FIGHT XCHANGE, a 10 part Canadian documentary series
Exploring the inside world of MMA fighting,
Premieres May 3 on Super Channel
Some compete for fame, some for honour, and others to put food on the table; FIGHT XCHANGE examines the culture of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) from two different cultural perspectives and peers inside the sport as never before on television. The 10 part documentary series from IMC, Nomad Films and Rebel Media Ventures International, premieres Friday, May 3 at 8:30 p.m. ET on Super Channel, Canada’s only national English pay-television network.
“FIGHT XCHANGE dispels many myths about MMA and shows that it takes not only multidisciplinary athleticism, but honour and respect to achieve greatness,” said Mark Johnston, Director and Writer. “But perhaps more importantly, the series looks at the important role that women play in shaping this emerging sport. FIGHT XCHANGE presents a raw and very real glimpse into the passion, pain, angst and elation these young athletes experience, even before stepping foot into the cage.”
FIGHT XCHANGE is an intimate and emotional portrait of six up and coming MMA fighters who travel overseas to train with some of the sport’s best in an effort to achieve their dreams of succeeding as professional MMA fighters, all while preparing for fights against their host‐countries toughest contenders.
Best described as an exchange program for MMA, we follow these young athletes, three from Toronto and three from the tough streets of Rio de Janeiro, on their life‐changing journey across two continents as they condition themselves physically and mentally for the biggest fights of their young careers. They grapple with their own humanity, physical limitations and mental toughness all while struggling with culture shock and language barriers as they try to move up the ladder of the MMA world.
“With our unique approach to storytelling, FIGHT XCHANGE is sure to be a hit amongst fans of the sport,” said Aaron Avruskin, Producer and Executive. “But non-fans will also be drawn in by the stories of our compelling characters, and the often painful sacrifices they make in pursuit of achieving their dreams”.
“Super Channel is thrilled to be part of a series that gives us a glimpse behind the scenes of this fascinating sport” added Marguerite Pigott, Head of Creative Development for Super Channel. “But what’s really special about Fight Exchange is that it reaches beyond the core audience for MMA by telling compelling, surprising stories of unforgettable athletes who are fighting for goals that mean the world to them.”
Filmed within the hallowed halls of NOVA UNIAO Brazil and EVOLUCAO THAI Toronto, the audience will learn to appreciate the world’s fastest growing sport by examining the fighter’s life: the bone‐jarring workouts, the oft bloody sparring sessions, the brutal weight cuts, as well as the dedication required to succeed in the tough world of MMA.
FIGHT XCHANGE is written and directed by Mark Johnston. Director of Photography is Russell Gienapp, Editor, Michael Morrow and features an Original Score by Michael Hanson. The series’ Executive Producers are Shon Gill, Mark Johnston, Aaron Avruskin and Nikki Burns-Gill, with Amanda Handy and Aaron Avruskin as Producers.
FIGHT XCHANGE is produced in association with Super Channel and with the financial participation of the Rogers Telefund and with the assistance of The Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit and The Ontario Media Film and Television Tax Credit.
