Stepping into the first title bout of his mixed martial arts career, Terrence Spina certainly feels prepared.
Spina (3-0) is set to challenge Josh Morgan (2-2) for the BFL amateur heavyweight title on Saturday evening at BFL 56, hosted at the Hard Rock Casino in Coquitlam, British Columbia.
At 41 years old, Spina described the chance to compete for a championship so soon in his MMA path as deeply meaningful, especially considering he has only trained for 15 months at the UFC gym in Coquitlam. He emphasized this is a milestone he is treating with proper seriousness.
"Our focus is the belt. Our focus is the championship. Our focus is Josh Morgan," Spina stated during an interview.
"After this, we will look further into the future for what's next."
Up to this point in his amateur career, Spina holds an unblemished record of three wins, each secured by knockout or TKO, and all occurring in 2018.
Though Morgan could represent his most difficult opponent thus far, Spina indicated he anticipates delivering yet another knockout or TKO stoppage to extend his track record.
"I find a lot of heavyweights like to go fast off the hop, and try to go swing for swing. But I'm different," Spina explained.
"I find myself to be more patient, let him come at me, figure out his combinations, and capitalize on his mistakes. If the opportunity for the KO is there, I take it."
Familiar Foes
Even though Spina and Morgan have never faced each other inside an MMA ring, they share a competitive history outside of it.
The two met in a jiu-jitsu competition roughly nine months earlier, with Morgan emerging victorious from a close contest.
Spina acknowledged that while Morgan may have won their previous encounter, an MMA matchup brings entirely different dynamics.
"I have nothing but respect for Morgan, but I'm excited to go against him again," Spina said.
"I want this rematch."
Spina has made three appearances inside the cage in 2018, while Morgan has not fought since October 17, 2015 at BFL 39.
Despite the extended break from competition, Spina believes Morgan will arrive ready to perform at his peak and does not anticipate any loss of sharpness.
"What I've realized about the fighting world is it's big, but it's small. Everyone knows each other," Spina observed.
"If I'm right, he's been hearing about all my TKO's. If he's smart, I really hope he does his homework, and doesn't take this lightly."
Spina's Shoutouts
"I want to thank my friends and family for being there for me, my coaches at the UFC gym for keeping me focused. I also want to shout out to my city of Windsor, Ont. I'm going to definitely rep my city 100 per cent."
