Quebec's Yohan Lainesse (3-0) has been counting down the days until the COVID-19 pandemic finally lifts. The fighter nicknamed "White Lion" is set to return after a 16-month absence from competition.
Lainesse, 27, is scheduled to take on Connor Dixon (2-0) in a 180-pound catchweight bout this Wednesday. The matchup is part of the CFFC 82 lineup, which viewers can stream on UFC Fight Pass.
"I've been training every day [for] four years," Lainesse told MMA Empire during an interview.
"I am more than ready."
Home crowd advantage for Dixon
The Wednesday card marks Cage Fury FC's first event since February 1, featuring six contests. CFFC 83 follows on Thursday with two championship bouts, also taking place at the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
Dixon, 24, who hails from roughly an hour outside Philadelphia, is particularly pumped about competing in front of local supporters.
"I feel confident and I feel good," Dixon shared with MMA Empire.
"I think this is a bad matchup for [Yohan] to be honest. I keep running the fight over and over in my mind, and I just can't see a universe where he's able to bludgeon me before I'm able to get a hold of him."
Dixon boasts a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu alongside strong wrestling credentials. On the other side, Lainesse comes from a striking-heavy background, having secured two of his three victories by knockout.
"I can take a bunch of clean punches and be fine, but he can't survive one single takedown," Dixon claimed.
"I just think it's a terrible matchup for him. I think he probably feels that way too; I'm not sure what he's telling himself to help him sleep at night."
In response to Dixon's comments, Lainesse offered a different perspective, insisting he's far more versatile than his rival gives him credit for.
"I don't consider myself a striker, I'm a mixed martial artist," Lainesse explained.
"Connor Dixon always had easy matchups before this fight; I wouldn't be surprised if I submit him. I'm excited to fight a black belt with a large ego."
Both athletes prepare for catchweight weigh-in
Dixon, typically a welterweight, walks around at 200 pounds and sees this as an opportunity to test himself at a heavier mark.
"I'm by no means a small man," Dixon remarked.
"I can definitely see [myself] moving up to 185 in a few years."
At 6'2" and 24 years old, the New Jersey-born competitor admitted he's filling out as he ages and might shift weight classes down the road.
Weigh-ins aren't unfamiliar territory for Dixon—he typically sheds 20 to 40 pounds for bouts—making him open to exploring various divisions as his career develops.
"The jump between 155 and 170 is so big, and the jump between 170 and 185 is harsh," Dixon noted.
"I'll tell you what, there was a lot of talk about that 165 weight class. I was really hoping for that."
Mirroring Dixon's mindset, Lainesse is equally at ease at catchweight. The 6'1" Canadian might transition to a higher division eventually, so experimenting with a new weight holds no concerns for him.
"I feel great not [having to] cut weight for this fight," Lainesse said.
"My goal is to fight at 185 professionally, since I'm a big [welterweight]."
Lainesse expressed hope of earning a title shot at welterweight or middleweight within Cage Fury FC following his bout with Dixon.
