Just a few weeks away from turning 26, Dalton Duperreault is convinced the moment has arrived to launch his professional career.
Representing Port Coquitlam, Duperreault (0-0) will face Vancouver's Caio Machado (1-1-1) when BFL 60 takes over the Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam, B.C., this Saturday evening.
After riding a five-fight finish streak as an amateur, this bout will serve as the Canadian's professional debut.
"I'm feeling pretty switched on at this moment," said Duperreault.
He feels the timing is ideal to transition into the pro ranks after wrapping up his amateur tenure with a knockout victory last November.
"I've felt I had the experience; I had everything that I needed from amateur and I just move forward."
Regarding Saturday's matchup with Machado, Duperreault expresses respect for the Brazilian and his team but is confident he can secure a first-round finish.
"I think I'm going to finish this fight in the first round – I don't think he can handle my power," said Duperreault.
He believes few opponents possess the tools to counter his striking arsenal, and Machado falls into that category.
"I've knocked enough guys out in boxing and MMA to prove that," said Duperreault.
"I see myself putting him down probably within the first three minutes of the fight."
Duperreault noted he has incorporated significant roadwork into his training camp alongside increased wrestling sessions, and he feels he is maturing rapidly as a mixed martial artist.
Topping out at roughly ten combined fights thanks to his amateur boxing background added to his amateur MMA slate, he considers himself a more seasoned competitor heading into this bout.
"I feel like I'm an advanced fighter and I think I'm going to show that on Saturday for sure."
Machado Looks to Utilize His Experience
Standing opposite Duperreault on Saturday is Machado, a Muay Thai practitioner with a 1-1-1 professional record.
Machado enters after suffering a competitive five-round decision defeat against BFL heavyweight champion Dustin Joynson, and he is eager to return to the win column.
As is typical in heavyweight matchups, both men land hard—and Machado plans to be the one throwing the knockout blow.
"I believe I can get the knockout in the second or third round," said Machado.
Machado views Duperreault as an aggressive finisher looking to end fights quickly, and he plans to counter with a more measured, technical approach to claim victory.
"I believe I'm a little more technical in the striking," Machado said.
Boasting more than 17 Muay Thai bouts, he places high value on that deep well of experience and intends to leverage it when the cage door closes on Saturday.
Machado acknowledged that cage time will play a crucial role in shaping his preparation for the heavyweight showdown at BFL 60.
"My size and cage experience; it's the first time I'll have more experience in the cage," said Machado.
While a decision victory over Joynson in November would have been preferable, he said he values the experience he got in the five-round championship bout.
"It was a great challenge and a lot of fun so I definitely want to revisit that fight."
Machado's immediate priority is tackling the stiff challenge posed by Duperreault, and if everything progresses smoothly, he hopes to remain busy with two additional fights later this year.
"I want to keep active. I'm still young and this is my career," said Machado.
Duperreault's Shoutouts
"My official sponsor 'Never Tap'. Ken Tran and Nabil Salameh my main coaches at Titan MMA, Keanan Kellar and Micah Brakefield my teammates. Thanks to the guys at Checkmat for taking care of me and showing me some new things; Adam Ryan, Tristan Connelly, Arjan Bhullar, Jag Bhullar, Joe Ronsano and my ugly little brother Josh Kwiatkowski!"
Machado's Shoutouts
"Coaches Chris Franco, Jayden Martin, Doug Corbett and Mike Mannarino and sponsor Dakota Fight Gear."
