obviously there is always room for improvement and I’ll try to be a better father, husband, coach and man every day.
Tim Tamaki – To be grateful, to be kind, and to give back. I want to fight a few more bare knuckle bouts of any rule set. Fight a YouTuber or influencer and get paid. Then run off into the sunset with someone if she is cool.
Hannah Taylor (Olympic Wrestler) – In 2026, I’ll be trading my wrestling boots for MMA gloves and making my amateur debut. My goal is to stay committed to the work, trust my coaches, grow with my teammates, and establish myself as a top-125 athlete in the country.
Tom Theocharis – My main goal for 2026 is to stay healthy and injury-free and to be grateful that I still get to compete as an athlete. From a career standpoint, I want to get two wins before June, or by June, and put myself in position for a Contender Series opportunity or a short-notice UFC fight this year. Everything I’m doing is about being ready when that call comes.
Damonte Wilson – New Year’s resolution is to return the fight game healthy and fully myself. After a year off, I’ve been itching to remind the people why you buy a ticket when I fight.
Ryan Yapsam – My goals for 2026 are to be more active with my pro career and get at least three wins this year all finishes.
Mel Zeman – My resolution is to never get hip tossed again. And also to punch as many people as possible.
Andy Cotterill – My resolutions are professional and personal. First, I will stay focused on making the Andy Cotterill Presents… podcast a special place where my guests can feel comfortable enough to open up and share their true selves. I will continue to attend MMA events and share the stories of the people involved in the Canadian MMA community. Personally, I will try even harder to stay connected with my daughter, and continue to try my best to be a force of light in the universe, spreading positivity, appreciation, and gratitude with everyone I interact. Finally, 3 years post-divorce I’m finally ready to find an amazing lady with whom to build a beautiful life and family.
