After a period away from competition, Adam Assenza is preparing to return to the cage on home soil.
Assenza (15-6), a Burlington, Ont. native, will take on Dominic Clark (15-11) in the main event of BTC 15 this Saturday night. The bout in the lightweight division marks the 34-year-old's second outing of 2022—a level of activity that Assenza deliberately planned for this calendar year.
"I generally prefer to stay busy," Assenza told MMA Empire. "I like to compete as frequently as circumstances allow. I'll only sit out if injury prevents me from doing so. I've gotten through some minor injuries over the last few years."
"There are times when your body just tells you to stop, but I'm in good shape right now and ready to go. My aim is to keep competing as much as possible."
This contest will represent Assenza's second appearance in 2022, and his second consecutive fight held within Canada.
For the 34-year-old, competing in front of a hometown crowd is something he's eager to experience. He believes his performance reaches its peak when the audience is fully behind him.
"I absolutely love it," Assenza explained. "Over the past couple of years I've been traveling across the States, taking out their fighters and champions. The crowds boo me, but fighting at home means a cheering section, and that energy gets me fired up."
"Plus, I'm headlining in my hometown of Burlington. Having a local crowd to feed off of will help me execute my game plan."
On Saturday night, Assenza faces Clark, a 26-fight veteran. The American competitor has competed across North America and has earned respect as a seasoned professional—an opponent Assenza respects deeply.
Despite Clark's experience in larger organizations such as Bellator and LFA, Assenza views this matchup as a pivotal moment for his career. He expects to win in front of his supporters and is targeting a stoppage victory.
"He's a seasoned vet, a tough competitor, skilled across all areas, and a genuinely dangerous opponent," Assenza noted. "I pursue finishes regardless of who stands across from me. Unless I secure a finish, I'm never satisfied with how things went."
"As I mentioned, he's tough and versatile, but I'm confident I can end this fight."
If Assenza delivers on his promise of a stoppage, he hopes the victory draws the attention of the UFC or other prominent promotions, potentially leading to a contract offer.
"I don't know exactly what impact this has, but I'm focused on building a string of wins, achieving highlight-reel finishes, and catching the eye of elite promotions like the UFC. That's what I'm working toward," Assenza said.
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