Matt Dwyer (11-7) suspects he is being lured into dropping a decision to Elias Theodorou (17-3) at Rise FC 6 because Theodorou is one of the event's co-promoters.
In the main event, the two ex-UFC middleweights will clash on a landmark card, with Theodorou becoming the first competitor allowed to compete under a therapeutic use exemption for cannabis.
Still, Dwyer of Kelowna, B.C., isn't letting any of that bother him—he simply wants back inside the cage.
"I'm just pumped," Dwyer told MMA Empire. "I'm just excited to still do what I love to do, despite what is going on."
"It has been a long layoff, but I have had long layoffs before. This is my life."
Dwyer is desperate to break his three-fight skid and make his return, yet he faces a difficult task against Theodorou, who has only fallen to Derek Brunson, Brad Tavares, and Thiago Santos. Still, Dwyer is convinced his game plan can neutralize the Mississauga, Ont., native.
Not only does Dwyer believe he will get the call, but he also feels equipped to frustrate Theodorou and dismantle him striking.
"Elias has only ever been beaten by the top guys, he has also never been finished and went up against guys who are finishers," Dwyer explained. "I don't care about any of that. It is just me and him in there."
"I will do whatever it takes to get my hand raised. I'll get gritty and vicious and let him know the point game doesn't work with me and I'll frustrate him and pick him apart. If he wants to wrestle, he can try, but I'll defend it. At the end of the day, I will make him play my game."
Even with his self-assurance, Dwyer is wary of how the judges might influence the outcome.
Since Theodorou holds a promotional stake in Rise FC, Dwyer feels he must either secure a finish or thoroughly outclass his opponent to avoid a potentially biased decision.
"Rise is making him the poster boy for this show and I have to make it decisive, if not finish him, to get my hand raised. The odds are against me, but I welcome it," Dwyer said.
"There is less pressure on me and I know who I am and what I have to do."
Should Dwyer pull off the upset, the 31-year-old intends to keep building momentum with more bouts in Canada.
He has Teddy Ash circled as his next opponent, and a victory over him could pave the way back to the UFC.
"The goal is to beat Elias and see whatever doors open for me," Dwyer said. "I will put in all the effort it takes to continue the rise. There are some Canadian fighters I want to fight, Teddy Ash is one. That would be a good matchup and a big fight for Canadian MMA."
"After that, I still plan on getting back to the UFC. I remember when I got cut, I understood it, but it hurt. I just had so much more to give and it was heartbreaking. With that understanding, I realized the new approach and mindset I needed to have. The problem has been getting fights, like opponents haven't shown up. I also am starting to have fun in there."
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