This bout has been brewing for quite some time now.
Hamilton, Ont.’s Gino Ghalehpardaz (1-1) takes on Noah Crosswell (0-2) in a bantamweight showdown at Front Row Fight Club 1 on Saturday evening in Niagara Falls, Ont.
With fellow fighter Matt Hovorka having gone head-to-head with Crosswell three times during their amateur days, Ghalehpardaz, 31, believes he brings a unique advantage ahead of fight night.
"I genuinely think Matty ranks among, if not the top fighters emerging from Adrenaline right now," said Ghalehpardaz in a conversation with MMA Empire. "He's incredibly talented, and that makes him an exceptional training partner. I've witnessed firsthand what strategies succeeded and which fell short."
"I know Matty's approach inside the cage. Through that perspective, I've developed a clearer picture of how Noah fights. While I haven't directly sparred him, my connection through Matty has helped me piece together some valuable insights."
Although capturing victory tops Ghalehpardaz's list of goals, he admitted the opportunity to compete in Niagara Falls adds a special thrill to the occasion.
"Honestly, I'm beyond thrilled about this," shared Ghalehpardaz. "Niagara Falls holds a special place in my heart. I have countless memories from Clifton Hill, and truth be told, we originally had this scheduled for the previous event. That cancellation was genuinely tough on me—not just because I love fighting and competing, but because getting to perform in Niagara Falls means so much to me personally."
"This city holds a lot of meaning for me, so finally getting the opportunity to make amends and step into that environment feels incredible. I'm pumped."
Connect with Ghalehpardaz online: INSTAGRAM
