One of these undefeated fighters is about to see his record change.
Hamilton's Liam Gallagher (4-0) and Gatineau's Patrick Arseneau (3-0) step into the cage at MFL 17 in Montreal, QC to decide who walks away with the newly vacated MFL bantamweight title.
Gallagher, 23, launched his amateur career back in June 2019 and has collected four straight victories in a little over a year, with three of those triumphs coming inside the MFL cage.
With a title shot now in front of him, Gallagher expressed enthusiasm for the moment and said he'd love to return to defend the belt later on.
"This is exciting, and it's something I've been chasing ever since I began my MMA journey," Gallagher told MMA Empire. "I had it in my sights from the beginning—collecting as many amateur belts as possible—and I'm thrilled to finally have my first shot."
"Given everything happening in the world right now, I really hope Montreal Fight League keeps putting on events. My goal is to stay busy and fight as much as I can this year, and ideally, defend that championship belt."
Arseneau, 30, shares Gallagher's undefeated status and earned his latest victory during his MFL debut back in October.
The Gatineau native says capturing a belt represents a milestone he's been working toward and could serve as the capstone to his amateur run.
"It's a major opportunity, and it might be the last amateur fight I take on. I want to turn pro after this, or maybe one more bout," Arseneau shared with MMA Empire.
"Winning this belt is what opens the door to the professional ranks."
Gallagher is ready for 15 minutes
As a championship bout, this contest stretches to five rounds rather than the three-round format both fighters know well.
Gallagher sees no problem with the extended distance and thinks it may actually favor him.
"During training camps and sparring sessions, I'm already drilling five five-minute rounds. I don't expect any issues with cardio or conditioning," Gallagher noted.
"If anything, the extra time lets me set up more strategically and adjust tactics as the fight unfolds."
Though Gallagher trains mainly at Vision Quest MMA and Para Bellum MMA, he dedicated the opening three weeks of camp to Sacramento, CA, where he trained alongside Team Alpha Male.
This marks Gallagher's second stint with Team Alpha Male, which he credits for elevating his skill set.
"The standard of training and competition in that gym is unreal. Being around top-tier fighters every day, twice daily, six days a week—it's been incredible."
Despite a foundation in kickboxing, Gallagher has fully committed to all facets of MMA throughout his brief career.
Though Arseneau also comes from a striking base, Gallagher feels confident he'll hold the edge regardless of where the fight goes.
"I feel like I'm just more complete," Gallagher said.
"We're both strikers, but I think I bring the better striking. I'm also comfortable with my wrestling and jiu-jitsu. If I need to shift the fight elsewhere, I've got the tools to make that happen."
Arseneau respects Gallagher's game
Having watched Gallagher fight several times, Arseneau holds him in high regard and recognizes the threat he presents.
He's eager to test himself against a fighter of Gallagher's caliber and said having a title on the line makes the matchup even sweeter.
"Liam's a genuinely skilled fighter—very balanced both standing and on the mat," Arseneau said.
"It's going to be a tough matchup, which is exactly what I'm looking forward to. And knowing it's for a belt? That makes it even better. A title fight is precisely the kind of matchup I want."
As Gallagher's first title bout, this marks Arseneau's first exposure to five-round distance as well.
Arseneau says he's physically ready for the added rounds and is eager to prove himself through the championship stretch.
"I feel strong—I put a ton of work into my cardio, so I'm in good shape. I'm actually happy about the extra rounds because, for me, three is never enough. I'm that type of fighter who starts measured and builds momentum," Arseneau said.
"Five rounds is ideal."
Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, the event will proceed without spectators.
Arseneau acknowledged that competing in an empty arena is a novel situation for him and most of the card, and said it will alter the atmosphere.
"It's going to feel strange. In there, the only sounds we'll hear are our own footfalls, strikes, blocks, and our breathing," Arseneau observed.
"I thrive with a crowd behind me—they give me that extra spark right before the bell. We'll have to adapt. But honestly, I feel incredibly fortunate just to be fighting at all given everything going on."
Gallagher's Shoutouts
"I'd like to thank my coaches (Josh Hill, Scott Macovi, Lyndon Whitlock, Rory McDonell), and all my training partners at Para Bellum, Vision Quest, and Niagara Top Team." Follow Gallagher on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
Arseneau's Shoutouts
"I'd like to thank coach Tag Atkinson, Noah Khalil, and coach Steve Loiselle from Flowater Martial Arts in Hawksbury." Follow Arseneau on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
