FightQuest at brewery a big draw 

FightQuest 56 was one of many events in Kahnawake affected by the sudden inability of the Knights of Columbus to host gatherings in the building due to safety concerns.

But co-founder Peter Thomas said that they still managed to have their biggest event ever last Saturday, in their temporary location outside the Kahnawake Brewing Company (KBC).

Thomas said he found out on October 2 they could not use the Knights, and after trying to find alternative venues, KBC – one of FightQuest’s sponsors – agreed to host.

Thomas said they were able to fit more than 700 people in a 90-foot by 120-foot rented tent.

“We had more than enough room for our backstage, for our fighters to warm up, and for our fans,” said Thomas. Due to the chilly weather, space heaters were installed inside the tent, which combined with the body heat of the several hundred in attendance provided a comfortable environment for all.

Thomas said that it was their biggest FightQuest ever, with almost double the usual attendance they could get at the Knights.

“It went off without a hitch,” said Thomas. “The ambience, the music, the atmosphere of the crowd. It was perfect, everything ran perfectly.”

The 10-fight card saw two local up-and-coming fighters compete in losing efforts, although both fights were close.

David Beauvais lost his three-round fight by unanimous decision to Samir Dahmane, with all three judges scoring 30-27 for Dahmane.

“I didn't get the results that I wanted, but to be a part of their biggest event yet was actually pretty cool,” said Beauvais, who said the crowd on Saturday was the biggest he had ever competed in front of in his amateur career.

Beauvais said that Saturday was not exactly his best performance.

“My performance was a little lacklustre, if I’m going to be honest,” said Beauvais.

“I unfortunately lost the first exchange. My opponent had tremendous timing for his takedowns, and from there, he was able to dictate the pace of the fight.”

Beauvais said that his opponent’s takedown skills left him hesitant to go on the offensive.

“I knew the threat of the takedown was always there, and sure enough, every time I opened up, he was taking me down,” said Beauvais.

“I didn’t have the performance I was looking for, but I’m still proud to be a part of this event. I want to get back in there and make up for this. If anything, I think my opponent really lit a fire under my ass.”

Tiaohsera’te Johnson was the other Kahnawa’kehró:non on the card at FightQuest 56, and in his second ever amateur fight, he was also defeated by unanimous decision in three rounds, losing 30-27, 30-28, 29-28 to Vincent Morin-De Ruyter.

“My fight was a very back and forth match,” said Johnson. He said that he and his opponent both exchanged punches throughout the contest, with Morin-De Ruyter gaining an edge with his grappling.

“My opponent did a good job of using my aggression against me, since I went forward so much, he would use it to take me down,” said Johnson.

Despite the loss, Johnson is very motivated to continue his nascent MMA career.

“These kinds of fights are what I need early on in order to develop,” said Johnson. “If I got dominated or if I dominated my opponent, neither of us would’ve learned much, because the fight was so back and forth, we both get to look back and learn from our mistakes, but also see what worked for us.”

He was very thankful to his opponent for the match, as well as FightQuest for the opportunity.

“Even though I lost, I’m about as happy as if I had won because I get to develop,” said Johnson. “I have nothing but praise and appreciation for my opponent as well. He did amazing, and it takes two to make a great fight.”

Thomas also found that both fighters did quite well, considering their experience level. He said the more they continue fighting and honing their skills, fighting against opponents with more experience than them, the better they will become.

“You have to fight the best to be the best. That’s the way it works,” said Thomas.

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