North America's elite fighters will take center stage when Unified MMA returns to the River Cree Resort and Casino this Friday evening.
A thrilling card of matchups will headline a co-main event battle in the middleweight division, pitting two former UFC standouts against each other as Edmonton native KB Bhullar (11-4) hosts California's Curtis Millender (18-9) in the cage at Unified MMA 46.
After falling short against Jared Gooden back in April, the 34-year-old Millender had to reassess his approach—but he views that defeat as a valuable lesson that shaped his current mindset.
"I feel fantastic at 185 now. I know that sounds like a cliché, and I'm certainly worn out from training camp, but I'm locked in and ready to cut weight, finish this guy, and head home," Millender told MMA Empire.
"At 185, the power I carry is evident. In my last outing at that weight, I realized I needed to add some mass because the power disparity was too pronounced. Against KB, I don't foresee repeating those struggles. He doesn't come across as a hulking powerhouse. To me, he reads like a leaner, faster version of what I used to be at 170 pounds—more agility and precision, less raw force."
Having spent most of his career at 170 pounds, Millender has finally gotten the chance to add muscle before tackling 185 pounds for a second time, and he's eager to put that work on display.
"I believe I've handled adding size well," Millender noted.
"I'm dropping the exact same weight as when I competed at welterweight. I've molded myself into the shape I need, and I trust the adjustments I've made. He won't outclass me technically, and nothing about him is going to catch me off guard."
Millender knows Friday's bout won't be a walk in the park, yet he feels equipped to turn it into a routine victory.
With stints across prominent organizations like the UFC, Bellator, and PFL, Millender intends to draw on his extensive background.
"I watch his bouts every single day," Millender shared.
"Saying he's not a major threat isn't meant as disrespect. I've genuinely sparred tougher kickboxers and faced more polished competitors. That said, I'm approaching this with full seriousness—I simply know my skill package gives me the edge here."
Already boasting several highlight-reel finishes, Millender aims to keep that momentum rolling and become the first fighter to finish Bhullar inside a Unified MMA cage.
His training camp has been laser-focused on controlling what he can control.
"I concentrate on my own game, my own arsenal. We're probably later in my career now, but I've got plenty of weapons at my disposal," Millender said.
"This is my moment to deploy tools I haven't been able to show much lately. The plan is straightforward: outstrike him, land some brutal head kicks, and disrupt him in areas where he usually feels secure. I want highlights. If I execute properly and generate the openings I need to create, I'll move forward clean."
This marks Millender's maiden trip to Canadian soil. Facing a home-state fighter, the audience is unlikely to rally behind him, but with more than 25 pro fights behind him, he's accustomed to unwelcoming environments.
"A tough crowd doesn't rattle me. I've dealt with them before," Millender said.
"I just step in and do what needs doing. I don't care who's watching. I'll be myself, and that self comes with a big ego. Still me—confident, not arrogant, but fully convinced in my own skills. I'll feed off the negativity, and honestly they probably won't like me once I lay their guy out, so as long as they respect me afterward, I'm fine."
Millender's shoutouts
"My entire team, all my coaches, all my family and everybody that's ever supported me." Follow Millender on social media: TWITTER, INSTAGRAM
