Even if it's happening outside the UFC, the stakes are undeniably high for Jared Revel.
Canada's Revel (10-2) steps into the octagon with Brazil's Sergio Moraes (14-6-1) for a middleweight matchup at Taura MMA 10 this Friday night in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Facing Moraes, a seasoned UFC veteran, represents a significant moment for 36-year-old Revel—a chance to gauge where he stands in his professional journey.
"This is a massive chance for me to push myself against elite-caliber competition," Revel told MMA Empire during an interview.
"I'm pumped to step into this opportunity. I plan to deliver an exciting performance and I'm aiming to finish him."
Moraes enters the card making his return after a 14-bout UFC stint where he amassed an 8-5-1 record, having recently been let go by the organization.
Before this matchup, Revel's most difficult test came against The Ultimate Fighter participant Collin Hart, a fight he captured through a split decision at BFL 61.
Revel sees this leap in competition as his proving ground—his shot to demonstrate he belongs among the world's finest fighters.
"This is about showing I operate on a global stage, that I can deliver at the highest level, and that I know how to execute," Revel explained.
"That's what drives me; I thrive on finishing fights, and I want to show I can do that against top-tier talent."
Plenty of runway for Revel to prepare
For multiple years, Revel shared ownership of Revolution Martial Arts in Langley, B.C.
Before ramping up for this training cycle, Revel chose to sell the gym to dedicate himself fully to his fighting career.
"I saw this as the perfect moment to commit entirely to my life as a professional fighter and athlete," Revel said.
"Everything I'm doing revolves around fighting now. I don't have to juggle teaching numerous classes. It's been incredible."
Revel's previous appearance inside the cage came at BFL 65, where he secured a first-round submission over Drayton Angus to retain his BFL middleweight title.
Leading up to that bout, Revel noticed the entire preparation process—including cutting weight—had become noticeably smoother, providing a substantial confidence surge.
"The whole routine has just gotten much more natural for me. I've settled into a solid system for how I approach things and how I make weight. My body isn't enduring excessive strain," Revel shared.
"With each bout, the buildup feels increasingly manageable, and my self-belief grows stronger daily."
Revel's Acknowledgments
"I want to recognize every gym I've trained in, every team, all my sponsors, and Iridium Sports Agency." Follow Revel on social media: FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM
