Edmonton is hosting the UFC once again this weekend as UFC 240 arrives in the host city.
Before the main event between Max Holloway and Frankie Edgar takes center stage at Rogers Place, a pair of rising prospects will take the octagon first.
Both fighters are stepping into the UFC for the first time, with local favorite Tanner Boser (16-5-1) facing off against Brazilian prospect Giacomo Lemos (6-0) in a heavyweight bout to open the show.
At 30 years old, Lemos brings pride from one of the world's most respected combat sports nations, while the 27-year-old Boser hopes to revitalize Canadian pride on the global stage.
For Boser, fighting in front of a hometown crowd marks a personal milestone.
"It's an incredible feeling," Boser shared. "Being the sole Edmonton representative on the card and fighting in my own city is something special."
"I'm thrilled about the opportunity and hopeful a victory here will launch me further within the UFC while continuing to carry Edmonton's flag."
Despite taking on the sport's premier organization, Boser hasn't altered the preparation routine that brought him this far, intending to lean on familiar ground on fight night.
"My training camp felt identical to normal. What distinguishes me from many heavyweights is my footwork and conditioning. I'm not a knockout artist by trade—I do have several KOs and TKOs on my record, but they come from steady pressure."
"I maintain a faster output than most big men can sustain. I pile up damage and wait for cracks to appear before finishing."
Representing Brazil
Lemos turned to mixed martial arts after growing weary of a career in systems analysis. Now he'll represent a nation widely regarded as the cradle of modern MMA—a dream he's chased for years.
"Competing for my country means everything," Lemos said. "I grew up watching Royce Gracie's UFC bouts on my dad's VHS tapes, always picturing myself stepping inside that cage someday."
"Aside from Brazil, I've cultivated a strong following in South Korea, where I defended my AFC (Angels Fighting Championship) title."
Lemos believes his physical power and stamina separate him from the division, alongside his unpredictable approach and ability to shift styles mid-fight.
Still, he recognizes Boser brings legitimate threats to the table.
"He's a durable competitor with a solid chin," Lemos noted.
"Home-field advantage is real, and even though he's new to the UFC, he carries plenty of experience."
That experience could tip the scales. Though Lemos remains unbeaten, he has only six professional bouts under his belt.
Boser, with 22 professional fights behind him, enters fully convinced he can dictate the pace.
"Experience matters more than people realize—six fights is hardly a sample size," Boser said. "He's talented, no doubt, but he's still finding his footing in the cage. I've logged countless rounds inside, and that gives me an edge."
Studying Lemos' style, Boser spotted a traditional Brazilian vale tudo approach.
"He holds himself like a standard Muay Thai striker. Nothing flashy," Boser observed. "He throws plenty of low kicks and teeps. My own low kicks are quicker, harder, and sharper. I expect to read his kicks, check them, and out-strike him."
Lemos kept his game plan close to his chest and avoided speculating on outcomes.
He said the ideal result on Saturday is simply walking away victorious—and he's eager to visit Canada for the first time.
"I appreciate that it's happening in his territory," Lemos said. "I'm glad to finally make it there."
"Even on home turf, I'll have supporters along. They've already let me know they'll be there."
