It’s time for the main event of the evening.
That’s what Magrath’s Evan Piercey (2-0) and Red Deer’s Connor Krebs (1-1) will hear before they make the walk to the cage Saturday night at Rumble in the Cage 57 in Lethbridge for their amateur lightweight bout.
With Piercey living just 30 minutes south of Lethbridge in Magrath, Alta., he said he basically considers this to be a hometown fight, and couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity.
“The fans here are amazing. When I walk into the venue, I can honestly feel the energy from the fans in the arena, and it’s overwhelming,” said Piercey in an interview.
“It’s just phenomenal to fight in front of these guys.”
Although he doesn’t know much about Krebs, Piercey said he’s expecting the toughest test of his career.
He said with the styles they both possess, he’s expecting nothing less than a great scrap.
“I think he’s definitely going to bring it, and I know I’m going to for sure,” said Piercey.
“I’m just looking to put on a good fight for the fans, everybody in Lethbridge, and all my family watching.”
Piercey has yet to spend much time in the cage, with both his victories coming by TKO, less than 20 seconds into the fight.
In his most recent bout, he finished Jared Cochrane just nine seconds into their Rumble in the Cage 56 matchup, while finishing Chris Jones in 17 seconds in his first ever fight at Rumble in the Cage 53.
He said scoring those early finishes wasn’t something he was pushing to do, but instead it was his counter striking and confidence taking over.
“I’m a very confident person when I step in there,” said Piercey.
“When I step in the cage, it’s almost relaxing for me.”
Krebs Not Yet Convinced
Although many people may look at Piercey’s track record in admiration, Krebs isn’t impressed yet.
Krebs said both of Piercey’s quick finishes were against opponents he should be finishing in short time.
“Any MMA fighter should’ve been able to take those guys out quickly, and he did, which is great for him,” said Krebs in an interview.
“But if he thinks he’s going to be able to do that to me, he’s in for a rude awakening.”
It’s been nearly two years since Krebs’ last fight, a submission victory at Rumble in the Cage 52, so he’s more than ready to get back at it.
He’s been training hard in all areas for this fight at Kensei Martial Arts and Fitness in Red Deer, and said no matter where the fight goes, he has the upper hand.
“I’m comfortable on my feet, on the ground, on my back, or wherever he wants to take it,” said Krebs
“I just see me winning in all areas, wearing him out, and putting him away.”
This will also be Krebs’ first main event of his young career, which is something he found out less than a week ago.
Krebs said Piercey has a top ten ranking in Canada, which is a rank he’s coming after, and to be able to do so in the main event is just what he’s looking for.
“I’m excited. I’m ready to go.”
“It just adds fuel to the fire.”
