Drew Dickson has spent years preparing for another opportunity inside the cage, and this weekend he’ll get to do it close to where his fighting career began.
The North Ridgeville native will compete on Aug. 1 during the Midsummer Clash MMA event at ForeFront Field, 2009 Baseball Blvd. in Avon, marking his first time fighting professionally in Lorain County.
“It’s definitely exciting,” Dickson said. “It’s my first time fighting in Lorain County, which is cool. I’m excited that it’s on a baseball field. This is only my second time ever fighting outdoors, so I’m hoping the weather holds up.”
Dickson will face Tyreace Wilbourn in one of the night’s featured bouts. Both fighters are searching for their first professional victory.
Dickson began wrestling in middle school before continuing the sport through high school and college at Kent State University.
After college, he transitioned into mixed martial arts, making his amateur debut in 2017.
“I took my first amateur fight in October 2017,” he said. “I ended up having 10 amateur fights and finished 9-1 before making the move to the pros.”
His fighting career was temporarily put on hold as he built a career in real estate.
“I had about a four-year layoff,” Dickson said. “A lot of that had to do with getting involved in real estate. Now I’m back at it and getting ready for my second pro fight.”
Dickson said he’s confident heading into Saturday after months of training.
“I feel good,” he said. “I’m confident in the work I’ve put in to this point, and I’m ready to showcase it Saturday night.”
He expects an entertaining matchup against Wilbourn.
“I think both me and my opponent need a win here,” Dickson said. “I think it sets up for a fun, technical, high-paced fight.”
The event also gives friends and family from Lorain County a chance to watch him compete without traveling far from home.
“It’s probably about as close to my hometown as I’ll ever fight,” he said. “It’s a good opportunity for people around the area to come out and see me.”
Saturday’s card is part of Midsummer Clash, a two-day combat sports weekend at ForeFront Field.
The weekend begins on July 31, with live boxing presented as part of the Legends Fight Series, marking the first boxing event ever held at the stadium. Action continues on Aug. 1, with the third live MMA event hosted at ForeFront Field this year.
Both events begin at 7 p.m., with gates opening at 6. General admission tickets start at $20, while VIP and ringside seating are also available.
Dickson said the event is a chance for longtime fight fans and newcomers alike to experience the sport.
“It’s a good opportunity to see some of the up-and-coming fighters and guys just starting their careers,” he said. “It’s something different than your normal night out.”
For those interested in pursuing MMA themselves, Dickson said success requires commitment.
“You can’t really be half in and half out,” he said. “You have to be disciplined and willing to learn every aspect of the sport. If you’re driven and enjoy having goals to work toward, it can be a great path.”
