Jett Grande is poised to cross over into the professional ranks.
The 23-year-old Red Deer, Alta. product has long been regarded as one of Canada's most promising amateur talents. Grande stepped onto the mat for his first amateur bout back in 2015 and went on a tear of 15 consecutive victories before his latest outing ended abruptly when he dislocated his shoulder mid-fight.
Almost two years later, Grande (15-1 amateur) is ready to begin his professional career, taking on Damon Morosko (3-2 amateur) in lightweight competition on Aug. 6 at XFC Young Guns 3 in Grand Rapids, Mich.
For Grande, the moment to make his pro bow has arrived.
"It's awesome, it's been a while in the making," Grande told MMA Empire. "In my last fight, I dislocated my shoulder, and by the time I was ready to get back out there, COVID happened."
"I'm finally back after almost two years. With the help of my management group, MTK MMA, I'm able to kick off my pro career. It's taken a while, and I'm pumped. At the end of the day, I'm focused on staying active."
Grande understands his current record carries far more weight now that he's a professional fighter.
He recognizes building a solid win streak is essential to drawing attention from the UFC, yet he refuses to let that weigh heavily on him heading into his first professional matchup.
"The record matters more in the pros now, but I don't put pressure on myself," Grande explained.
"Sure, there's going to be some, but at the end of the day it's just another fight and I'm not fixated on winning—I'm focused on executing everything I know how to do. If I do my part, the result will follow. When I walk into a fight unafraid to lose, I perform much better."
Very few fighters today boast 16 amateur bouts, and Grande believes that experience will serve him well in the professional ranks. He's competed across the globe, giving him firsthand knowledge of managing weight cuts and handling the unique challenges of fighting in opponents' home territories.
Even though Grande has watched numerous fighters his age or younger land UFC contracts, the Canadian says he wouldn't change a thing about his amateur journey.
"Honestly, when I first started, after my initial amateur fights, I pictured having just a handful of amateur bouts before turning pro and reaching the UFC pretty quickly," Grande said.
"As time went on, I came to appreciate just how valuable those amateur fights were for me. I got to compete internationally and gain invaluable experience. I'd take the exact same path again."
Regarding the matchup with Morosko, Grande feels certain he'll earn the decision. While he's recognized primarily as a wrestler, he insists he's not shy about engaging in stand-up exchanges and showcasing his striking game.
"I've stood and exchanged strikes frequently throughout my amateur career. Wrestling is what I'm known for, but I can strike with this guy, I can take him down and submit him," Grande noted.
"I've been preparing for a long time, so I'm ready for whatever direction the fight goes. A win is a win. I've secured some solid victories as an amateur, but this one will be special since it's my pro debut."
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