This matchup has all the makings of something special. Two of Canada's premier bantamweights are locked in for the main event.
Squamish's Cole Smith (5-0) steps into the ring to protect his BFL bantamweight strap Saturday evening against Montreal's Ty Wilson (5-1) at BFL 59 in Coquitlam, B.C.
At 29 years old, Smith is preparing for what he anticipates will be a hard-fought, rough-and-tumble bout where he'll need to bring his absolute best to keep the belt around his waist.
"I expect this one to be a rough, gritty scrap. This isn't going to be some clean, polished fight — it's going to be brutal on both sides," Smith shared during an interview.
"I believe I'll walk away on top. I'm not sure how, but I'm dangerous in every facet of the sport. Take a look at my resume — I've finished opponents from every angle."
Smith remains undefeated professionally, and his name is already drawing attention from major promotions around the globe.
Yet even with dreams of signing with a premier organization, Smith insists his focus remains squarely on what's right in front of him.
"I only look at the next fight, and that's Ty. Once that's done, I'll figure out where I can go next, but I can't get ahead of myself," Smith explained.
"Once I beat this guy and do it convincingly, then I'll start pursuing opportunities with the UFC, One FC, or Bellator. I'm taking it one fight at a time."
When examining records and rankings, Wilson represents the stiffest challenge Smith has faced so far, currently ranking one spot above Smith in Tapology's Canadian bantamweight rankings.
Smith acknowledges Wilson presents a difficult challenge, but he views it as a matchup that plays to his strengths.
"I know he's tough, he never gives up, and he's a real grinder — and that's exactly the style of fight I enjoy," Smith said.
"I think it's a great matchup. He's tough, and I believe he'll push me to perform at my highest level."
Fighting Out of Tristar
Wilson, 26, holds considerable respect for Smith, who ranks as the most difficult opponent he's encountered in his professional career.
Though Wilson has displayed a tendency toward quick finishes throughout his career, he doesn't anticipate a swift conclusion to this particular contest.
"I'm picturing this going into the fourth or fifth round, where I can grab a finish once he starts tiring," Wilson told reporters during an interview.
"That said, I've never seen him run out of gas, so it could easily go the distance — all five rounds."
After dedicating much of his recent training at Hayabusa Academy, Wilson shifted his camp to Tristar Montreal heading into this bout.
Surrounded by elite coaches and training partners at Tristar, Wilson says he feels stronger than ever coming out of camp.
"It's been incredible. It's not just Firas Zahabi — all the other pros have been helping me out and offering advice," Wilson shared.
"Even the amateurs; there are so many people here with so much knowledge I can absorb. It's been fantastic."
This marks Wilson's first shot at a title in his brief pro career, following three championship reigns as an amateur.
But despite the chance to become a champion, Wilson says he's more fired up about the actual challenge posed by Smith.
"For me, it's less about the belt. It's cool, and it helps when I'm trying to get noticed by bigger organizations, but honestly it's more about the challenge of a five-round fight," Wilson said.
"I'm more focused on just beating Cole. The belt is just the icing on the cake."
Smith's Shoutouts
"I'd like to thank my gym The Sound Martial Arts, New Era Plumbing and Heating Ltd., LD Millwork, Vista Integrated Systems Inc., Long Time Dead Apparel Ltd., and Anytime Fitness Squamish."
Wilson's Shoutouts
"I'd like to thank Tristar Montreal, Hayabusa Academy, Mark Cleary at Sitbpeegohn Muay Thai, Bubba's Poutine & Pizzeria, and Gladiator Nutrition."
