A fast finish might be on the agenda tonight.
After sitting out for four years, Calgary's Dan Juricic (1-1) steps back into action against Ontario's Chris Lee Byrne (3-1) at a 215-pound catchweight matchup during Modern FC 4, taking place Friday evening in Saskatoon, SK.
Juricic, 24, has proven he can end bouts inside the octagon — both his amateur and pro victories have come by way of stoppage. He told reporters he intends to repeat that success on Friday.
"I feel like I bring the advantage," Juricic told MMA Empire.
"I'm fully prepared to fight him, but I'm not sure he's ready to face me. I plan to finish the job."
Byrne, 33, shares Juricic's preference for ending fights decisively, though he has also been victorious on the judges' cards on occasion.
In this matchup, however, Byrne isn't even anticipating reaching the corner between rounds.
"I'm picking this one to wrap up in less than four minutes," Byrne shared with MMA Empire.
"Either I'll connect with a heavy strike early on, or he'll offer a takedown and I'll work ground and pound until he taps out."
Four Years Improved
Juricic's most recent outing was back in May 2015, when he suffered a first-round knockout loss to Steve Roy at Fight Night 1.
Despite spending considerable time away from the cage, Juricic insists his game has evolved across every dimension of mixed martial arts.
"Four years of relentless growth," Juricic explained.
"Bigger, stronger, and sharper."
Modern FC has traditionally staged its bouts inside a boxing ring rather than an octagon, and this weekend's card will follow that same format.
Juricic thinks the ring setup may actually give him an edge, pushing Byrne to trade strikes more frequently.
Built for the Spotlight
Having competed under the Prospect Fighting Championship banner and previously on the BTC roster, Byrne knows what it takes to perform on the biggest cards.
He points to his background handling packed arenas and elite competition as something that puts him ahead of Juricic when the bell rings.
"I've stepped into larger arenas, bigger events, and taken on higher-caliber fighters," Byrne noted.
"I walk into that building with a quiet confidence, and I'm the toughest challenge he's ever faced. He's leaping up in weight class here; for me, it's business as usual."
Byrne's most recent outing saw him finish Scott Lamont via submission inside the opening round at PFC 11 in September.
Beyond the win, Byrne felt that bout confirmed how at ease he's growing inside the cage—a development that could prove fatal for Juricic.
"I feel like I'm reaching a point where I really enjoy fighting in the cage," Byrne remarked.
"I've been working hard to take what I practice during sparring sessions and jiu-jitsu competitions and apply it under fight conditions—keeping my composure and trusting my training when things get intense. That's the mindset I want to bring into this matchup."
Connect with Juricic online: FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM
Byrne's Acknowledgments
"I owe a huge debt to my corner Munda Jiu-Jitsu, Adrenaline MMA, my coaches (Chris Clement, Josh Russell, Stephen Molitor), and my sponsors (King Faisal Rehman, Black Diamond Bar and Grill, CAJ Investments Ltd., Flow X, RAM Specialized Logistics). Follow Byrne on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
