Kultar Gill is set to mark his 40th birthday in grand fashion.
Gill (12-8) is set to host California's Anthony Ruiz (35-24) in the main bout of Mamba Fight Night 6 on Friday evening in Abbotsford, B.C.
The 39-year-old Gill, who will reach the milestone of 40 just three weeks following the bout, described the matchup as an ideal chance to kick off his 40s with one final fight inside the ropes.
"I intend to celebrate my 40th birthday like nobody else ever has," Gill told reporters during an interview.
"Age is no barrier to chasing your ambitions. I refuse to lie on my deathbed regretting opportunities I let slip by. I live life on my own terms, doing whatever I please, whenever I please—and that includes stepping into the ring."
Beyond headlining the card, Gill wears multiple hats—he serves as the promoter and stands as the public face of Mamba Fight Night.
Even though he's fighting that night, Gill emphasized he'd continue handling all promotional responsibilities and wouldn't begin prepping for his own bout until mere minutes before stepping through the ropes.
"This event is me. I'm responsible for every detail," Gill explained.
"Before, during, and after—I'm the entire show. I'm Mamba," he added.
Over the course of his career, Gill earned a reputation for his exceptional striking, spending considerable time competing in both K-1 and Dream promotions.
With Ruiz boasting close to 60 professional bouts under his belt—many of them thrilling affairs—Gill anticipates this encounter will certainly be unforgettable.
"Anthony is coming to destroy my face, and I'm planning to do the same to his. Let's find out who walks away victorious," Gill remarked.
"We're both warriors. Let's settle this."
Hometown Pleaser
Ruiz, 41, will be entering a stadium filled with fans passionately supporting Gill, their local representative.
Yet across 59 fights, Ruiz has experienced hostile crowds many times and insists he always shows respect toward both the audience and their chosen fighter, ultimately winning people over regardless of the outcome.
"Whenever I travel abroad to compete, no single person in the stands wants me to triumph. Still, I carry myself with dignity both before and during the match. I conduct myself as a gentleman, saying and doing the right things, and people come to appreciate me," Ruiz shared in conversation.
"Even if I emerge victorious, they'll cheer me out of admiration. I won't insult them or their homeland. I don't fight fueled by rage. I carry myself with honor, even within those ropes."
Despite his advancing years, Ruiz has stayed busy inside the octagon over recent years, logging three appearances in Bellator competition.
Since Gill's last outing in 2012—a span of nearly seven years—Ruiz has competed 11 times. He believes his consistent activity versus Gill's extended absence will heavily influence the contest.
"He's stepped away from that relentless training cycle. Once you walk away from the gym for a stretch, regaining your rhythm becomes a struggle," Ruiz observed.
"To me, the deciding factor is recognizing that he hasn't maintained the same training schedule I have over the past few years."
Ruiz acknowledges the striking danger Gill presents and plans to exercise caution early in the bout.
However, he's confident Gill's endurance won't match his own, so he intends to drain Gill's energy and pursue a finish through attrition.
"I'll meet him stand-and-strike early on, assert control, and apply constant pressure—either pinning him against the ring or taking him to the mat to exhaust him," Ruiz outlined.
"I picture this ending via second-round submission, born from Gill's fatigue and depletion."
Ruiz's Shoutouts
"I want to express gratitude to Kultar for inviting me aboard and to 51FIFTY Energy Drinks."
