Bantamweight prospect Teshay Gouthro is set to return to competition this weekend.
Gouthro (5-1) will face Chris Disonell (6-5) in the bantamweight main event of Cage Wars: Mike Tyson's Fight Night on Saturday evening in Albany, N.Y.
In typical fashion, tension has been brewing between Gouthro and Disonell heading into Saturday's showdown, with both fighters engaging in a heated Instagram exchange.
"He kicked things off. He tagged me and my gym in an Instagram story. I shot back telling him he was trying to throw shade, and he replied saying he wasn't throwing shade—it was facts. I told him alright and threw some laughing emojis, but Disonell wanted to keep going. I told him messenger trash talk doesn't mean much to me. I talk s**t for the fans and the exposure. It's not personal, it's strictly business," Gouthro told MMA Empire in an interview.
"Disonell just wouldn't stop. I kept firing back one-liners, sending him kisses just to see if he'd crack emotionally—and he did. He was the one blowing up my phone nine times and I barely glanced at them. But then he crossed the line and started throwing dirt at my family. So I figured, fine, you want to play that way? I shut it down. It's still not personal, still business. I'm going to enjoy the fight with a smile, but once I've got him trapped and I'm tearing his face apart, I'm going to say something. I always talk to my opponents, but this time will be different. I'm going to lean in and whisper something in his ear."
A native of the Niagara region, Gouthro is a product of the fiery Niagara Top Team.
The 27-year-old arrives on the back of a strong win against Efren Escareno at CFFC 109 in May. That bout featured a spectacular flying knee from Gouthro destined for highlight packages this year, though the fight demanded more from him—he pushed through and secured a unanimous decision.
"He was tough, man. I hit some rough patches; he put me in uncomfortable spots. But I figured it out, and I really needed that challenge to push myself and confirm that I'm as good as I believe I am, especially facing a durable fighter. That kid was tough—he took the knee, got right back up, and started swinging. I knew he wasn't going to quit," Gouthro said.
"Solid test. I felt like I controlled each round. Tough moments here and there, but that's what makes it good. Big platform, great exposure. Eyes are on me now, and I plan to finish this guy with something for the highlight reel."
