Given merely a fortnight's warning, Timmins, Ont.'s Terry "Good Time" Lemaire (3-2) aims to extend his streak to four consecutive victories as he journeys to Northport, Ala. to face the state's premier-ranked featherweight, the unbeaten Travis Hill (2-0).
At 31, Lemaire knows his way around unfamiliar soil. Fighting away from home has practically become his trademark.
"That's typically my situation—I'm constantly competing in someone else's hometown," Lemaire told MMA Empire.
"Most of my bouts happen in Montreal or Quebec City against fighters from those areas, so it's hardly unusual for me."
There's one element that's genuinely different for Lemaire: maintaining peak condition throughout a global pandemic.
Even with the early isolation period, Lemaire insisted his physical conditioning remained solid.
"Thankfully, it hasn't affected me much," Lemaire shared.
"I was preparing to represent team Canada in a tournament in Singapore last November, but couldn't travel. Then another bout got cancelled in June, but I kept training with home exercises. When the gyms reopened, I was fully prepared. I walked into the gym without the typical sluggishness everyone seems to carry. That's precisely why I accepted this fight on short notice and moved up a weight division—it's ideal for me."
Lemaire Seeks to Make His Mark
Throughout most of his professional journey, Lemaire competed at bantamweight, collecting three consecutive victories along the way.
Saturday's bout marks his ascent to featherweight to meet Hill, but stepping down in weight on short notice isn't his sole motivation. Lemaire described it as an excellent chance against a highly-regarded challenger.
"Fighting their top-ranked fighter makes it even sweeter. Recent event cancellations have kept me sidelined," Lemaire explained.
"I haven't had the activity level I've craved over the years. People might be losing sight of me, and I want to prove them wrong."
Hill has never experienced the second round professionally, having ended both bouts via submission.
Acknowledging his opponent's grappling prowess, Lemaire remains convinced he's prepared for every scenario Hill might throw his way.
"I reviewed his amateur bouts and noticed he suffered a handful of decisions—mostly because he couldn't secure takedowns. That's likely where he'll struggle," Lemaire noted.
"If taking me down is his strategy, it won't work. I'm more complete on all fronts. My previous opponent tried to wrestle, and I dominated the mat for three full rounds. So let him try—my goal is to keep this standing."
Riding a wave of self-assurance and determination at its peak, Lemaire intends to continue his momentum Saturday night as he chases his fourth consecutive victory.
"When fight night arrives, all the preparation is behind me. My job is simple: secure the win, which I'm completely certain will happen," Lemaire declared.
"The question is which round. I'm not dismissing his abilities—he's a legitimate threat—but after a year of dealing with the pandemic, I've developed an intense drive. I'm hungry to compete."
Lemaire's Acknowledgments
"I appreciate every sponsor supporting me. The community here in Timmins, Ont. is incredible—they honor all their athletes and provide tremendous assistance. Naturally, my wife, friends, family, and coach Matt Poulin at Total Martial Arts Center. Follow Lemaire online: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM"
