Fresh off capturing the BFL middleweight title, Dejan Kajic is far from satisfied.
The Coquitlam native, Kajic (10-7-2, 1 NC), is now targeting the 175-pound BFL championship, setting up a showdown with Oregon's Eric McConico Jr. (4-0-1) in the co-main event of BFL 61 this Saturday in Coquitlam, B.C.
Following his BFL middleweight title victory at BFL 56, the 34-year-old Kajic chose to relinquish his belt in pursuit of a second title across different weight divisions.
Even though earning two-weight champion status carries great personal significance, Kajic insists the prospect adds no extra anxiety.
"On a personal level and for my resume, it means something, but it doesn't create additional pressure," Kajic explained.
"I want to be a double champion—it looks strong on my resume and boosts my career."
Kajic brings considerably more experience compared to McConico Jr., with four times as many professional bouts under his belt.
Despite McConico Jr.'s unbeaten mark, Kajic pointed out that his challenger hasn't encountered anyone with his level of experience, and he expects that to make a major difference on fight night.
"He's likely walking in full of confidence believing he's elite. He's certainly not a pushover, but he hasn't dealt with top-tier competition," Kajic noted.
"My experience, my defensive skills, and my fight IQ will absolutely play a role. I plan to push him into deep waters, test his cardio, and challenge his ground game. I'm looking to stress every aspect of his abilities."
Besides his single draw, McConico Jr. was dominant across all four professional wins, finishing every opponent he's faced.
Kajic acknowledged that McConico Jr. hasn't encountered serious adversity throughout his pro career and intends to change that narrative.
"It's simple to look good when conditions are favorable. It's simple to stay upbeat when everything works out," Kajic said.
"He'll have to prove his mental resilience and his capacity to handle adversity. Every fight brings challenges, and when you've never faced them, you can't predict how you'll respond."
McConico Jr. Arriving with Momentum
Going back to his amateur days, McConico Jr., 29, has remained undefeated in his final nine bouts, featuring seven stoppage wins.
While his impressive streak provides plenty of motivation, McConico Jr. credited his preparation as the source of his true self-assurance.
"Success comes from preparation. I train for every single fight—I don't skip a day," McConico Jr. stated.
"This is my life, which is where my confidence originates."
McConico Jr. is traveling to Coquitlam from Oregon for the second time in his career to compete in the BFL cage, again stepping into unfamiliar territory.
Yet despite playing the role of the outsider invading Kajic's home turf, McConico Jr. dismissed the notion that it matters once inside the cage.
"Ultimately, we're just fighting. Location doesn't change that," McConico Jr. said.
"We could step in anywhere—even a parking lot. It's still a fight regardless. Whether it's his town or mine, we both have to enter and battle."
Although he captured numerous titles during his amateur tenure, this marks McConico Jr.'s first opportunity at a professional championship.
Given the substantial time and effort he and his family have dedicated to the sport, claiming the belt and returning to Oregon would hold immense meaning for him.
"My family and I have given up a tremendous amount for me to pursue this dream, along with endless hours of dedication in the gym," McConico Jr. shared.
"It would mean the world to me, and I'm prepared to give everything I have."
McConico Jr.'s Acknowledgments
"I want to extend gratitude to my sponsors: Deanz Greenz, Wild Bill's Oregon Outlet, Millerville Farms, and Feed Me Fight Me." Follow McConico Jr. on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
Follow Kajic on social media: FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM
