Schmit to return stronger than before

Times Reporter    

 

Strathmore’s Justin Schmit is getting back into the MMA ring after a four-month hiatus. He will be facing Devon Smith on April 25 at Century Casino in Calgary.

“I got hungry to fight again,” Schmit said. “We were supposed to fight about three years ago, but I ended up getting cut in training, so we couldn’t make it happen. He’s got a pretty well-rounded game. He’s tall, and long.”

Smith is from Saskatchewan but trains in Thailand; he’s 6’3 to Justin’s 5’10 and 220 pounds.

“I think our weight is probably close to the same,” Schmit said. “I’ve got to be patient with a guy like that, and not rush in right away. I might have to eat six or seven punches. When I do have an opportunity to get inside, I’ve got to take it. Once you’re inside, the height difference becomes a non-existent factor.”

After a passing in the family forced Schmit to take a break from MMA, he heard from a promoter in January regarding a matchup with Smith. 

After not being able to fight those three years ago, he accepted the challenge.

“I guess this is a little unfinished business,” Schmit said. “This spring, I’ve had a really solid training camp in terms of staying healthy and putting in the work.”

Schmit said he also plans on opening an MMA gym in Strathmore.

Admission at Century Casino is $60 at the door. Three undercard fights begin at 7:30 p.m., with the main card – Schmit versus Smith – beginning at 9 p.m.