Elias Theodorou (17-3) is poised to etch his name into MMA history on Saturday night when he headlines Rise FC 6.
The Canadian fighter has secured a showdown with ex-UFC veteran Matt Dwyer (11-7), a matchup that carries significant weight for Canada's MMA scene. Yet the bout holds even greater personal significance for Theodorou himself.
The former UFC middleweight title contender stands ready to become the first athlete granted permission to compete under a therapeutic use exemption for cannabis. For Theodorou, embracing this pioneering role fulfills a long-held ambition.
"Progress is not overnight and it is constantly changing," Theodorou told MMA Empire.
"Other commissions are starting to understand how cannabis helps athletes recover and I'm excited to help lead the charge. It is about fighting the stigma of cannabis and proving the medical reasons why I use it and why it needs to be legal. I'm being the trailblazer."
At 32, Theodorou has achieved something remarkable, yet some find it surprising that he's choosing to compete on a regional stage. The Canadian once ranked among the top-10 UFC middleweights before being let go following a single defeat to Derek Brunson. While Bellator and PFL were rumored to have interest, Theodorou opted to stay close to home, earning a decisive victory at Prospect FC 12 in December 2019.
With Dwyer on the card, Theodorou is serving as co-promoter and using the platform to challenge perceptions around cannabis. Still, he remains open to the possibility of joining a major promotion after this bout.
"I am focused on finishing what I started, and that is what this fight is. I will eventually fight in other regions, but I'm lucky to be in a position where I fight because I love it. I'm really excited to put on a hell of a show," Theodorou shared.
"When my career is over, I will do what I wanted to do and that is to make history as being the first sanctioned cannabis athlete and knock cannabis off the restricted list for commissions. Come 2022, there might be a time when I sign with a major promotion, but I have been lucky to work on this goal and work on other projects. Once I get my hand raised and I get the momentum of another win, it will allow me to sign with a big promotion."
Entering the contest against Dwyer, Theodorou feels confident he possesses too much firepower for his opponent and anticipates capturing his second consecutive finish.
The Mississauga, Ont. native also intends to demonstrate he remains among the elite middleweights globally.
"For me, this fight is about getting another finish. I know what I'm capable of and I have gone back to the basics," Theodorou stated.
"I have been lucky enough to train throughout this year and reinvent myself. I'm going to get a finish here against Matt Dwyer. I'm one of the best fighters in the world and I will prove that on March 13 against a tough fighter."
A victory on March 13 would set the stage for Theodorou to remain active throughout the year under whichever promotion signs him.
Beyond competition, he intends to keep pushing commissions to reconsider cannabis' placement on their restricted lists.
"I will fight a very game fighter and be active going forward. This year will be growing as a fighter, as I am in my prime and take my career in whatever direction I want to go in," Theodorou wrapped up.
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