SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - For Garry Hubert, it could be a case of third time's the charm.

Hubert has confirmed there will be a mixed-martial arts card at the Multiplex on Nov. 13 and this time, he said it's a done deal.

Yellowknife's Patrick Besarra will be front and centre at the mixed-martial arts card coming to the Multiplex on Nov. 13. - NNAL file photo

"We're going to have nine fights and they'll all be three-round fights," he said.

Hubert has tried over the past couple of years to host mixed-martial arts events in the city, only to have the rug pulled out from beneath his feet. The most infamous cancellation came in 2008 when his attempt to bring "King of the Cage" to the Multiplex was snuffed out courtesy of a scheduling conflict with the Yk Figure Skating Club's hosting of a bingo. The second attempt early in 2009 was a bust due to the Merv Hardie ferry not being able to bring the ring equipment across in time to host the event.

This time, Hubert said he made sure everything was in place to ensure there would be no problems at all.

"Putting something like this on is not easy," he said. "I lined myself up with some great people. They know what they're doing because I'm an amateur at this. They're putting the show on. I'm just opening and closing the doors."Those "people" include Keith Crawford, the director of operations with Aggression MMA, a company based out of Edmonton. There is also support from The Score television network, although the event won't be televised on that night.

Hubert said the network is taking a "wait and see" approach to the card.

"We're going to have 2,100 seats available," he said. "Their people will be coming up to see how well-attended it is and if it is well-attended, then there could be a televised card in the future here in Yellowknife."

To date, Hubert confirmed there will be at least three fighters from the NWT, including two from Yellowknife, Patrick Besarra and Tang Thongpheng. The third fighter is coming from Fort Smith.

The card has yet to be finalized, but Hubert said if the cards fall in the right places, there could be more NWT representation.

"It all depends on their physicals, like their EKG's, their heart rate, MRI, that kind of stuff," he said.

This will be the first time Besarra will have a chance to fight in his hometown and understandably, he's nervous.

"I'm excited, but nerves will be a factor," he said. "Once the cage closes, though, I'll be calm. It's going to be a big event, for sure. It's going to be a chance for Yellowknife to see what mixed-martial arts is all about."

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