As Nicolas Kambasis steps into 2021, he hopes to carry forward the momentum from his successful 2019 campaign.
The Canadian Kambasis (1-0) is set to return to competition for the first time since September 2019 when he faces American opponent John Yannis (0-0) in a bantamweight showdown at Peak Fighting 7 this Saturday evening in Texarkana, Arkansas.
Kambasis's most recent outing marked his professional debut—a triumphant performance where he secured a third-round submission victory over Gino Ghalehpardaz at Prospect FC 11.
Beyond the win itself, the 27-year-old noted that the victory provided him with a major confidence boost, especially considering he had been fully prepared for a stand-up battle against an opponent holding a brown belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
"That fight opened my eyes," Kambasis shared with MMA Empire. "I finally recognized that my jiu-jitsu and grappling are genuinely strong, and I shouldn't limit myself to being just a striker."
"Since then, I've been focused on maintaining that versatility. I don't need to force every fight to remain standing—I can adapt, mix things up, and bring my grappling and wrestling into play."
After missing out on any bouts during the pandemic-hit 2020 season, this Saturday's fight marks the opening of two scheduled matchups for Kambasis in 2021. He is also slated to face Indroop Virk at BFL 66 on March 19.
Having two fights lined up in succession has been a source of genuine appreciation for Kambasis, who refuses to take the opportunity lightly.
"It's incredible," Kambasis told reporters. "Going from having zero opportunities last year to already having two fights booked this year—it means a lot to me."
"I feel like a kid in a candy store. I'm absolutely thrilled; I just love what I do. Regardless of the result, my goal is simple: step in, compete at my highest level, and put Canada on the map."
Preparing for this fight hasn't been straightforward for Kambasis, as much of Canada remains under strict COVID-19 restrictions that have complicated traditional training camps.
Rather than trying to work around the limitations back home, Kambasis traveled to Texas earlier this month with several teammates to conduct their training camp at Genesis Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
"Everything back home is shut down," Kambasis explained. "If you try to keep your gym open, you're looking at fines. But in Texas, everything operates normally—you just wear a mask and you're fine. We're training two or three times daily and pushing ourselves hard."
"It genuinely feels like regular life again. Nothing extreme—it just feels like we're back to normal down here. Myself and the other Canadians are really enjoying it."
Still, to make the Texas trip worthwhile, Kambasis has to deliver against Yannis—a tough opponent who arrives with a 7-3 amateur record heading into his professional debut.
Kambasis acknowledges that Yannis's primary weapon is his power, a threat he feels equipped to counter.
"His heavy hands coming forward are the main danger I need to address, but honestly that plays right into my strategy," Kambasis said. "I like to create angles and let opponents walk into my takedowns. I'm currently a purple belt in jiu-jitsu, so I'm confident my grappling will control the pace."
"I just need to stay alert for those big punches, keep my angles sharp, and if I sense any trouble, I'll immediately take it to the mat and finish it."
Kambasis' Shoutouts
"I want to thank all my sponsors (The Mortgage Matt Team, Bruckmann Martial Arts, Submission Shark, James Clarke Roofing, USG, Lid Lube, Mancave, Zoneify, Robust Electric, Jordan's Exterior Metals, Vintage Speed and Metal, The Cave Boxing and Fitness, Ringside Management, True Believers Tattoo Club, Sovrin Extracts, Clarington Physio, Wynn's Property Maintenance, Warrior Fight Store, Action MMA, Nam A Stay Gangsta, Briggs Commercial Concepts, Genesis Jiu-Jitsu, Savage Beard Essentials, Kalsamrit Gym, Crozier Mechanical Inc., Evolution Plumbing)." Follow Kambasis on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
