Terry Lemaire is preparing for the most important fight of his professional career so far.
The Canadian fighter, who holds a 4-2 record, will travel south once again to face Isaiah Ferguson (8-2) in the main event of HRMMA 117, held in Shepherdsville, Ky. on Saturday night. This bantamweight number one contender matchup represents the largest step forward for Lemaire's career.
Ferguson stands as the toughest challenge Lemaire has faced to date, and the 31-year-old sees this as a prime chance to announce himself on the global stage beyond Canada.
"I believe I can compete with anyone, and I want the world to see that's exactly where I'm at," Lemaire told MMA Empire in a recent interview. "He's a legitimate, elite-level fighter."
"This isn't empty talk—I'm speaking from a place of genuine confidence, both mentally and physically. A victory over him would be massive for my career, and it would finally end the trend of people dismissing me."
Before stepping up to Ferguson, the most decorated opponent Lemaire has encountered was Travis Hill (2-0), whom he defeated at SHP 57 in November.
Lemaire expressed a desire to escalate his competition level and really push himself, and that opportunity arrived with Ferguson.
"He's elite, and that's precisely what I've been looking for," Lemaire said. "I'm in this sport to battle the toughest fighters, not to cherry-pick matchups."
"I'm aware he holds a BJJ black belt, possesses solid stand-up skills, and comes across as a gritty, resilient competitor. But I'm bringing a pace that he simply won't be able to keep up with."
While Lemaire hasn't yet secured a knockout or TKO victory on his record, he brings a solid muay thai foundation into the cage.
Though he believes he holds a striking advantage over Ferguson, Lemaire is equally confident in his versatility to finish the fight multiple ways.
"He tends to sit back a bit, so I'm planning to press forward and wait for his openings—he'll likely be shooting on me," Lemaire explained. "If he chooses to trade strikes, that works too, but he'll quickly realize my power and won't want to stay in the pocket with me for long. I'm comfortable everywhere in this sport, and I intend to dictate the pace and direction of this fight."
Last week, the Canadian government unveiled updated travel restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19. Officials have yet to confirm an exact implementation date for these measures.
To sidestep potential border complications, Lemaire and his coach decided to drive the 15-plus hours to Kentucky rather than fly.
"We thought driving would mean fewer headaches and less bureaucratic hassle crossing the border," Lemaire noted. "From what I'm seeing online, the new rules seem focused more on air travel and airport procedures."
"There's zero interaction with anyone—it's just my trainer and me, getting in, stopping for fuel, fighting, and heading home. I'm hoping everything goes smoothly at customs."
Lemaire's Shoutouts
"I'd like to thank my trainer Matthew Poulin and all my sponsors (Canadian Trade Ex, Permanent and Proud Tattoos, Northern Allied/Nasco Propane, Discover Fitness and Performance, Epitron Electrical, Richard Wilson's Auto Detailing, Realty Networks, Pine Dairy Bar, M.D. Renovations, Skoser Merch, MSS, Sunset Construction, Bush Brothers Inc., Timmins Phone Repair, L.A. Management, Total Martial Arts Centre, Timmins Chiropractic, Inspired Sudbury)." Connect with Lemaire on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
