"The Bengal" is preparing for another outing in the Middle Eastern desert.
Edmonton, Alta.'s KB Bhullar (11-3) is eyeing a third straight victory when he takes on Brazil's Juscelino Ferreira (11-3) in a middleweight contest at UAE Warriors 30 in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
Bhullar, 30, has been focused on maintaining high activity and rebuilding momentum following his UFC exit last May. Additional impressive showings could earn him a return to the premier stage.
"This marks my sixth bout in barely over a year. No one else is pulling this kind of schedule," Bhullar told MMA Empire.
"Staying consistent like this means every fight becomes a step forward. I'm committed to honing my craft and ensuring I walk into the cage improved each time. Fighting is everything to me right now, and that's driving my progress."
Abu Dhabi is familiar territory for Bhullar, a Shaved Bears athlete.
He's previously served on the corner for teammates and competed under the UAE Warriors banner in October 2021. Though that contest finished with a disqualification loss, the performance impressed Bhullar enough that he counts it in his favor.
"I've been down there several times, supporting Tanner (Boser) on the corner and fighting myself. It's stunning — like a massive urban center surrounded by sand," Bhullar remarked.
"As far as I'm concerned, that bout was a win. The official scorecard says DQ, but the fight was developing in my direction — he was fading while I was finding my rhythm. Had that knee connect just a fraction of a second later, it would have been a knockout, but instead it became a DQ. That's how it goes."
Ferreira enters as the fourth-time UAE Warriors competitor.
After a first-round knockout followed by a first-round TKO defeat, the Brazilian is earning recognition as a fan-friendly, action-packed competitor.
"He's a solid fighter. Appears to enjoy trading strikes from a standing position, though he can transition as needed. I believe he holds a black belt in jiu-jitsu," Bhullar observed.
"Both of us are dangerous in every area, which sets up an exciting matchup. I haven't spent much time studying him. He's simply an opponent I need to finish and dominate."
Throughout his career, Ferreira has fought across multiple weight classes, with bouts at lightweight, light heavyweight, and various divisions in between.
Bhullar, a natural middleweight, has operated primarily at 185 pounds for most of his career. At 6'4" with a 78-inch reach, he's built his success around striking from distance, and he aims to extend that advantage this weekend.
"Looking at the standup game, I feel I hold the edge there," Bhullar stated.
"Just compare our frames — he stands 5'10" and I'm 6'4". I possess a significant size advantage in this division and intend to use it. He may carry more weight, but he'll be undersized in terms of reach and striking. I'll be capitalizing on whatever openings he's forced to create. There are specific things he'll need to do to secure a win, and I'll be ready to punish those moments. Of course, fights rarely unfold according to plan, so I'm prepared for any scenario."
Staying grounded, Bhullar refuses to skip ahead to future matchups. His sole priorities are staying competitive and accumulating victories before facing Ferreira.
"My goal is simple — keep competing and keep evolving," Bhullar shared.
"I want to unlock my full potential and become the greatest version of KB Bhullar possible. That's my purpose, and wherever that path leads, I'll follow it."
His latest outing saw Bhullar claim a grueling decision over the resilient Strahinja Gavrilovic.
"That match tested my spirit and determination more than anything else," Bhullar recalled.
"When you face someone who absorbs everything you throw and refuses to fall, it challenges you differently. I had to maintain my composure and keep pressing forward. I couldn't count on any single strike finishing him — I just needed to stay aggressive the entire time. Another valuable lesson learned."
Bhullar's shoutouts
"Coaches and all my training partners." Follow Bhullar on social media: FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM
