Saskatoon teen hopes to hit the big time in MMA

For Lucas Oanta, the road to success requires intense focus, determination, a strict diet and a lot of physical training.

Lucas was born in Canada to a Brazilian mother, Lucia, and a Romanian father, Sebastian. Both of them are supporting his dream of becoming a UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) competitor.

The 19-year-old lives in Saskatoon now, and works full time at a Co-op. The Martensville High School graduate has also been training in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) since he was 12 years old.

The combat sport combines various types of martial arts, including Thai boxing (Muay Thai), taekwondo, karate and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Lucas knows the risks that come with the sport. But despite its gritty reputation, a 2015 University of Alberta study comparing MMA to boxing concluded that while MMA fighters are slightly more likely to get injured in a match, their injuries are generally considered minor cuts and bruises.

In that study, the data showed boxers were more likely to experience more serious injuries including concussions, head traumas, eye injuries and the loss of consciousness.

A small 2023 study by two British Columbia researchers also followed several people who practised MMA on a regular basis. Participants developed better cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength.

They also reported improved mental health, including increased self-esteem, confidence, reduced anxiety and stress, and a strong sense of community within the sport.

Lucia Oanta said seeing her son fight can be difficult, because she obviously doesn't want him to get hurt.

Regardless, she and her husband Sebastian said they are both 100 per cent on board.

"I have other people say, 'how can you support something like this?' Like, how can you NOT