Montreal Fight League carried forward its streak as the sole remaining active Canadian promotion since March, delivering compelling action on Saturday evening.
MFL 18 presented a card of 19 contests blending MMA, muay thai, and kickboxing, held in Montreal, QC without spectators in the building.
Ramil Kamilov (now 6-3) traveled from Calgary, Alta. to face Duncan Henry (now 6-7) in an amateur welterweight matchup, where he earned a third-round TKO victory after overpowering his opponent through the opening two frames.
Despite losing a point for illegal hammer fists, Kamilov dominated with takedowns and top control during the first two rounds and extended that momentum into the third to seal the finish.
"I really wanted that first round finish, but I didn't listen to their rules meeting. I was sort of sleeping in the corner, so I didn't know hammer fists weren't allowed," said Kamilov in an interview with MMA Empire.
"I was happy with my aggression and decently happy with my grappling, but I wasn't really happy with my striking. I think I was too wild and too tense, but after a 10-month layoff I think that's why."
In the wake of his victory, Kamilov posted on Instagram challenging the reigning MFL lightweight champion, Tylor Freeman, who answered by revealing plans to turn pro in his upcoming bout.
Kamilov told MMA Empire that the opponent and promotion don't factor into his equation — winning championships is the sole objective.
"I'd like a 155 strap from them (MFL). I just want to collect as many belts as I can in amateur. I want to win Pan-Ams, I want to win Nationals, I want to get a BFL strap if I can, and Rumble in the Cage."
Poisson remains perfect
Olivier Poisson (now 5-0) may have set himself up for a championship opportunity on the horizon, dispatching Keith Henhawk (now 2-7) swiftly with a rear-naked choke submission under the one-minute mark.
Poisson said the bout unfolded precisely as he envisioned, capitalizing on Henhawk's early offensive approach.
"My game-plan was to close the distance, especially in a little ring like that. I move a lot normally, but in this little ring, that was not possible," said Poisson in an interview with MMA Empire.
"I knew that my plan was to take him down and choke him."
Poisson has built his 5-0 record in under a year, showcasing elite ground control in every single outing.
A title shot may be on the horizon for Poisson, though he told MMA Empire he's prepared for whatever opportunity comes next.
"If it's the title shot, I will be ready and happy for sure. Otherwise, anyone, I will be ready," said Poisson.
"I just like the vibe around the fight, so I will keep myself busy and I will keep training."
Sproule back in the win column
Adam Sproule improved his amateur record to 3-1 after earning a competitive unanimous decision over James Cardinal-Lauzon (now 3-2).
Sproule kept the taller and longer-reach Cardinal-Lauzon pressed against the cage and controlled him on the mat for most of the contest.
"The height and reach wasn't an issue, but he was definitely a lot stronger than I had anticipated," said Sproule in an interview with MMA Empire.
"I had read the article we did and he said he hoped I worked on my wrestling, so I wanted to show him that yeah, I had."
Returning to the win column for the first time since 2017, Sproule told MMA Empire he's eager to maintain his momentum.
"I'm ready for whatever presents itself next. Whether it's MMA or muay thai, I'm open to anything."
In other MMA action, Ekaterina Voronova, Nayimi Ferdaws, Abdel Rebai, Cody Chovancek, Alex Moher, Josh Martiniuk, Keyano Young, Steve Doxtator, and Matt Bednarek all left MFL 18 victorious.
Neil Touisi, Javad Mahjoub, Jay Morissette, Eric Bianchi, Andreane Parent, Morgane Pouliot, and Tacari Howe also triumphed in kickboxing and muay thai action.
