North West River Inuk Collin Baikie wins first professional MMA fight

Collin Baikie returned to his hometown of North West River in central Labrador last week, after winning his first professional Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight in Montreal.

Baikie, 25, defeated Brett Hart​ in a lightweight bout promoted by Rivals MMA on March 13. 

"It was just one of the best feelings of my life," said Baikie, who trains at the Tristar Gym in Montreal. 

"After I won I just felt a big relief come over me just like, anything is possible."

Baikie was originally set to fight at 170 pounds against Kevin Genereux, but all of his opponents backed out. 

"I had to lose 15 pounds in two weeks," he said. "It is hard on the body, but as long as you prepare your mind to do it, it’s a lot easier."

No place like home

Baikie started with mixed martial arts when he was a teenager, and credits sports within the community as helping him become the athlete he is today. 

"I’m really proud of my Inuit heritage and I really think that’s a big part of becoming a fighter and who I am," Baikie told CBC News. "I think that having that aboriginal warrior blood in me really brings out the best in me."

Leander Baikie, Collin Baikie's father, said his son is an inspiration to the entire area. 

"[He's] very dedicated, very set on his goals, and where he wants to see himself in life," Leander Baikie said.

"It really proves that you can achieve their goals in life, if you put your time and effort into it, but it really pays off in the long run."