Despite the trash talk exchanged between the two competitors, Virk remains unfazed, insisting the pre-fight drama holds no weight with him whatsoever.
"I'm going to do what I do like every fight. It doesn't matter," said Virk.
"I'll shake his hand at the weigh-ins. If he doesn't want to shake my hand, cool, whatever."
Across his six-fight amateur run, Virk boasts three submission wins—all rear-naked chokes—and three unanimous decisions, highlighted by a commanding display against the previously unbeaten Francis Tiapis to capture the BFL amateur flyweight championship.
For this outing, Virk hopes to notch a fourth finish on his record, possibly his inaugural TKO.
"I think I'm going to tap this guy out or ground and pound him, most likely in the later rounds."
No Judges Needed
Strazzella carries a similar mindset when it comes to ending bouts, already possessing a knockout win over Joshua Lam on his ledger.
Though he'd welcome the dramatic flair of a stoppage, Strazzella makes clear he'd much rather dictate the outcome than leave it to a judges' ruling.
"I don't want to go five rounds because honestly I don't think they're going to give me a five-round decision in Vancouver with the number one guy in Canada. I don't see that happening," said Strazzella.
"I'm ready for five rounds and I'm comfortable going five rounds no problem, but I would like to put him out. I've never been more ready to just fight."
When it comes to his amateur run, Strazzella has consistently proven himself most dangerous on the feet, while Virk has made a name for himself as a standout grappler.
Though Strazzella acknowledges he brings the striking advantage to this matchup, he insists he doesn't worry about being taken to the canvas.
"I'd say I have the stand-up advantage and he likely thinks he owns the ground game, but honestly, if I choose to shoot on him, I'm ready," Strazzella explained.
"I've dedicated plenty of hours rolling on the mats and I've been training Brazilian jiu-jitsu since I was fifteen. Sure, his credentials on the ground are impressive, but if this fight goes to the floor, I'm completely comfortable. I know I can take top position and unleash some serious damage."
Virk's Shoutouts
"A big shoutout to Strike Recovery and Fresh Cuts Barbershop." Follow Virk on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
Strazzella's Shoutouts
"I want to thank my sponsors (Suits U, Synergy Health) along with my gym Island MMA." Follow Strazzella on social media: FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM
