Undefeated Amateurs Tiapis, Virk Set to Meet for Interim Flyweight Strap at BFL 58

With current BFL amateur flyweight champion Dion Wu injured, the interim belt is now looking for an owner.

Francis Tiapis (5-0) will take on Indroop Virk (2-0) at BFL 58 on Saturday night to decide who will be crowned interim flyweight champion, and likely be the next to challenge Wu.

Currently a champion for both AXFC and AMA, Tiapis, 27, is no stranger to knowing what it takes to win a title. But he said when it comes to winning amateur titles, it’s all just preparation for the future.

“It feels good to win and win titles, but in the amateur circuit it’s really just to gain experience,” said Tiapis in an interview.

“That’s my mindset going into this fight.”

While he certainly holds the experience edge over Virk, as well as the title of top-ranked flyweight in Canada, Tiapis said he’s not taking him lightly.

But unlike other training camps, Tiapis, fighting out of Vancouver B.C., said he’s approached this camp with a slightly more relaxed mindset.

“I’ve just been going to the gym and really having fun there every day,” said Tiapis.

“Mostly my mindset has been just going in there and training to have fun.”

Relishing Opportunity

While Tiapis has had his share of title fights, Virk, 20, will be entering a five-round bout for the first time in his young MMA career.

Virk, fighting out of Squamish, B.C., said he’s excited for the opportunity, and is expecting to face an elite all-around skill set from Tiapis.

Indroop Virk prepares to enter the cage at Rise FC 1. (Photo by Nelson Yeo/MMA Sucka)

“I know he’s going to be a well-rounded fighter,” said Virk in an interview.

“I’m expecting him to be good everywhere, no matter where the fight goes.”

Virk said he knows how big a win over the top-ranked flyweight in Canada would be for his amateur career, along with his first title.

And while he knows Tiapis is 5-0 for a reason, Virk said he feels he’ll have the upper hand in every facet.

“I think my wrestling’s going to be better than his, I think my stand-up will be better than his, and I think I’ll just be better than him overall,” said Virk.

“I’m sure he’s going to give me a very good fight, but I think I might be able to finish him.”