I can picture my brother's Ford F150 waiting in the street to haul everything away perfectly. My bags, stuffed to the point of breaking and the rest of my personal belongings scattered across the living room as I franticly search to make sure that I have everything I need before I leave (I have a horrible tendency of leaving things behind). Quick hugs, handshakes, and goodbyes will be exchanged between my roommates and me; I have been in this situation many times before.

As natural as all of this may seem at the moment, deep down I know things are going to be different this time around.

With tomorrow being the end of my lease, I have begun to reflect on the time I have spent here. I have been living in Ottawa on and off for the last five years, a city whose purpose has grown throughout the years as I have, until now. .

Ottawa has been home to periods of self-destruction, and self-growth. I have made friends that will last a lifetime (Primrose Bro's/ FIT family), lost loves, stepped outside of my comfort zone, and shied away from relationships in this city. For the time being, there is nothing left to discover here.

At first Ottawa was merely a city in which I had decided to attend school, and for three years, it represented nothing but stress. Although the pressure I felt during school, and my reaction in these moments of stress was responsible for many low moments in my life (primarily the abandonment of physical health and the lack of attention to personal relationships), it also represented moments of great satisfaction.

I am aware that the piece of paper awarded to me at the end of my scholastic career is not a reflection of my intelligence (or lack there of). It does however represent a time of struggle and personal triumph, and in the end, I am proud of the journey.

Ottawa has also been the city in which I have made the truest friends I have ever known to date. I have been able to grow alongside, and at times watch my roommates expand their horizons throughout my stay here. I feel blessed to have been involved in any of the memories they may have of this city, and the time we have spent here together.

Pic of most of my roommates partying.

To my family at FIT MMA (home gym to a number of Canada's top mixed martial artists and many future champions), I owe you more than I can explain. Jason Motard and Farmer Brown took me in when others had lost faith and never gave up on me. When I was given the opportunity to prove my talent and achieve a dream of mine, I had the complete support from everyone at the club. As a fighter, it meant a lot to have their respect. Stephan Lamarche has treated me like a brother from day one, and is the definition of a true friend to a tee. Louis "Le Kid" is a maniac on the mat and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for him. I will be back, when, and for how long is hard to say at this time.

Picture of Fit Family after Stephan and my win in halifax KOTC show.

However, I have a feeling the next time I return to this area, it will be for battle. Last week I signed, faxed, and finalized my contract with the Freedom Fight organization. I will be fighting Mathieu Boncoeur (the UGC 145lbs champion) for the number one contender spot at 135lbs. This fight will take place July 26th at the Robert Guertin Arena, a venue only minutes away from the city and people who I have just mentioned. I will be ready for war.

My older brother's living room in downtown Toronto will be my new home for a while. It is closer to work, my management, and surrounded by a number of great gyms. I will be sleeping on the same couches I did as a young child. The war torn cushions will be comforting in a strange new city. I look forward to beginning a new chapter of my life, being surrounded by new scenery, new people, and the potential of getting closer to those I already know.

I will write an update on my whereabouts and training regime once everything settles down.