You can count on this one delivering a fierce battle.
Vancouver's Gio Platon (3-1) is preparing to put his BFL amateur bantamweight championship on the line for the first time when he faces California's Donavin Morris (2-0) on Saturday's BFL 63 card in Coquitlam, B.C.
Even though they've only fought six times combined, Platon, 25, predicts this will be a top-tier clash thanks to the diverse skill sets both men bring, and he's confident he'll prevail.
"I picture some incredible striking exchanges, some incredible grappling exchanges, and I picture myself being dominant throughout — from the feet all the way to jiu-jitsu," Platon shared during an interview.
"Mentally, I'm locked in. Physically, I'm locked in. It's going to be an absolute brawl because I know he's coming fully prepared and I'm not taking any shortcuts."
Over the last few months, Platon relocated to Checkmat Vancouver to train with the elite squad developing there.
From UFC fighters Tristan Connelly and Cole Smith to rising regional talents Jamie Siraj and Achilles Estremadura, Platon said training next to these athletes has been a powerful source of motivation.
"It's been genuinely humbling and training with these top-level guys has given me a fresh perspective on how far I can go in the MMA world," Platon explained.
"It's been a privilege to watch firsthand what it takes to reach the pinnacle. So far, it's been quite the journey."
Platon steps into his maiden title defense following his November 2018 victory over Mitch Strazzella at BFL 58, which earned him the bantamweight belt.
While he secured the victory, Platon noted one major lesson from that bout: the importance of staying patient and avoiding emotional reactions.
"The biggest lessons I took away from fighting Mitch were that I can absorb a punch, I can remain composed inside the cage, and I don't have to let emotions take over," Platon said.
"I just need to stay patient, have fun, and savor the moment. Next week, I'm definitely going to take my time and showcase everything I've got in my arsenal."
Morris Young and Fearless
Traveling all the way from Long Beach, CA, Morris, 19, is stepping into hostile territory for the first time in his fledgling MMA career.
But with experience from several Muay Thai bouts in a similar villainous role, Morris said he feeds off being the underdog.
"I love being the underdog. I swear I love it so much because I'm one of those guys who likes to say 'I told you so'; you should've backed me from the beginning," Morris shared in an interview.
"There's really no pressure on my end; it's more pressure on him in his own backyard. I prefer hearing boos over cheers because the more doubt there is, the hungrier I arrive."
Though he only has two MMA fights recorded, Morris is no stranger to competition, boasting a solid number of Muay Thai bouts under his belt.
Morris said that with his Muay Thai foundation and the preparation he's been putting in at Fight Solutions HQ, he feels he holds the advantage over Platon regardless of where the fight ends up.
"I'm a complete fighter. If he wants to take it to the mat, we can go there. If he wants to keep it on the feet, we can do that too," Morris said.
"I have a striking background and I have a jiu-jitsu background; I feel like I have it all and I believe I hold the edge in every area."
Both of Morris' wins have come before the final bell, with his amateur debut ending via submission and his latest victory finishing with a first-round knockout.
With Platon also yet to leave a fight in the hands of the judges, Morris said spectators can anticipate an exciting and action-packed showdown.
"From what it looks like, he can throw some heavy shots, but I hit just as hard and maybe even harder," Morris said.
"There's definitely going to be some blood up in there, and one thing I can say for certain is my hand will be raised."
Platon's Shoutouts
"I want to give a huge shoutout to all my coaches (Tristan, Dan, Simon), my gym Checkmat Vancouver, Poesner's Pankration, Scorpion, my sponsors (Strike Recovery, Grain, and Tubbs Entertainment), and everyone showing up to support." Follow Platon on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
Morris' Shoutouts
"I'd like to thank Gerson Schilipacke, Natasha Creger, my teammates (Anthony Warken, Michael Pollinger, and Carlos Alvarado), my parents, my brothers and sisters, the rest of my family and everyone who supports me." Follow Morris on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
