Knoepfli acknowledged that capturing the championship belt is the ultimate objective, but he's also banking on the visibility of headlining a title bout to draw in more attention from the local crowd.
"Amateur fighters tend to get less recognition, particularly in a place like Grande Prairie," Knoepfli told reporters. "People treat you differently when you say you're a professional."
"With a real championship on the line, I think people will actually show up to see what's at stake."
A Challenging Resume
Grey, now 25, occupies an unusual position with his current standing: earning a title opportunity after managing only a single victory across seven bouts.
Though he admitted he was taken aback when the title shot came his way, a closer look at his record—particularly the caliber of competition he's faced and where those fights took place—reveals a more compelling narrative.
"This isn't exactly the kind of record that usually catches a promoter's eye—I'd expect most to pass on it," Grey remarked during a conversation.
"But the folks behind XFFC did their homework. They understand their roster well and know precisely what they're searching for."
Grey's two latest setbacks came at the IMMAF Pan American Championships and the IMMAF World Championships, with his third loss falling to Indroop Virk, who currently ranks as Canada's top bantamweight.
Even though he hasn't managed to piece together consecutive victories yet, Grey believes that facing such high-caliber opposition has substantially boosted his self-assurance.
"I've really pushed myself over the years, standing toe-to-toe with some of the best competitors at Worlds and Pan Ams," Grey explained.
"It builds your confidence knowing you can compete with the elite. I'm not sure Justin carries that same belief."
Beyond his bout against fellow teammate Albaraa Atmeh in the 2018 Canadian National Amateur Championships gold medal bout, this marks Grey's maiden championship opportunity in his amateur days.
He believes capturing the belt would demonstrate how far he's come, proving that all the experience he's amassed is beginning to yield results.
"It would truly prove how much I've advanced. Checking back on my last two bouts, I've clearly gotten better each time," Grey noted.
"Defeats cloud that perspective, so a victory here would mean a lot."
Knoepfli's Shoutouts
"I want to acknowledge everyone at Champion Gym for their unwavering backing and the additional hours they've poured into my training, particularly Bill Mahood, Adam Link, Luis Martinez, and John Hachey." Connect with Knoepfli online: FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM
Grey's Shoutouts
"The entire crew at Dynamic MMA has been outstanding—everyone's willing to lend a hand and genuinely pumped for my run." Stay connected with Grey on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
