With his newly-won title on the line, Jared Revel is ready for the biggest test of his career.
Langley’s Revel (8-2) will put his BFL middleweight title on the line Saturday night at BFL 61 in the main event against The Ultimate Fighter veteran Collin Hart (6-3-1).
Revel, 34, has yet to face someone of Hart’s level, and believes a win in convincing fashion would prove he’s ready for the next step.
“At that stage, I feel a convincing win over a guy of that calibre shows I am ready for that next level for sure,” said Revel.
“I think my coaches and everybody would feel confident in me taking that next step too.”
Revel has been on quite the tear as of late, finishing six of his last eight fights, all in the first round, including his most recent title win over George Davis at BFL 59.
And although Hart is a significant step up in competition for Revel, he said he envisions yet another first round finish to add to his resume.
“That’s what I do and that’s what I go for. But I’m not taking anything away from Collin; I think he’s going to be my toughest opponent,” said Revel.
“I definitely want the finish. That’s how I see it happening, that’s how I visualize it happening, and that’s what I have to stick with.”
In 10 professional fights, Revel has gone the distance just twice, coming away with one win against Hamza Salim and one loss to Ryan Allen.
And although most of his success has come early in fights, Revel said he’s up for the challenge of a potential five-round war.
“If it does go deep, that’s what it’s all about. I want to see what I’m made of in those championship rounds,” said Revel.
“I believe I’m the better man anyways, so that’s just my mindset. I don’t expect it to go the distance, but if it does, I’m prepared and ready.”
No Cage Rust For Hart
This will be the first time Hart, 29, has stepped in the cage since a unanimous decision win over Marcus Gaines at Dragon House 17 back in Aug. 2014.
But despite the long layoff from MMA action, Hart has been consistently active in training and jiu-jitsu competition, and is not worried about any form of cage rust.
“I’m not really worried about the rust. I’m training better than I trained back then, as far as performance and sparring goes,” said Hart
“I have a lot of confidence in this fight. Training is going so well I just don’t see cage rust being an issue.”
While Revel is known as a finisher, Hart has proven his ability to go the distance with the toughest of competition, most notably going three rounds with UFC-vet Luke Barnatt at The Ultimate Fighter Season 17 finale.
Having gone five rounds in his most recent bout with Gaines to win the Dragon House middleweight title, Hart said he will have the advantage over Revel if they reach the later rounds.
“Him and I have both never been tapped in fight, so therefore I don’t really see him landing a submission,” said Hart.
“It’s going to have to go into some later rounds. I’ve been there before and my cardio is better than it’s ever been.”
In addition to having his black belt in jiu-jitsu, five of Revel’s eight professional wins have come via first round submission.
But despite Revel’s proven track record as a submission artist, Hart said his jiu-jitsu is at that same level and said Revel won’t be extending his submission streak Saturday night.
“I think I’ll dominate more with the hands, but I think he has less of a chance on the ground,” said Hart.
“If we’re striking on the feet, there’s always a chance he could catch me. But on the ground there’s no chance of him tapping me.”
Revel’s Shoutouts
“I’d like to thank everyone at my gym Revolution Martial Arts and everyone at World Kickboxing Xtrm.” Follow Revel on social media: FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM
Hart’s Shoutouts
“I would like to thank my coach David Terrell, my team at NorCal Fighting Alliance, Jared and his team, BFL, and British Columbia for having me.” Follow Hart on social media: FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM
