Alex Gluzman (2-0) steps into the cage to challenge ranked featherweight Olivier Poisson (5-0) for the MFL amateur featherweight title at MFL 19. Montreal Fight League's newest card takes shape this Saturday evening.
The 24-year-old fighter representing Hamilton, Ontario, wants nothing more than to keep his amateur unbeaten record alive and lift a championship belt in the near future.
Poisson has occupied Gluzman's thoughts for quite some time, and he's put considerable study into what lies ahead.
"I knew I was actually going to fight him at one point. And in my head, when I asked the promoter if I could get on the show, I had a feeling I was going to get a title shot. And I knew I was going to fight Olivier," said Gluzman in an interview with MMA Empire.
"I've scouted him for sure, but in my head I was kind of like what if he gives me Olivier? That would be pretty cool."
Submission victories account for four of Poisson's five amateur triumphs, while Gluzman has recorded one knockout win and another by decision.
Though Gluzman recognizes Poisson's physical strength, he doesn't view him as presenting any unexpected threats.
"I haven't seen much, really. But he seems strong, but he's not special."
Gluzman trains under the Joslin's MMA banner in Hamilton, where he's spent years refining his craft.
The pandemic forced changes to his usual regimen, though the gym remains his home base.
"In Hamilton right now, everything with the pandemic is closed down. So, I really, really had to get people to train with me. It's really hard to get a training session in now, but I managed to do just that," said Gluzman.
"A pandemic is not going to stop me from pursuing my dreams, you know."
Along with his perfect 2-0 amateur record, Gluzman recently earned his jiu-jitsu blue belt—a milestone he described as significant in his martial arts development.
"I was a white belt for two years at the time, right. I saw that coming to be honest. But for sure though the moment was 'finally I'm here.' Finally, like the big leagues, you know," said Gluzman.
"That was definitely a special moment for sure."
Beyond his MMA accomplishments, Gluzman has established himself as a competitor worth watching in jiu-jitsu tournaments.
His medal performances across various jiu-jitsu circuits have further strengthened his belief in using submissions effectively inside MMA.
"Funny actually when I first started MMA, when I first came to Jeff's at the very beginning, I didn't know jiu-jitsu. I didn't even know striking. I came from a taekwondo background. So what happened is off the bat I asked Jeff, 'Jeff can you get me a fight?' If that's what I have to do, I'll do it. When I won my first gold medal, I was like holy f**k," said Gluzman.
"It actually really did a lot for my confidence. And the more I kept winning, the more I felt like, oh my god. You feel invincible in these kinds of moments."
With plenty of jiu-jitsu matches behind him, Gluzman is ready to compete under mixed martial arts rules once again after his last bout in November 2019.
He says he can't wait to step back into the cage and demonstrate everything he's refined since his previous fight.
"I was actually supposed to fight three times last year; all of them got canceled. One of which, obviously, was my fault. Actually, it's been a while," said Gluzman.
"Obviously, I'm going to be nervous, right. That's what happens, but I'm just so excited. I can't wait until I get to show my skills again. Honestly, I'm just sitting here like I just want to get this done."
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