Nearly four years ago, Nick Ghaeni defeated Gagan Gill for the BFL amateur featherweight title. On Saturday night, they’ll meet again.
Ghaeni (3-2) will battle Gill (1-0) in the co-main event of BFL 56 in Coquitlam, B.C. to determine the BFL professional featherweight champion.
After emerging victorious in the first meeting at BFL 33, Ghaeni, 33, said he’s expecting the same result the second time around.
“I do see victory, but I just don’t know how it will come,” said Ghaeni in an interview.
“I know I have many ways to win this fight, and I’m just going to go out there and be myself, and let that do it’s work.”
In recalling the first meeting, Ghaeni said Gill is a strong striker with a dangerous submission game, and believes his opponent has become even stronger in those areas since 2014.
To further back up Ghaeni’s analysis of his opponent’s strengths, in Gill’s seven victories as an amateur, six of those wins were by submission.
“He’s always been good in those areas, but it seems like he’s gotten even sharper now,” said Ghaeni.
When it comes to their respective professional careers, Ghaeni holds the edge in experience with his five professional fights to Gill’s lone appearance as a professional.
Ghaeni, fighting out of Calgary, Alta., said he believes his number of professional fights, combined with the quality of his opponents and his age, will play a big factor when he and Gill step into the cage.
“Experience is definitely in my favour, especially with my age and him being so young with only being 1-0,” said Ghaeni.
“I just feel I’m the toughest guy he’s ever fought, and will still be the toughest guy he’s ever fought.”
This contest with Gill will be Ghaeni’s second crack at a championship belt as a professional, having already fought for the BFL bantamweight strap back in 2016, dropping a submission loss to Jamie Siraj.
Ghaeni said he’s excited to have received another title shot so soon after his previous attempt, after having the mindset he would likely have to put together more of a win streak before receiving another chance.
“After all these years, since I started wrestling as a kid, I’ve finally got it together after putting in the right work,” said Ghaeni.
“Winning this belt will be a reflection of 20 years of hard work.”
Ghaeni’s Shoutouts
“I’d like to thank my sponsors: Prado Cafe and Spade Coffee Spirits & Treats. I’d also like to thank my mother and father for supporting me all my life. This one’s for them. Also a big thank you to my coaches and training partners at The Sound, Tilt MMA, MMA University, Bowmont Boxing, and Jake Peacock at Dunamis.”
