PFC - Novice Amateur Mixed Martial Arts
I love photographing fights and have photosgraphed 1000’s of them over the last 11 years.
There’s just something electric about fight night. The roar of the crowd, the sharp crack of a well-placed kick, the tension in the air as two fighters square off under the lights—it’s pure adrenaline, and I love capturing every second of it.
I had the chance to shoot at the PFC Novice Amateur MMA event recently, and let me tell you, these athletes brought everything they had to the cage. The level of heart and determination on display was unreal. Even at the novice level, these fighters showed technique, grit, and a willingness to push themselves that made for some epic moments.
As a photographer, events like this are some of my favourites. You’re constantly on your toes—tracking movement, anticipating the big hits, and trying to freeze those split-second moments of intensity in a way that does them justice. I love the challenge of working with the lighting in the cage and using angles to bring out the raw emotion of the fighters and the energy of the crowd.
What I really enjoy about the novice amateur fights is seeing people at the start of their MMA journey. It’s inspiring to watch them take that leap into the cage and test themselves in front of an audience. I can’t help but think about how many of these athletes will go on to bigger stages, and it’s cool to know I was there capturing some of their first fights.
Scroll through the shots below—you’ll see everything from big takedowns and tight submissions to the quiet moments in between rounds where fighters catch their breath and get advice from their corners. These little details tell the full story of a night like this.
I’ll definitely be back for the next PFC card. If you’ve never been to a live MMA event, you’re missing out. And if you’re one of the fighters stepping into the cage—much respect. You make my job easy by putting your heart out there for the world to see.
- Mark Ruddick Photography - My images are an exploration of the human body under muscle stress — understanding the body’s strength, flexibility, and power. Creating these images has given me a better understanding of the human form which has transitioned into my commercial fitness work.
I am a London, Ontario photographer who specializes in fitness, bodybuilding and fight photography.
I love to tell stories as anyone who's worked with me can attest. That includes visual stories through photographs. Let me tell your story and provide high impact images of you to sponsors, agencies, family or just for yourself.