The countdown has begun for both Zack Powell and Yemi Oduwole.
Canadian fighter Powell (3-0) hopes to preserve his perfect record as he squares off against American opponent Oduwole (5-2) in a 160-pound catchweight contest headlining SHP 56 this Saturday in Northport, Alabama.
A win would put Powell, 23, in position to chase a rapid follow-up booking with Dana White's Contender Series next month.
"Sherrard Blackledge, now 5-0, got called back to Contender Series in November, so I'm looking to win this fight and challenge him directly. I'm not trying to be disrespectful — he's got something I'm after," Powell told MMA Empire in a recent interview.
"I want a fast turnaround. I'm on the card in October, then Contender Series in November, and hopefully UFC action to kick off 2021."
Oduwole, 30, is approaching his 15th month away from competition, even though he's worked hard to land another bout during that span.
Having an opponent locked in and a firm date on the calendar is a welcome relief, and Oduwole expressed gratitude that he's finally back in the mix.
"I'm thrilled someone actually signed a contract and said let's fight. I've been searching for an opponent for nearly a year," Oduwole said in an interview with MMA Empire.
"He's undefeated at 3-0, and I know exactly how that feels. This is going to be a great matchup, I can guarantee it."
Powell looking to hunt the finish
Powell most recently stopped Adam De Freitas by unanimous decision at Prospect FC 13 in March.
Though he walked away with the win, Powell admitted the outing showed him where he needs to sharpen his approach — focusing more on finishing fights rather than playing it safe and trying to control rounds.
"I could tell Adam was breaking down, and I settled into just managing the fight instead of pressing forward to end it," Powell explained.
"After reviewing the tape with my coaching staff, we all agreed a finish was available in round two or three."
Only three fights into his professional journey, Powell is stepping up against his hardest test yet in Oduwole, who boasts more than twice as many pro bouts and owns a victory over former UFC competitor Clay Harvison.
Beyond Oduwole's experience advantage, Powell believes he holds the edge in every facet of the sport once the cage shuts.
"He's battle-tested, he's tough, and he's game. On pure skill though, I'm confident. I'm the faster athlete, I've got the better cardio, stronger striking, superior jiu-jitsu, and better wrestling," Powell said.
"So I'm comfortable on paper, but it's still a fight and anything can go down, so I'm walking in prepared for every scenario and ready to impose my will."
After assisting fellow Canadian prospect Anthony Romero preparing for his Contender Series appearance, Powell relocated to Niagara Top Team in Ontario, where he's spent the last three months training.
Powell reported positive impressions from his tenure there, noting visible gains in his overall skill set.
"The intensity level is different. I feel like this is genuinely my home gym now, and I'm stepping into this fight as a totally evolved fighter," Powell shared.
"I've developed in so many areas and improved across the board, and I understand the sport much deeper now. Having quality teammates and seasoned coaches around is incredibly valuable."
Oduwole maintains short memory of last fight
At his most recent outing, Oduwole watched his five-fight winning streak end when Chris Brown handed him the loss at LFA 71.
Still, Oduwole didn't let the setback linger long, choosing instead to reflect on the string of victories that followed his sole other defeat — his professional debut.
"Take my pro debut — I took a split decision loss. But after that, I went on a five-fight win streak and squared off with a UFC vet," Oduwole noted.
"A loss teaches you, and I didn't waste time dwelling on it. I was back in the gym the very next day."
Before his current 15-month layoff, Oduwole stacked five bouts in just over twelve months.
He clarified the break wasn't injury-related or born of hesitation — it came down to opponents declining to meet him.
"This layoff isn't on me. Since my last outing, I've been reaching out for fights, but nobody's stepping up," Oduwole said.
"The only fighters they paired me with had significantly more experience, which I didn't think made sense. Guys in my bracket, with similar experience levels, never want to fight me. I haven't taken a single day off training."
Taking on a UFC veteran in just his sixth pro contest, Oduwole said he doesn't shy away from difficult matchups.
He credited his appetite for hard tests and his ability to succeed against them as fuel for his growing self-belief.
"I intentionally chase the toughest fights because whether I win or lose, I walk away with experience," Oduwole said.
"I've been offered bouts against 0-3 and 0-2 fighters, but that's not what I'm after. I want a real challenge. And in the long run, if the UFC is evaluating you, they're looking at who you've faced. That experience only builds my confidence."
Powell's Shoutouts
"I'd like to thank all my sponsors: Virus Intl., JockPharm, MLO Shoes, Buckingham Hyundai, Cynical Sons, Physio Outaouais, and Thorne Supplements." Follow Powell on social media: FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM
Oduwole's Shoutouts
"I'd like to thank my coaches and training partners, Strike Hard Productions, and Zack Powell for taking the fight." Follow Oduwole on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
