Mazurkiewicz wins MMA debut

Former Havre High and University of Great Falls wrestling star Myles Mazurkiewicz is still on the mat, but it’s a much different kind of mat.

On Saturday night in Great Falls, Mazurkiewicz made his Mixed Martial Arts professional debut at the Four Seasons Arena. Mazurkiewicz competed in 221 Industries’ Intense Cage Fighting 12 at the Four Seasons in front of about 1,800 loud and rowdy supporters.

The two-time Class A state champion wrestler from Havre was against local Joe McMillen, and it was a stunning debut for Mazurkiewicz, who picked McMillen up and slammed him to the mat. From the ground, it was a matter of seconds — 41 to be exact — before Mazurkiewicz caught McMillen in a guillotine choke and forced the tap for the win.

Mazurkiewicz said he started training from MMA after taking up the sport of boxing following a prosperous wrestling career with the Argos.

“It’s been a continuous evolution since I started boxing about six months ago,” the former Blue Pony told the Great Falls Tribune after his professional debut. “I felt like it was just me trying to tie my shoes. I’ve been learning to tie it with my wrestling, and now it’s time to tie ’em all into my arsenal.”

Mazurkiewicz’ first MMA fight was part of a big card of bouts inside the octagon Saturday night in Great Falls. The Main Event saw Great Falls’ native Frank Ramsey, an up-and-comer in MMA, suffer a stunning upset at the hands of Spokane’s Ryan Mulvhill.

Stay tuned to the Havre Daily News for more on Mazurkiewicz’ MMA career.