Northern Combat Invitational returns with 16th show to welcome fall

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Northeast B.C.’s premier grappling event returns to finish the month by offering premier Brazilian Ju-Jitsu (BJJ) action.

 Northern Combat Invitational (NCI) 16 will take place on Saturday evening featuring a 10-fight card, headlined by a 155-pound contest between Fort St. John’s Chris ‘Sandman’ Erskine and Dawson Creek’s Conan ‘Farmbarian’ Fowler.

NCI promoter Clint Parker says 2025 has been a successful year, with future NCI shows booked well into next year, with potentially an outdoor show taking place.

“Every show was relatively successful,” said Parker, who held shows in Fort Nelson and Fort St. John in 2025. “It has worked out really well. I have another four shows planned all the way into August.

“We are planning to do one in January in Fort St. John, and another in May. Hopefully by December [or] January, we will have a new gym with an outdoor space. Next August, we’re hoping to have an outdoor show right there.”

Future events will now be posted to Tapology, an online mixed martial arts (MMA) event database.

Parker says when the call came from Tapology representatives, he thought it was a prank. He  admitted to Energeticcity.ca the exposure makes him feel his small circuit “has made it” in the world of MMA.

“I kind of thought I was getting punked,” said Parker. “I actually phoned to make sure it was legit. They have been amazing. They asked me to send them all my cards.”

Shifting back to Saturday night’s contests, the main event between Erskine and Fowler is a rematch, fighting to a draw in their previous encounter.

“These are two of my bigger lightweight contenders,” said Parker. “The main event, they will go to a decision either way. There has to be a winner.”

The co-main event will feature a crossroads 185-pound tilt between Fort St. John’s Chuck ‘Foot Prowler’ Fowler – who is not related to Conan – and Chetwynd’s ‘Iron’ Ollie Studer. 

“Chuck is taking a cool fight,” said Parker. “Nearing 40, he’s taking on Ollie, who is a young up and comer. It should be a good fight.”

The rest of the card will feature fighters from Chetwynd, Dawson Creek, Fort St. John, Fort Nelson and Grande Prairie.

NCI 16 will take place on Saturday, September 27th at the Royal Canadian Legion at 10103 102 Avenue in Fort St. John.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m. 

Tickets are $45, but sponsor Sneaky Ink Tattoo has a unique deal: If patrons sign up for a flash tattoo during the event, tickets will cost half price.

To purchase tickets, contact Parker at (250) 263-2896. More details can be found on the Northern Combat Club’s Facebook page.