For the final time, Ali Wasuk is stepping into the cage under his amateur banner.
Wasuk (6-3 will take on Mitch Strazzella (2-0) in a vacant amateur featherweight championship matchup on Saturday evening at BFL 55 inside the Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam, B.C.
Wasuk, 26, stated that no matter how May 26 unfolds, he plans to move forward into the professional circuit to push his MMA journey ahead.
"I've been mulling it over for some time now, and I had actually intended to sign on as a pro before this fight, but I couldn't line up a pro-level opponent," Wasuk explained during an interview.
"I figured I didn't want to sit idle, so taking another amateur fight for the belt felt like the right call. Five three-minute rounds is basically a pro-length bout."
Out of his six victories, Wasuk's sole non-decision win came via first-round submission in his amateur debut back in 2014.
Even though his amateur career wraps up on May 26 regardless of the outcome, Wasuk said he's focused on exiting the amateur ranks on a high note and securing his second career finish.
"I've replayed this fight in my mind countless times, and every single time, I picture myself ending him," Wasuk shared.
"Whether it's through a grappling exchange where I lock in the submission, or I spot an opening standing and go for the knockout, I'm calling a stoppage."
Boasting nine amateur appearances, including a quarterfinal run at the 2017 IMMAF World Championship, Wasuk clearly brings more experience to the table compared to Strazzella's two career fights.
Besides his world championship campaign, Wasuk claimed silver at the 2017 Canadian National Championship, falling just to top-ranked Dylan Lielke.
"At the World Championships in Bahrain, I competed three times across three days against three opponents with completely different styles, and I adjusted my approach for each one," Wasuk noted.
"When it comes to walking in there with him (Strazzella) trying to catch me off guard, I think I hold the advantage because whatever he brings to the table, I'm confident I've encountered it before."
Strazzella Facing the Hardest Challenge Yet
Strazzella, 24, expressed full admiration for Wasuk and everything he's achieved throughout his amateur career.
Having stepped between the ropes just twice before Saturday night, Strazzella acknowledged he anticipates Wasuk to be the most difficult challenge of his career.
"Hands down, he's the most complete fighter I've faced so far," Strazzella commented.
"He's a genuine all-around MMA competitor."
In preparing for Wasuk, Strazzella said he's mentally rehearsed the fight spanning all five potential rounds, testing every aspect of his skill set.
Though he recognizes Wasuk's grappling as a major strength, Strazzella said he won't hesitate to engage on the mat.
"I've spent years training, so I feel confident across the board," Strazzella said.
"No matter how the fight plays out, I'll be comfortable wherever it goes."
Along with preserving his perfect record, this marks Strazzella's first shot at a title in his still-young MMA career.
Strazzella described this as a pivotal career moment, noting that a win would open numerous doors, including a transition to professional fighting.
"I feel like a kid again," Strazzella said.
"It's genuinely exciting competing for a legitimate promotion like Battlefield."
Wasuk's Acknowledgments
"Huge shoutout to my team at Tristar Vancouver, head coach Kajan Johnson, and my primary training partners John Nguyen, Bryce Gougeon and Jamie Siraj. Also to my strength and conditioning coach Ibby Ali at New Edge Alliance, and Dan Golkar at Scorpion MMA. Plus a shoutout to my sponsors Westcanna and Active Body Pitt Meadows."
Strazzella's Acknowledgments
"I owe thanks to my sponsor Science Lab for backing me, my family, and the gym. Everyone who's been around knows exactly who they are that stood behind me. And thank you to Battlefield for this amazing opportunity."
