Calling Rick Pfeifer and Corey Gower hungry for a win barely scratches the surface of the truth.
Pfeifer (5-5) and Gower (6-6) are hoping to snap their current losing skids when they collide at Havoc FC 13 on Friday evening inside Red Deer, Alberta, with the victorious fighter earning the bantamweight championship belt.
The 32-year-old Pfeifer told reporters that while winning the title would certainly be sweet, his primary goal is to finally demonstrate what he's truly capable of delivering inside the octagon—a feat he hasn't managed in recent outings.
"I've had two chances at a championship, and unfortunately I came up short last time. This time around, I'm determined to make things right," Pfeifer shared during a recent interview.
"I want to deliver an exciting performance, fight to my full potential, prove to everyone the skills I possess, and leave with my head held high and gold hanging from my waist."
Competing out of Red Deer, Alberta, Pfeifer arrives at this matchup riding a four-bout losing streak, fully aware he'll need to perform at peak level if he hopes to turn things around.
He characterized Gower as a complete fighter who has faced plenty of elite competition throughout his career.
"I'm not seeing any glaring holes in his game," Pfeifer noted.
"He's dangerous standing up and equally threatening on the mat, so the key will be putting in more work than he does."
In his entire 10-fight pro career, Pfeifer has never gone the distance, with most of his outcomes—wins and losses alike—decided via submission.
Given that both he and Gower bring grappling-heavy skill sets, Pfeifer figures the bout won't reach the judges' scorecards either.
"Both of us carry serious submission threats, and I wouldn't call my defensive game fragile, but historically that's been our downfall," Pfeifer explained.
"My gut tells me one of us is getting locked into a submission hold, and I'm hoping that's not me."
Championship Form
Like Pfeifer, Gower, 32, is hoping to boost his tally of four career finishes with a strong showing Friday night.
Although ending a bout early remains his target, Gower believes he'd hold the edge if the fight reaches the final rounds.
"I'd certainly prefer to end it early if possible, but I also feel I'd have the advantage if it goes to the later rounds," said Gower in an interview.
"I've noticed he has cardio issues and I've seen him gas a couple times before round two, so if that's the case in our fight, it'll be basically my win if I can take it into the later rounds."
Though Pfeifer has competed in a title bout before, this marks Gower's inaugural opportunity at championship gold in his career.
Gower, competing out of Duncan, B.C., said he's faced high-calibre opponents throughout his career and is finally earning a well-deserved shot at becoming a champion.
"It's been a goal of mine for a long time. I've actually fought and beaten world champions before, but never got to actually fight for a title," said Gower.
"It's going to be a good test for me to show my skills in there for sure."
Gower steps into Friday's contest riding a three-fight losing streak, having fallen against tough tests in Noah Ali, George Garcia and Michael Hay during that stretch.
Gower considers himself superior to Pfeifer in every department, and intends to return from Red Deer victorious regardless of how it happens.
"I'm going to get my hand raised, and I don't see it going the distance," said Gower.
"It's going to be me laying hands on him or me choking him out."
Pfeifer's Shoutouts
"I'd just like to thank all my training partners at Arashi Do Red Deer, and a special shoutout to Behrang Yousefi for all his help this camp."
Gower's Shoutouts
"I'd like to thank Mitch Clarke, Josh Spong, Blackbox MMA and Complete Fitness and Martial Arts. I'd also like to thank my sponsors Ray Little Realty Shobocon (Geoff Baker), and Smyle CBD."
