The West Coast gets another stacked card as BFL returns with yet another impressive lineup.
One bout that could steal the show features Quebec City's Maxime Soucy (2-1) going head-to-head with Aldergrove, B.C.'s Josh Kwiatkowski (5-5) in a featherweight showdown at BFL 73 in Vancouver, B.C.
"There's something intimidating about him—he goes for everything," Soucy told MMA Empire in an interview.
"He's not afraid to get hit and exchange heavy shots. He'll do whatever it takes to land a knockout. He's just trying to put you away. It makes for a compelling matchup since that style isn't typical for me. I usually work with highly technical fighters. Funny enough, it reminds me of how I used to fight—if I need to swap bombs, I'm completely fine with that."
Kwiatkowski represents the toughest test Soucy has faced so far in his relatively short career, and the fighter from Quebec City holds his opponent's resume in high regard.
That said, Soucy is confident his peak performance will overwhelm Kwiatkowski when they meet this weekend.
"I bring superior skill across the board. I'm far more refined technically," Soucy stated.
"I'll be thoroughly prepared to set traps and collect on them. Honestly, I'm looking to finish this fight—I just haven't decided how. Every opening works for me. I believe I can either knock him out or take him down whenever the moment calls for it. I'll call the shots and we'll go wherever I choose."
Training at Tristar Montreal has afforded Soucy access to a wealth of expertise alongside elite-level technical and athletic talent.
When pressed about his growth since making the jump to professional MMA, Soucy immediately pointed to his grappling development.
"Tristar earned its reputation as one of the world's top grappling schools for solid reasons," Soucy noted.
"Incredible coaches and equally incredible training partners. I'm fortunate to train there every single day. My grappling has evolved significantly over the past couple years."
Though he's typically recognized for his footwork and striking prowess, Soucy demonstrated the results of his ground game work when he secured a commanding decision victory at BFL 70.
"That bout validated my grappling abilities," Soucy explained.
"Most of my previous fights were stand-up affairs—that's undoubtedly where I'm most lethal—but it felt great to put everything I've drilled at the gym into practice. It was an opportunity to loosen up, drop the pressure, and enjoy myself. My primary goal was to log more cage time. My first two professional outings were short, so this gave me valuable experience."
While his attention is locked on this Saturday's card, Soucy already has someone specific in his sights—long before the Kwiatkowski bout was even announced—a top BFL contender who could accelerate his trajectory.
"Mateo Vogel is definitely a target. We were supposed to clash a few years back, so that matchup means a lot to me," Soucy shared.
"My injury prevented that fight from happening. I genuinely believe I can beat him with ease, and I'd welcome that chance. I want to dismantle this division piece by piece and work my way toward a title shot. All I know right now is I'm winning this fight, and after that, we'll see what doors open."
Soucy's shoutouts
"Everyone at the gym, all my coaches and training partners, and my main sponsor Déménagement Le Clan Panneton." Follow Soucy on social media: INSTAGRAM
