For Quebec’s Yohan Lainesse (3-0), the COVID-19 pandemic can’t end soon enough. The “White Lion” will make his return to the cage after 16 months without competition.
Lainesse, 27, will face Connor Dixon (2-0) in a 180-pound catchweight fight this Wednesday. The bout will be on the CFFC 82 fight card, where fans can tune in via UFC Fight Pass.
The lengthy layoff has been a source of frustration for Lainesse, who has remained active in the gym throughout the pandemic. While many fighters struggled with motivation during lockdowns and restrictions, the Quebec native has used the time to sharpen his skills and address weaknesses in his game. His team believes the extended training camp will pay dividends once the cage door closes.
The pandemic forced regional MMA organizations across North America to pause operations, leaving prospects like Lainesse in limbo. While top-tier organizations like the UFC continued with strict testing protocols and bubble environments, smaller promotions faced significant logistical and financial challenges. For a fighter trying to build momentum with an undefeated record, sixteen months represents a substantial portion of a career, particularly in the critical early years when establishing a reputation matters most.
Lainesse has spent the downtime working on areas of his game that needed refinement. Known primarily for his striking prowess, he's dedicated considerable hours to wrestling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, understanding that regional success requires a complete skill set. His boxing background gives him a foundation that many MMA fighters lack, but the modern game demands proficiency in all ranges and positions.
“I’ve been training every day [for] four years,” Lainesse said in an interview with MMA Empire.
“I am more than ready.”
The confidence in Lainesse's voice is unmistakable. Despite the inactivity, he's maintained a rigorous schedule that includes daily sparring sessions, strength and conditioning work, and technical drilling. His coaches have noted marked improvements in his wrestling defense and submission game, areas that could prove crucial against a grappling-heavy opponent like Dixon.
Training consistently for four years demonstrates the kind of dedication required to succeed in professional mixed martial arts. The sport demands not just physical conditioning but technical proficiency across multiple disciplines, mental fortitude, and the ability to perform under pressure. Lainesse's commitment to daily training, even during a global pandemic when competition seemed uncertain, speaks to his professional approach and long-term ambitions in the sport.
Home fight for Dixon
Wednesday’s fight card will be Cage Fury FC’s first event since Feb. 1, and features six fights. CFFC 83 will take place Thursday with two title fights, and will also be held at 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.
Dixon, 24, who grew up about an hour away from Philadelphia, is especially excited for the matchup as well.
The proximity to home means Dixon will have a strong contingent of friends, family, and training partners in attendance. Fighting in familiar territory provides an intangible advantage that many fighters underestimate. The comfort of sleeping in your own bed, eating familiar meals, and having your support system nearby can make all the difference in performance.
Cage Fury Fighting Championships has established itself as one of the premier regional organizations on the East Coast, serving as a proving ground for fighters aspiring to reach the UFC and other major promotions. The organization has a strong track record of developing talent, with numerous alumni going on to sign with larger organizations. For both Lainesse and Dixon, a strong performance at CFFC 82 could open doors to bigger opportunities.
The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia has a storied history in combat sports, having hosted countless boxing matches, professional wrestling events, and MMA cards over the decades. The venue's intimate setting creates an electric atmosphere where crowd energy directly impacts the fighters. For Dixon, having that crowd potentially in his corner could provide an extra boost of adrenaline and motivation.
“I feel confident and I feel good,” Dixon said in an interview 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 holds a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a solid wrestling background. Conversely, Lainesse has a solid boxing foundation, winning two of his three fights by KO.
“I can take a bunch of clean punches and be fine, but he can’t survive one single takedown,” Dixon said.
“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.”
The psychological warfare has already begun, with Dixon clearly confident in his ability to control where the fight takes place. His black belt credentials are legitimate, earned under respected instructors in the New Jersey grappling scene. With two submission victories already on his record, Dixon has proven he can finish fights once he secures top position or locks in a dominant hold.
Dixon's assessment of the matchup reflects a common dynamic in mixed martial arts: the grappler who believes his ground game will neutralize the striker's advantages. This striker-versus-grappler narrative has played out countless times in MMA history, with varying results. While Dixon's confidence in his ability to secure takedowns is well-founded given his wrestling pedigree, the actual execution inside the cage against a fighter actively working to keep the fight standing presents different challenges than drilling in practice.
The mental game between fighters leading up to a bout can be just as important as the physical preparation. Dixon's comments suggest he's already visualized multiple scenarios and believes he has answers for everything Lainesse might throw at him. This kind of mental preparation, where a fighter repeatedly runs through potential exchanges and outcomes, can build confidence but also sometimes leads to overconfidence if reality doesn't match the visualization.
When questioned about the matchup, the Lainesse begged to differ with his opponent, saying he’s a more well-rounded fighter than Dixon believes.
“I don’t consider myself a striker, I’m a mixed martial artist,” Lainesse said.
“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
Walking around at 200 pounds, Dixon, normally a welterweight fighter, will get a chance to see how he performs at a bigger weight.
“I’m by no means a small man,” Dixon said.
“I can definitely see [myself] moving up to 185 in a few years.”
At 6’2” and 24 years old, the New Jersey native acknowledged that he’s getting bigger as he gets older, and may look to make a weight division change in the near future.
Cutting weight is nothing new to Dixon—he regularly cuts 20 – 40 pounds for a fight—so he’s willing and able to experiment with different divisions as he progresses in his MMA career.
“The jump between 155 and 170 is so big, and the jump between 170 and 185 is harsh,” Dixon said.
“I’ll tell you what, there was a lot of talk about that 165 weight class. I was really hoping for that.”
Like his opponent, Lainesse is comfortable fighting at catchweight this week. The 6’1” Canadian may also move up a weight class soon, so he has no qualms trying a new weight.
“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 said he hopes to get a title shot at welterweight or middleweight in Cage Fury FC soon after his fight against Dixon.
