Dejan Kajic (14-7-2) is uncertain about how much longer his fighting career has left in it.
The 38-year-old, originally from Bosnia and now based in Vancouver, B.C., is preparing to put his BFL super welterweight championship on the line against JC Llamas (9-7) in the headline bout of BFL 74. Kajic enters the contest on a six-fight win streak and fresh off a first-round TKO victory in April at BFL 72, where he successfully defended his title.
A fight was scheduled for July, but his opponent dropped out, leaving Kajic unsure of his next step.
"I've dealt with a lot of fighters pulling out, so I was just staying optimistic," Kajic told MMA Empire. "Then this bout came together and I was excited because I wanted to face a seasoned competitor."
"I didn't know much about him at first, but he gives off that old-school, gritty, respectful energy and I've heard nothing but positive things. This is a chance to prove myself against a vet who's taken on elite competition."
Kajic acknowledges he'll need to respect Llamas' overhand right and judo-based takedowns, but the champion feels if he can keep the action on the feet, he'll eventually take control and retain his belt.
"Just like always, I have to study him. He's got a dangerous overhand, so I need to be disciplined with my defense, and he's tricky in the clinch with his judo trips and stuff," Kajic explained.
"He's got a solid foundation and plays a shorter game, so as long as I manage my range and pick him apart, once I get that read I think it becomes my fight."
Even if Kajic walks away with the title again, he's not certain what comes next. He feels he should have already earned a shot at a major promotion, and with that in mind, he suspects BFL 74 could mark his final local appearance. The reality is that competing costs him money.
"Frankly, I don't care what it means for me right now. My career is winding down. I'm 38 and I'm ready to settle down, get married, start a family — this could be one of my last local shows. That's how I'm viewing it," Kajic said.
"I put my reputation on the line just to stay in the same spot, so what's the point of chasing streaks of six, seven, or eight wins? If the top organizations want me, they'll come calling. I'm losing money fighting, so it's purely for personal fulfillment, and at some point the grind stops being worth it."
Follow Kajic on social media: INSTAGRAM
