Terry Lemaire's moment has arrived.
The Canadian fighter known as Lemaire (5-2) is headed back south across the border once more, but this time the mission is different—he's after a gleaming gold belt to bring home.
His next stop along the road is Dayton, Ohio, where he'll headline against the reigning Colosseum Combat and HRMMA bantamweight titleholder Jeremy "Ponyboy" Pender (17-14) on Saturday at B2 Fighting Series 125.
"A professional championship belt has been the dream of my entire career," Lemaire told MMA Empire.
"I've captured amateur belts before, but every time I set my sights on something bigger. Now that's where I'm focused—winning this title, taking it back home, and hopefully earning the call I've waited so long for."
Returning to Timmins, Ontario, with the newly minted B2 Fighting Series bantamweight championship would mark a major milestone not just for Lemaire, but for his northern Ontario community at large.
"I'm incredibly proud to represent where I'm from," Lemaire shared. "Our town may be small, but we're a close-knit community that looks out for one another."
"It's like a family here. Everyone supports you every step of the way. They've watched me put in the hours and grind. Being able to put Timmins on the map within the MMA world and spread good energy—that victory stands on its own."
Securing the belt won't be simple, though. Pender brings a wealth of experience to the octagon, meaning the 32-year-old Lemaire faces a genuine challenge.
But Lemaire sees it differently: he believes he's ascending while Pender is descending.
"Obviously he's a seasoned vet with 31 professional bouts under his belt. That's a lot of fights for anyone," Lemaire noted.
"He's faced plenty of tough opponents throughout his career and picked up championships. I see him as the perfect measuring stick—a chance to prove where I stand and what level I operate at. I don't think he's at that level anymore. Maybe he was at some point, but I believe he's already hit his peak in MMA, and he doesn't carry the same drive or hunger that I've got right now."
The ever-energetic Lemaire plans to be ready for whatever unfolds on fight night, yet he's confident in his striking edge.
If the bout stays on its feet, he expects minimal trouble.
"We studied his game carefully. He's a strong jiujitsu practitioner who isn't afraid to pull guard or take the fight to the mat. He actually seems to invite takedowns rather than defend them," Lemaire explained.
"We won't fall into that strategy. We're going to stay upright and exchange strikes, apply the pressure, and make him feel our heat. I want to showcase my muay thai to the world because too often people try to drag me into grappling exchanges. This time, I want to show every tool in my arsenal."
The last time Lemaire stepped into an unfriendly arena, he silenced the crowd with a swift first-round finish at HRMMA 117.
This Saturday, he aims to echo that performance and deliver another decisive statement victory.
"That's exactly what I do—I travel into enemy territory and eliminate their local favorites," Lemaire said.
"Truth is, if the situation were reversed and they came to my hometown, I'd greet them with open arms. Location doesn't matter to me. Wherever I fight, I'm putting on a show nobody wants to sit out."
Lemaire's Shoutouts
"Matthew Poulin and everyone at Total Martial Arts Centre, my girlfriend, friends and family, all my sponsors and the community that's always supporting me." Follow Lemaire on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
