VIDEO: Nanaimo athlete impresses during amateur MMA debut

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VIDEO: Nanaimo athlete impresses during amateur MMA debut

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Speaking to NanaimoNewsNOW in what little free time he has, Robinson expanded on his MMA journey while on a break at a Malahat granite quarry.

“I love working and I love training dearly, so it’s a hard split,” the endearing Robinson said.

He didn’t envision himself fighting as a potential career choice when he was younger since Robinson had other interests.

A devoted hockey player as a physical defenceman, Robinson played for both the VIJHL’s Nanaimo Buccaneers and Oceanside Generals.

Robinson then made a rare late shift at 18-years-old to junior football with no experience to suit up as a defensive lineman for his hometown VI Raiders.

While his team sports background helped prepare Robinson for MMA, he admitted entering his first fight was surreal.

No teammates were around to pass a puck to or help sack a quarterback.

It was all on Robinson.

“It was definitely a different feeling standing in the tunnel before walking out there coming to the realization of ‘oh man, this is all on me, I’ve got to perform.'”

At just over 6’0″ and 205 pounds, Robinson fights in the light heavyweight division.

He heard positive feedback from people connected to the MMA community, as well as from Total Fight League, which staged last weekend’s event.

Robinson’s arm is raised following a dominant amateur MMA debut. (Image Credit: Submitted photo)

Robinson wants to build up his resume and experience as an amateur with several fights before hopefully turning professional at some point in the not too distant future.

He admits there have been “mixed reviews” from people close to him, such as his parents, about transitioning from MMA training to competing.

Robinson said he’s being realistic about the dangers of the sport and is proceeding in a measured fashion.

“What I’ve rationalized is that as long as I can show up to work on Monday and continue to perform in a professional manner at work, be able to pay my mortgage, and be a functioning member of society, then I would love to keep doing this for as long as I possibly can.”

Backed by an athletic and muscular pedigree, Robinson was looking for his next challenge when his football days were over and dedicated himself to MMA training.

Robinson dominated the entire fight. (Image Credit: YouTube/Total Fight League)

Robinson, a Dover Bay Secondary School graduate, credits Black Rock Martial Arts for giving him the tools and support to pursue his new dream.

Marco Viedas, owner/general manager of Black Rock Martial Arts, attended Robinson’s debut fight.

“He came out super aggressive and absolutely mauled the guy like a bear and basically had him in every single position, Nick had his way with him completely,” Viedas said.

Calling Robinson’s ascent to an amateur MMA debut in under two years shorter than most devoted competitors, Viedas said Robinson is a fast learner and “incredibly disciplined.”

He said the multidisciplinary aspect of MMA is far more complex than training for a competitive boxing, kickboxing, or Jiu-Jitsu match.

Viedas credits Robinson’s background in team sports, combined with a consistent training and nutrition routine, for giving him a strong foundation and growth trajectory.

“All of these things translate well into mixed martial arts, so having that athletic background really helps.”

Strength, being quick and explosive, are crucial attributes Robinson effectively deploys, Viedas noted.

“His striking is looking more fluid, his wrestling is extremely strong, and he’s getting a lot better at jiu-jitsu and his submissions too, he’s picking up everything very quickly.”

Since Robinson escaped his first amateur MMA bout relatively unscathed, Viedas said preliminary conversations are underway for Robinson to fight again in November at a Total Fight League event.

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