Bigger crowds, brighter lights — but Cole Smith isn't changing his approach.
Representing Squamish, B.C., Smith (6-0) takes the Octagon for the first time Saturday evening when he faces Mitch Gagnon (12-4) in a bantamweight matchup at UFC Ottawa in Ottawa, Ont.
Even though this represents the culmination Smith's been chasing throughout his mixed martial arts career, he insists the experience won't feel any different from what's come before.
"I'm treating it the same way I treat everything else," Smith explained. "No distinction between this and any other card."
"I laid out objectives a long while back, and naturally I've arrived at them. Everything's unfolding exactly as I envisioned. People love to build it up, but honestly it's just another date on the calendar and another match to compete in."
While Smith has already faced worthy challenges throughout his run, Gagnon represents his steepest test yet — and the highest-profile platform to do it on.
Yet even facing the most significant moment of his professional life, 27-year-old Smith feels the weight rests squarely on his opponent's shoulders.
"I don't feel any pressure. I'm entering as the underdog and that suits me perfectly," he noted.
"Gagnon's riding a stretch of defeats, he's nearing the end of his run, and I'd say one leg is already out the exit. I'm stepping in with both feet planted and fully prepared."
Pre-Fight Jitters Are Part of the Game
Even if he claims the pressure isn't weighing on him, Smith acknowledges the butterflies remain — just as they have for every competition he's ever stepped into.
He maintains that regardless of the venue size or the caliber of opponent, anxiety is a constant companion in the sport.
"Anyone claiming they walk into a cage without nerves is spinning yarns," Smith declared. "No matter whose name is across from mine, I'll feel jittery."
"I could be stepping up against some random guy on a street corner and I'd still feel a bit of that anticipation."
Throughout his record so far, Smith has demonstrated versatility in ending bouts — whether by knockout, submission, or decision.
When asked how he plans to defeat Gagnon, Smith wouldn't put a number on it, though he's confident he holds the means to finish the contest in multiple fashions.
"My arsenal is loaded. I can take you down standing up or on the mat. There's a dozen routes to victory available to me," he said.
"I know my hand's going up at the end of the night."
Smith's Acknowledgments
"I want to give credit to my brother Kasey Smith, The Sound Martial Arts in Squamish, True Grit Drywall, MJS Glazing, and Long Time Dead Apparel."
