Local Mixed Martial Artist stuck in limbo

Stoney Creek born Mixed Martial Artist Josh Hill has had a very successful career so far, fighting his way to a 9-0 record since his first professional fight back in October of 2009. His rise to the top however, along with many other top Ontario-based martial artists has been delayed by rumours that new owners Rogers Media will be shutting down The Score Fighting Series (SFS), one Canada’s largest Mixed Martial Arts promotions.

Despite a release on The Score Fighting Series Facebook Page, Hill heard for himself the fate of SFS.

“I actually got a call from the president of the Score Fighting Series himself, Brendan Fyfe,” said Hill. “He told me they’re done, its over. Rogers bought The Score; they were in talks with them about the future of the SFS. Then they fired everybody from the Score Fighting Series and put the kibosh on it.”

Born in 2011, SFS helped multiple Canadian fighters such as Chris Clements and Antonio Carvalho get recognized by larger promotions such as the UFC, an opportunity that now might not be available to local talent.

“It really sucks for me and any Ontario fighter,” said Hill. “All the guys that were coming up through the SFS making a name for themselves. Now really there’s nothing in Ontario… it was probably the best promotion in Canada.”

Hill is now doing his best to stay as active as he can and get inside the ring as soon as possible.

“I got my manager out their trying everything just to get me out somewhere to fight,” said Hill. “There are a few things in the works but they are coming in June or July. I want to fight in April or early May and fight again in June. As of right now everything in just in talks nothings for sure yet, I’m just trying to find something.”

The disappointing news is the second big delay Hill’s career has faced in the last year. Just weeks before a scheduled fight against American fighter Rafael Robello (9-4), Hill suffered an ankle injury that forced him out of the bought and out of training.

It was brutal just cause of the timing of it, just coming off a big win,” said Hill. “I was going to fight again for The Score in Hamilton, in my hometown; I was really looking forward to it. I am disappointed with it but there’s nothing I can do about it.”

Though he still has to deal with finding his next chance to step inside a ring, Hill is still happy that the ankle no longer an issue.

“I’m back to one hundred percent,” said Hill. “I came back right after new years and I’ve been training hard ever since. I’ve been helping other guys get ready for fights but I can’t find a fight myself which is brutal.”

Despite the setbacks, Hill is still focused on training hard and earning himself a trip to the UFC.

I need to keep fighting; I don’t want to sit on the shelf,” said Hill. “I doubt they (UFC) are bringing any new guys in right now, I think they are going to try to clean house then maybe rebuild and bring some new blood in, that’s what I’m hoping anyway.”

Regarded as one of the top bantamweight fighters outside of the UFC, Hill is confident that with one or two more wins he will get his invitation.

You can follow Josh Hill on Twitter, @gentlemanjhill