Collin Baikie fighting in MMA TKO match, moves closer to UFC dream

Collin Baikie, a mixed martial artist from North West River, is one step closer to fulfilling his dream to compete in the UFC.

Recently, the Labrador man announced that he will be competing in a TKO event — a Canadian MMA organization — later this year.

"TKO means the door is open for me to do what I always dreamed of," Baikie said.

The organization has seen some big names pass through it over the years, including Georges St. Pierre, a three-time former Welterweight Champion of the UFC.

Baikie has been practicing MMA for several years and aspires to compete on the main stage in the UFC.

"You're in the gym everyday," he says. "You're putting in the work, you're learning new things about yourself and you go out there and you give it everything you've got."

"It's been a roller coaster ride fighting for different organizations, TKO is a very professional organization and they manage their fighters very well," Baikie told CBC's Labrador Morning.

TKO is a professional MMA organization in Montreal, and they're going to be streaming fights on UFC Fight Pass.

'Proud to represent Labrador'

TKO is the same organization that George St. Pierre, David Loiseau, Ivan Menjivar, Patrick Cote fought in TKO and worked their way into the UFC, and now Baikie is hoping this will be his stepping stone to one day becoming an Ultimate Fighting Champion.

When Baikie is home in Labrador he helps train the wrestling team.

"We've got some young kids coming up that are definitely potential superstars."

Baikie will be competing against Brazilian MMA fighter Davis Dos Santos on Nov. 4. The fight will be streamed on TKO36.

"I'm proud to represent Labrador," he said. "I'm thankful for all my support, for all the people that come up to me and congratulate me."