Matt Krayco is preparing for his first hometown bout in nearly eight years.
Calgary, Alta.'s Krayco (8-9-1) goes head-to-head with Zack Powell (5-1) at Unified MMA 44. The showdown takes place Friday evening at the Seven Chiefs Sportsplex & Jim Starlight Centre in Calgary and airs on UFC Fight Pass.
Krayco, 31, regards this contest as a major chance to fight before fans back home. Calgary has seen relatively few professional MMA events over recent years, and Unified MMA is stepping into the market.
Krayco steps up against a tough, young and rising prospect in Powell, but believes he continues to get shortchanged.
"I know I've got a tough, rising prospect standing across from me who keeps pressing forward relentlessly. I feel like I'm being overlooked on this card once more. That's just how it goes. I embrace being the underdog and proving everyone wrong. My focus is on doing my job. I expect plenty of upset fans walking out that night," Krayco told MMA Empire.
"Training camp has gone great, and I genuinely respect him in every facet. His striking, wrestling, and jiu-jitsu are solid. I respect him, but right now I'm in excellent shape. I've put in so much work for this moment. I'm happy, my mindset is sharp, and I'm in a very strong position. I'm excited to step up."
While Krayco isn't dismissing Powell or what he offers, he claims the younger fighter hasn't reached his tier yet.
"I still follow what folks are saying about the matchup and reading people's takes. I get it—the kid should logically be 6-0 at this point. A definite top-rising talent. I've spent a long time in this sport, and finding fights hasn't been easy, so I truly value and appreciate being given this shot," Krayco explained.
"Looking past him is the last thing on my mind. I think the matchup works in my favour, and I might get roasted for saying it, but there are tiers within this game. If everything I'm displaying in camp and all the years of preparation translate to fight night, he's in for a real shock."
Follow Krayco on social media: INSTAGRAM
