Samson Bieri is ready to shine.

Regina’s Bieri (2-0) will put his undefeated record on the line against Calgary’s Usman Khattak (2-2) in an amateur featherweight bout at Fight Night 9 in Lethbridge Alta. on Friday night.

Bieri, 19, said he’s looking forward to the opportunity to showcase his skills on the biggest stage he’s competed on so far in his young career.

“It’s just a bigger crowd to show my skills to,” said Bieri in an interview.

“At the end of the day, we’re all showmen and we’re really just trying to be the next big thing, so we’re all trying to get on the biggest show we can. This is a huge opportunity for me.”

Khattak will be the most experienced and well-rounded opponent Bieri has faced as an amateur, and he’s well aware of it.

He said he doesn’t see any glaring weaknesses in Khattak’s game, and is expecting to have to be at the top of his game in all areas.

“He comes out of a good gym, so I know his striking’s going to be tight and his grappling’s going to be tight,” said Bieri.

“I don’t think he has too many weak spots, but that’s exactly how I like it. I want to be fighting the best as an amateur so by the time I turn professional I’ve already been fighting guys who are well-respected.”

More Than a Striker

Bieri trains out of Ascendant Martial Arts under “top-notch” wrestling coaches, Sean and Hajar Quinn.

Although he’s let his striking do the talking in his first two fights, Bieri said people forget the strong wrestling gym he’s based out of.

“If anyone’s sleeping on my wrestling, they’ll be in for a big surprise,” said Bieri.

“I do like to stand and bang, but at the end of the day the sport’s MMA. If the fight stays on the feet, that’s where I’m going to be. If he tries to take me down, it’s time to let my grappling go into overdrive, and I’ll just go by muscle memory and do my thing.”

So far in his amateur career, Bieri has shown he doesn’t want anything to do with a boring fight, with his first fight being a quick knockout finish at Havoc FC 12 and his most recent contest being a three-round war at Prestige FC 10.

Bieri said he’s expecting more fireworks Friday night against an opponent who also enjoys putting on a show.

“I expect it’s going to be pretty intense, and a high-paced fight,” said Bieri.

“He’s going to be bringing it. I’m going to be bringing it. I’m probably just going to get in there, let hands fly, and do what I can.”