The time has finally come for Olivier Poisson’s long-awaited first title shot.
Poisson (5-0) takes on Alex Gluzman (2-0) for the MFL amateur featherweight championship this Saturday night in the co-main event of MFL 19.
The 21-year-old, fighting out of Montreal, Que., looks to maintain his spotless amateur record and hoist a championship belt overhead this weekend.
Poisson’s current five-fight win streak has taken place entirely inside the MFL cage and he said the feeling of now contending for a belt within the organization feels like a manifestation of all of his hard work up until this juncture.
“It’s a really great organization. A lot of future prospects are fighting for MFL, so to be at the ultimate goal of my amateur career with MFL is amazing,” said Poisson in an interview with MMA Empire.
Poisson’s last victory at MFL 18 over Keith Henhawk brought his finishing rate to 80 per cent, with all those stoppages coming via rear-naked choke.
He said the effectiveness of his rear-naked choke is a by-product of the diligent work that is done throughout training.
“It’s only a reflection of my hard work in the gym. I train every day, I’m serious in my training,” said Poisson.
“I have a great great team and great coaches. So yeah, if I’m effective in my fights it’s because of that hard work.”
Poisson trains at one of the top facilities in Quebec for MMA in H2O MMA under the watchful eye of Richard Ho.
A myriad of high-quality sparring partners coupled with a strong head coach providing guidance pays dividends for Poisson in competitive endeavors.
“We have a very large team with several amateur fighters who have fought for the MFL before, or who will fight on the same event on Saturday, and professional fighters,” said Poisson.
“I am lucky to train with several styles and different levels of fighters. It is also what makes the strength of the gym.”
Poisson was fortunate enough to take part in the first MMA event in Canada since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
The victory at MFL 17 in Aug. 2020 over Drew Truax via rear-naked choke was a cathartic moment for the young martial artist.
“All the athletes were waiting for an event to return, so being able to return to compete in the cage was great,” said Poisson.
“The event was super nice, so on top of that going for the win made me happy and grateful.”
Poisson’s sights are now set on the task at hand, which is another undefeated amateur prospect in Gluzman.
Poisson’s thoughts overall on Gluzman’s skill set as a mixed martial artist ahead of this featherweight title fight were oriented to complimenting Gluzman’s proficiency in the standup.
“I saw him fight once; he looks like he has very good counter punches, and he has speed and good combinations. Overall, his striking looks good.”
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