When the Battlefield Fight League launches its UFC Fight Pass run this weekend, the heavyweight card for BFL 66 features one of the most compelling matchups on paper: hometown contender Craig Maclean (5-3) steps into the cage against the surging Ali Wasuk (3-1), who is chasing a fourth consecutive win.
A member of the Tristar Vancouver roster, Wasuk enjoys the luxury of having a deep bench of sparring partners to draw from during fight week.
Still, he isn't worried about Maclean's reputation for knockout power on Saturday night.
"I don't spar anyone my size; every single person in the gym is at least one or two weight classes heavier. All of my training partners hit with serious force," Wasuk told MMA Empire.
"I know he carries a lot of power, but if that's all he's relying on, he's in for a rough evening. Inside my head, I picture myself controlling where the fight goes. I'll probe him across the octagon and find the path to victory that feels most natural."
The 33-year-old Maclean figures Wasuk won't try to match him punch for punch.
Going back to his amateur days, nearly all of Wasuk's victories have gone to the scorecards—a pattern Maclean believes speaks volumes.
"His game plan should be pretty transparent. He's going to shoot for takedowns and try to wear me down, that's just his style," Maclean said in conversation with MMA Empire.
"He'll probably stand with me for a bit, but sooner or later he's going to drop for a shot, and I'm fully ready for that. Sure, folks have seen my hands before, but there's a whole lot more I want to unveil. I've got one submission under my belt, I hold a Brazilian jiu-jitsu brown belt, and I've spent years drilling BJJ alongside solid wrestling. Expect to see everything."
Wasuk rolling since committing full-time
At 29, Wasuk has been hot since throwing himself into MMA training on a full-time basis.
He credits his intensified focus with steadily elevating his performance in every outing.
"Once you cut away everything else and zero in on a single pursuit, that's when real improvement kicks in," Wasuk explained.
"Think of it like gardening. If you keep watering and feeding your plants with the right nutrients, they flourish and turn beautiful."
The next challenge looms as one of the steepest tests of his fledgling career, yet one he's genuinely excited about.
"I know he's a fine person and a tough opponent. I certainly won't treat him with disrespect," Wasuk said.
"I've poured a ton of hours into this camp, and that says plenty about him."
Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Wasuk stayed active behind closed doors, squeezing his first four professional bouts into fewer than twelve months.
A win over Maclean on Friday night would allow Wasuk to get back into the rhythm he craves, and he's already eyeing a shot at the BFL bantamweight title.
“My goal is to keep fighting frequently throughout the year. Once I knock off Craig, I’m setting my sights on a championship opportunity and a highly recognized opponent,” Wasuk explained.
“I’ve never chased out matchups and I refuse to accumulate a padded record, so my priority following this victory is taking on whoever the most notable opponent happens to be. I thrive on high-stakes challenges and prefer to go after fighters who carry serious reputations.”
Maclean brings the knockout force
Maclean has built a reputation around his devastating striking power and knack for ending bouts early — just one of his pro fights has ever gone the distance on the scorecards.
True to form, Maclean believes his greatest edge will come from his punching strength.
“I consider myself blessed with that kind of power,” Maclean said. “My hands are heavy and my instinct is always to hunt for the finish.”
“I know I’m facing a dangerous adversary, but I believe the difference between us lies in the capacity to end this fight at any second. That’s typically been my pattern in every bout — I’ve always carried that heavy-hand quality. Other competitors might rely on speed or cardio, but power is my calling card.”
Yet power represents only one weapon in Maclean’s arsenal.
Through years of trading blows against some of Western Canada’s finest, Maclean has honed the art of blending multiple disciplines seamlessly.
“The toughest challenge in mixed martial arts is integrating everything into a cohesive game plan,” Maclean noted.
“You’ll find fighters who excel in individual areas, but MMA operates as its own distinct discipline and mastering the synthesis of all those pieces is crucial. Not every competitor cracks that code, but I believe I’ve done it over the past four or five years.”
This matchup marks the first time both Maclean and Wasuk will compete under the new COVID-19 safety measures and restrictions.
According to Maclean, adapting to the unfamiliar protocols surrounding travel and venue procedures will require adjustment, though the actual fighting environment remains unchanged.
“For both of us, it’s going to be a completely different atmosphere,” Maclean shared. “We’ve never dealt with isolation requirements, strict travel timelines to the venue, heading directly to our dressing rooms, fighting, and leaving without any normal interaction.”
“It’s an entirely unfamiliar situation, so the mindset needs to center on staying present and mentally ready for every variable. But once we step inside the cage, everything simplifies — that’s my comfort zone.”
Wasuk’s Acknowledgments
“I want to express my gratitude to head coach Kajan Johnson, my fellow Tristar teammates, my management group, and all my sponsors.” Connect with Wasuk online: INSTAGRAM
Maclean’s Acknowledgments
“I appreciate my coaches and training partners at Revolution Martial Arts, along with my entire family.” Stay connected with Maclean on social media: FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM
