This bout might wrap up faster than expected.
Powell River's Nicolas Ouellet (2-0) steps into the cage to defend his BFL amateur lightweight title for the very first time, hosting Chilliwack's Kolton Higginbottom (9-6) at BFL 64 in Coquitlam, B.C., on Saturday.
While Ouellet, 23, relied heavily on his Brazilian jiu-jitsu for his opening two bouts, he insists he's well-rounded enough to close out this fight in multiple ways.
"I see myself landing some solid strikes standing, and then the fight likely moves to the mat at some stage—whether I'm driving him down or he's trying to shoot on me," Ouellet explained during a recent conversation.
"My focus is on chasing the submission, but if a knockout opportunity presents itself, I'm grabbing it. Finishing the fight is the goal; that's what this is all about."
At age 30, Higginbottom knows what it means to exit the cage before the final bell, boasting six amateur victories decided before time expired, including four knockouts and two submissions.
The challenger is predicting another early stoppage on Saturday night and insists there's only one outcome he expects.
"I'm picturing a first-round knockout. I feel that confident," Higginbottom told reporters.
"He'll come out with sloppy wrestling, and I'm going to punch him straight in the face."
True Champion
Ouellet captured the championship at BFL 61, submitting Manny Fernandez via inverted triangle in the opening period.
As he prepares for his maiden title defense, Ouellet says he wants to demonstrate he earned the belt and prove his skill set is ready for higher-level competition.
"This means everything to me. I want to prove why I'm the champion," Ouellet said.
"I want to show these amateurs why I deserve a shot in the professional ranks."
His championship victory over Fernandez was nearly flawless, echoing his amateur debut where he also secured a first-round submission.
Yet even after that near-perfect outing, Ouellet identified areas of his game worth refining, believing they'll make him even more formidable going forward.
"I want to be a bit more patient in this fight," Ouellet noted.
I'm not going to rush him out of there immediately; I'm going to settle in, take my time, and break him down piece by piece."
Competition is Competition
Higginbottom arrives at Saturday's matchup after a four-year absence, primarily spent pursuing a professional bull riding career across Western Canada and Washington state.
Though he hasn't competed in MMA during that span, Higginbottom feels his experience riding bulls has strengthened his mental toughness, giving him an edge inside the cage.
"When I was riding bulls, I'd be on two or three per weekend, so now that I'm back fighting, everything should feel a little easier," Higginbottom shared.
"It helps with the pre-fight nerves because I'm accustomed to competition and facing off against tough opponents."
Higginbottom hopes to capture his second title in two different promotions, having previously claimed the Warpath MMA amateur welterweight belt in 2014.
Winning another amateur title on Saturday would serve as a fitting capstone to a lengthy amateur career.
"This will be my final amateur bout, and I plan to sign my first professional deal," Higginbottom revealed.
"It would mean a great deal considering how long my amateur journey has been, and another title would be the cherry on top proving I'm ready for the next phase."
Ouellet's Shoutouts
"I'd like to thank my entire team, particularly my brother Raphael, Nelson Spreeuw, Michael Hill, Matt Venditti from Hiit and Quit Fitness, my girlfriend Deidra, and the whole Powell River BJJ crew." Follow Ouellet on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
Higginbottom's Shoutouts
"I'd like to thank Chilliwack Boxing Club, my Chilliwack grappling team, and Chilliwack Pacific Top Team." Follow Higginbottom on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
