Even though Justin Doege and Caio Machado have fought only seven times between them, both men have plenty of experience fighting on major platforms.
Kelowna's Doege (2-1) aims to capture a second championship when he faces Vancouver's Machado (2-1-1) in the main card of BFL 64, where the BFL heavyweight title will be defended Saturday night in Coquitlam, B.C.
Only two fights into his pro career, 25-year-old Doege already won his first championship, stopping Craig Hudson at XFFC 20 to claim the XFFC heavyweight belt.
Doege believes adding another championship to his resume in just his fourth outing could make serious waves in his career, and a victory would draw plenty of attention.
"It's huge. Anytime you can double up straps so early in a career it definitely puts eyes on you," said Doege in an interview.
"I'm ready for this. The way I train and my mentality is I respect everyone in Canada, but I should hold myself to a higher rank. I don't want to get in these close fights with these guys in Canada; I want to be dominant."
Machado, also 25, tasted defeat in his first title shot, losing a unanimous decision to Dustin Joynson at BFL 58.
But he responded emphatically, stopping Dalton Duperreault in round one at BFL 60 — a result he feels earned him another shot at the heavyweight crown in rapid succession.
"I showed against Dalton that I had energy, I had power, and I'm hungry to keep competing and getting stronger," said Machado in an interview.
"I believe that's why I got a chance so quickly, and winning this fight would put me at 3-1-1, which is really good for a heavyweight around here, and would be my ticket for the next level."
Rebound Time For Doege
Doege comes into Saturday's clash riding a first career loss, a first-round knockout at the hands of Terrence Spina at Rise FC 3.
Since that setback, Doege has scrutinized every corner of his performance, zeroing in on the weaknesses that needed attention—a reckoning he believes will pay major dividends on fight night.
"That defeat reshaped everything for me. Even the things I wasn't doing terribly well in that bout, I've put serious work into improving," Doege explained.
"I broke down my entire skill set and was brutally honest about where I fell short. Every piece of my game got stronger because of that fight—it's just unfortunate it came at that moment."
Both fighters have consistently sought out steep challenges throughout their campaigns. Doege opened his pro run against a vet with 11 prior bouts, while Machado matched up with Joynson, an undefeated Contender Series hopeful.
Machado has certainly faced plenty of adversity over the years, but Doege insists his opponent is in for a shock when the two finally collide.
"I genuinely believe he's never had to deal with someone like me. The toughest guy he's faced is Dustin Joynson, and I'm a long way from being Dustin Joynson," Doege noted.
"I hold myself to a different standard than most, but I know from how I'm feeling in camp right now—he hasn't witnessed anything like this."
War-Proven
Machado, competing in just his fourth fight, has gone the distance twice, including one five-round battle, whereas Doege has never extended beyond the second round across either his pro or amateur slate.
Familiar with grinding out deep rounds, Machado figures that should this bout stretch further than expected, he'll be the one to gain the advantage.
"Going five rounds is a completely different challenge than three," Machado said. "I've done it before and I've been putting in more work than usual. I feel completely prepared."
"Looking back at my fight with Dustin, I didn't feel as ready as I do now. I believe I'm in a much stronger spot for a five-round bout."
Machado's most recent matchup against Duperreault couldn't have ended any better—a first-round knockout followed by popping the question to his girlfriend, now his fiancée.
Yet one crucial takeaway emerged from that victory, and it's boosted his confidence significantly for what comes next.
"Dalton had the hardest hands I've ever faced, so I now know I can absorb heavy shots," Machado explained.
"He was massive and hit devastatingly hard, so surviving that kind of punishment showed me I have the stamina to push through."
Doege's Acknowledgments
"I want to appreciate David Lea, Steve Mac Donald, Matt Dwyer, everyone else at Toshido MMA, plus all my friends and family for their unwavering encouragement." Social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
Machado's Acknowledgments
"Big thanks to Chris Franco and Jayden Martin, all the fighters and students at Franco Kickboxing Pankration, and my sponsor CBD You." Social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
