Forant – Courtesy of Jonathan R. Olson

Kevin Forant, a 1999 graduate of Orchard Park High School and mixed martial arts competitor, will fight at the Extreme Fighting Championships–XFC19 : Charlotte Showdown–in Charlotte, N.C., on Friday, Aug. 3.

Forant, who played six years of hockey at Orchard Park High School and two seasons at Erie Community College, moved to Charlotte nine years ago and began training in mixed martial arts in June 2008.

“The school I train at, Hayastan-IMB in Charlotte, N.C., covers just about every aspect of MMA,” said Forant. “Hayastan Submission Grappling–a blend of wrestling, Judo, Sambo, and Jiu-Jitsu–is the primary art with classes in kickboxing and karate. I also work my boxing at Dyme Boxing and Fitness.”

After 14 months of training, Forant won his first amateur fight on Oct. 3, 2009, by unanimous decision. He went on to earn an amateur record of 10 wins and two losses (with one no-contest), and three amateur titles–ISKA SC, Fight Lab Promotions, Elite Championship Cage Fighting–in the 155-pound weight class before turning pro.

Nicknamed “The Master of Cool,” Forant has a 2-0 professional mark, with both victories coming by way of TKO/Referee Stoppage on Strikes. Among his 10 amateur wins, Forant earned victories in multiple fashions, including a pair of arm bar submissions and three other submissions with a rear naked choke.

“I feel that I am very well-rounded,” said Forant. “My game plan for each fight usually focuses on the weakness of my opponent or the area I feel I have the biggest advantage in. As the fight happens, if I unexpectedly feel stronger in an area I will roll with it and try to finish the fight in that manner. Lately, it just so happens that I have been feeling very dominant with my grappling and am able to mount my opponent and keep punching until the ref feels that he is no longer able to defend himself.”

On Aug. 3, Forant will look to keep his unblemished professional record intact against Joe Elmore (6-4) from Atlanta, Ga.

Elmore vs. Forant

“Joe’s biggest strength is his toughness,” Forant said. “I feel I am equally as tough as him. Other than that, I think my skills are just a little better.”

The Orchard Park native believes his conditioning can lead him past Elmore.

“I think where I separate from him is my conditioning is far superior,” added Forant. “I plan to fight with a pace that will break him down and end the fight in the second or third round.”

No matter the outcome on Aug. 3, Forant is sure to put up a tough fight. Even in his two amateur losses, both came as decisions after five rounds of fighting.

“I have a natural toughness about me that, combined with the level of training I get at Hayastan-IMB, makes me an incredible challenge for any opponent,” Forant said.

Forant’s fight against Elmore will be televised at Buffalo Wild Wings in Hamburg.

You can follow Kevin Forant on Twitter @KevinForant, or Like his Facebook fan page

To see more work from photographer Jonathan R. Olson: Check out his Facebook page.