On just two weeks notice, Timmins, Ont.’s Terry “Good Time” Lemaire (3-2) will look to make it four wins in a row when he travels all the way to Northport, Ala. to take on the state’s top-ranked featherweight, undefeated Travis Hill (2-0).
The matchup represents a significant step up in competition for both fighters, with Lemaire seeking to prove himself against one of Alabama's most promising prospects. The short-notice nature of the bout adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging assignment, but Lemaire has never been one to back down from adversity.
Lemaire, 31, is no stranger to fighting in enemy territory. In fact, he’s made a career of it.
Throughout his professional journey, Lemaire has consistently sought out opportunities that push him outside his comfort zone, believing that the hostile environment brings out the best in his performances. This mindset has shaped his development as a fighter and prepared him for exactly these kinds of high-pressure situations.
“That’s usually how it goes for me, I’m always in somebody’s backyard,” Lemaire said in an interview with MMA Empire.
“I’m usually fighting in Montreal or Quebec City, and I’m always fighting one of their guys, so it’s nothing new to me.”
The experience gained from those Quebec road trips has proven invaluable for the Northern Ontario native. Fighting in front of partisan crowds has taught Lemaire to focus solely on his opponent and tune out external distractions. That mental fortitude will be crucial when he steps into the cage thousands of miles from home this weekend.
One thing that is new for Lemaire, however, is staying in shape during a pandemic.
The COVID-19 crisis has disrupted fight schedules across the globe, forcing athletes to adapt their training methods and maintain readiness despite uncertainty. For many fighters, the extended layoffs and gym closures have been devastating to their conditioning and skills. Lemaire, however, has managed to navigate these challenges with remarkable discipline.
Despite all of the isolation early on, Lemaire said he has been able to keep his body operating at a high level.
“It hasn’t really had an impact, thankfully,” Lemaire said.
“I was ready to go for team Canada in a tournament last November in Singapore, but wasn’t able to make the trip. And then I had another fight fall through in June, but I was staying in shape doing home workouts. Once the gyms opened up, I was ready to go. I came into the gym not like a slug like most people. That’s why I took the fight on two weeks notice, and it’s a weight class up, so it’s nice.”
His proactive approach to training during lockdown has positioned him perfectly for this opportunity. While other fighters struggled to regain their form after months away from proper facilities, Lemaire maintained his conditioning through creative home workouts and mental preparation. This dedication is now paying dividends as he prepares for one of the biggest fights of his career.
Lemaire looking to make a statement
Lemaire has spent the majority of his career at bantamweight, reeling off three straight wins in the process.
The move to featherweight represents both an opportunity and a calculated risk. At 145 pounds, Lemaire will face naturally larger opponents, but the reduced weight cut could allow him to maintain more energy and explosiveness throughout the fight. His recent success at bantamweight has given him the confidence to test himself against bigger competition.
He’ll be moving up to featherweight on Saturday to take on Hill, but less weight to cut on short notice isn’t the only reason. Lemaire said he feels it’s also a great opportunity against a highly-touted opponent.
“The fact I get to fight their number one-ranked guy is even better. I’ve been kind of put on the back burner with cancelled events lately,” Lemaire said.
“I haven’t been able to stay as active as I’ve wanted to over the years. I think people are starting to forget about me and I want to make a statement.”
The frustration in Lemaire's voice is palpable when discussing his recent inactivity. For a fighter in his prime, every cancelled bout represents lost momentum and missed opportunities to climb the rankings. This fight against Hill is his chance to remind the MMA world of his abilities and announce himself as a legitimate contender in the featherweight division.
Lemaire’s opponent has yet to see the second round as a professional, finishing both of his fights by submission.
Hill's perfect record and finishing ability have made him a local favorite in Alabama, with many viewing him as a future champion. His grappling-heavy style has overwhelmed his previous opponents, but he has yet to face someone with Lemaire's experience and well-rounded skill set. The Canadian veteran represents by far the toughest test of Hill's young career.
Although aware of his strength on the ground, Lemaire feels there isn’t anything Hill can offer that he hasn’t prepared for.
“I noticed in his amateur career he had a few losses and they went the distance because he was unable to get the take down. I think that’s where he breaks,” Lemaire said.
“I think that’s his game plan, and unfortunately, for him, I’m a little more well-rounded. My last opponent thought he was going to wrestle me, and I outwrestled him for three rounds. So, if that’s his game plan, well then go for it, but I’m going to keep the fight standing.”
Lemaire's film study has revealed what he believes to be a critical weakness in Hill's game. When unable to secure takedowns, the Alabama fighter has shown a tendency to fade, both physically and mentally. Lemaire plans to exploit this vulnerability by stuffing Hill's wrestling attempts and forcing him into uncomfortable striking exchanges where the Canadian's experience advantage becomes decisive.
The strategic chess match will be fascinating to watch unfold. Hill will undoubtedly pressure for takedowns early, looking to impose his grappling game before Lemaire can establish his rhythm. Lemaire, meanwhile, will look to counter with precise striking and defensive wrestling, aiming to frustrate Hill and break his spirit as the fight progresses.
With his confidence and motivation at an all-time high, Lemaire will look to keep things rolling on Saturday night as he looks for his fourth straight win.
“Once I get to the fight, all the hard work is done. The only thing I have to do is pull away with the win, which I’m 100 per cent sure I’m going to get,” Lemaire said.
“It’s just a matter of which round. I’m not saying he isn’t a tough opponent, it’s just the frame of mind I’ve been in over the last year with this COVID thing. I have a fire burning in my soul and I’m ready to compete.”
That burning desire is evident in every word Lemaire speaks. The combination of pandemic frustration, cancelled fights, and the hunger to prove himself has created a dangerous cocktail of motivation. Hill may be undefeated and fighting at home, but he's facing a veteran on a mission who has nothing to lose and everything to gain.
The stage is set for an explosive encounter at SHP 57. Can the undefeated hometown hero maintain his perfect record, or will the battle-tested Canadian spoil the party and announce himself as a force in the featherweight division? Fight fans won't want to miss this intriguing stylistic matchup.
Lemaire’s Shoutouts
“I want to thank all my sponsors. The community support here in Timmins, Ont. is awesome, they respect all their athletes here and they help out a lot. And, of course, my wife, friends, family and my trainer, Matt Poulin, at Total Martial Arts Center.” Follow Lemaire on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
