THE CANADIAN PRESS
WINDSOR, Ont. — It was a night to remember for Ali (The Monster) Mokdad.
The 28-year-old construction worker from Windsor brought the crowd to its feet Friday as he upset Andreas (The Sweet Swede) Spang at "MFC 29: Conquer."
Mokdad was the only one of three local mixed martial arts fighters to win on the night and he did it in style. He also managed to do it despite being a 5-1 underdog, according to MFC president Mark Pavelich.
"It’s a dream come true," Mokdad said. "I’ve been waiting for this for a long time, to finally be able to fight in Windsor for the MFC and at the casino. It doesn’t get any better than this."
Spang (5-1) started well but lost position and Mokdad (4-0) was quick to take advantage, latching a rear naked choke on the Las Vegas-based Swede, who tapped at 1:35 of the first round.
"The game plan was to take him down. I did that," said Mokdad, who was born in Beirut, Lebanon but has lived in Canada since he was five.
Mokdad has been fighting as a pro for just three years, taking up MMA after wrestling and kickboxing.
"I’m laid off in the winter so I’ve got all the time to be at the gym," he said with a smile as he walked off with his glass trophy for submission of the night.
Mokdad said he didn’t sleep a wink the night before the fight.
"I was just so fired up. I tried sleeping today in the (hotel) room. Nothing. I’ve been fired up the last two days. I was a little worried because I thought I was going to drain myself. I was a little nervous but I had all my family and friends behind me."
Asked how many people he had in the arena, he replied: "I think the whole place. You heard it … An amazing night."
Mokdad is used to fighting in his opponent’s home town.
"I’m usually getting booed. So to get cheered is an amazing feeling."
Pavelich loved what he saw from the local hero.
"Spang beat some really good guys coming into this fight and Ali Mokdad made him look like he’s never fought before."
