Joel Odorski (2-0) is set to claim his second victory within a six-week span when he takes on American competitor Gage 'Nature Boy' Saunders (3-1) at Rumble in the Cage 61, held in Lethbridge, Alta., on Friday night.
Representing the Canadian Martial Arts Centre (CMC), Odorski most recently stepped inside the cage last month, earning a decision over Josh Mackenzie at Unified MMA 36. Now he's looking to build on that momentum back home in Lethbridge.
"I've had a solid training camp and I'm ready to roll," Odorski stated.
Odorski noted that minor injuries sustained during his previous outing in March have fully recovered, and he's relieved to have cleared that hurdle ahead of Friday's bout.
"It was a challenging fight, but I'm glad to have it behind me now," Odorski explained.
"I'm feeling great. There were a couple of issues from the last bout, but everything's healed up."
Odorski acknowledges that his American challenger, Saunders, brings plenty of experience to the table and expects another difficult challenge.
"He's skilled across all areas, so this looks like another solid test for me."
Regarding the upcoming matchup, Odorski feels his grappling ability could prove decisive, though he's prepared for any scenario once the cage door shuts.
"Ground work and cage wrestling are where my strengths lie, but if we're standing for three rounds, that's exactly what we've been preparing for," Odorski added.
Saunders Hunting a Finish Against Odorski
Opposite Odorski on Friday will be the tough Saunders.
Boasting an impressive amateur resume and four professional boxing contests, Saunders carries significant experience. He plans to leverage that background to overpower Odorski when the bell rings.
"We can wrestle and we can strike. We're prepared for wherever the fight goes. That pressure will wear him down. At some point he's going to want out of there," Saunders declared.
The 26-year-old Montana-born competitor views Odorski primarily as a grappler and feels he won't encounter anything unfamiliar in this matchup.
"I've faced numerous grapplers before. I took on the NAIA All-American in my second professional fight. Dealing with a grappler isn't anything new to me."
'Nature Boy' usually competes at lightweight but has previously dropped down to featherweight. With this contest scheduled at welterweight, Saunders indicated that adjusting his nutrition during training camp is simply part of the process to peak at the right time on Friday.
"When we move up in weight, whether it's 185 pounds or 170 pounds, we just adjust and modify our diet accordingly," Saunders explained.
Saunders revealed that he dedicated a year to training at The Lab in Arizona and now works out at Montana Mixed Martial Arts in Bozeman, MT, expressing confidence heading into the bout.
"He sounds like a nice guy, but this might just be a hobby for him. I'm taking him out by the second round. I won't be satisfied unless I knock him out."
Odorski's Acknowledgments
"I want to thank Libertine Tattoo, Stratus Electrical and Instrumentation, Lee Mein, Derek Boyle, and everyone else who trains alongside me at CMC."
Saunders' Acknowledgments
"My coach Brian Deats and my team at Montana MMA of Bozeman."
