A fresh BFL bantamweight champion will be crowned this Friday.
Vancouver, B.C. will host Ali Wasuk (4-1) from Coquitlam and Serhiy Sidey (4-1) from Burlington as they battle for the vacant BFL bantamweight title at BFL 67. With the matchup streaming on UFC Fight Pass, it's a clash between two of Canada's most promising fighters heading in opposite directions.
Wasuk, 29, earned his title shot after submitting Craig Maclean in the second round at BFL 66. That victory marked his fourth consecutive win following a split-decision loss in his professional debut.
"Winning a regional title has been a dream of mine since I stepped into the pros," Wasuk told MMA Empire. "It's the kind of goal every fighter should have, particularly when it comes from one of Canada's premier promotions."
"I'm thrilled about this opportunity and ready to put on another strong showing."
Sidey, 24, opened his pro career with four straight dominant victories before running into a serious challenge at BTC 9, where he fell to a tough decision against Mateo Vogel.
This marks Sidey's first visit to the West Coast as he chases the BFL belt, and he's arriving with expanded skills in his arsenal.
"That loss taught me a ton," Sidey explained to MMA Empire. "Mateo was a highly skilled grappler, and it was the first time I'd faced that kind of pressure. I'd never even been taken down before that fight."
"I realized there were several technical gaps I needed to address. My coaching staff and I went through the tape together, and while I had some downtime, I dedicated myself to sharpening both my jiu-jitsu and wrestling. I've been commuting to Niagara Top Team to spar alongside their wrestling squad. As they say, every outcome teaches you something—and this one taught me plenty. I can't wait to demonstrate the adjustments I've been making."
Wasuk looking to prepare himself for big leagues
Capturing a regional championship in mixed martial arts has consistently served as a launchpad for emerging talents aiming for greater platforms.
Nor competitor will find this bout on Friday night particularly straightforward, yet Wasuk insists that's precisely the kind of obstacle he seeks out.
"I never jump ahead of whoever stands across from me, and the reason is simple—I don't accept matches that aren't demanding. I understand the threat Serhiy presents, and that awareness fuels me daily. It drives me to push beyond my limits," Wasuk explained.
"Chasing easy matchups drains your drive. Folks assume you're just inflating your record, but that approach eventually catches up to you. My goal isn't merely to compete in the UFC; when I do make it there, I want to demonstrate I deserve my spot and intend to remain."
Following his showing at BFL 66, Wasuk found himself positioned for a relatively swift rematch opportunity.
He noted that this camp has allowed him to zero in on the technical aspects of his game, and it's made him even more confident as a fighter.
"I'm always in fighting shape, but transitioning directly from one bout into another let me concentrate more on technique rather than cardiovascular conditioning—that's been the real benefit of this camp," Wasuk said.
"I think he's a great fighter, I think he's got a bright future, but he's catching me at the wrong time. I think it's going to be a long night for him. I have a lot of respect for all of my opponents, I know he brings a lot to the table coming from a good camp, but I don't think he's been tested the same way I have."
Over the course of his career, Wasuk has demonstrated elite-level grappling ability, but he's now eager for the possibility of showcasing his overall skill set.
Surrounded by an exceptional support system, Wasuk has been progressing with each appearance, and right now, his ceiling seems boundless.
"I think a lot of people haven't been able to see it because I've taken the grappling route and it's worked so well, but I keep saying it: I'm excited to showcase my striking. I think this might be the fight where it comes out," Wasuk said.
"He's got some nice kicks and stuff like that, but, again, if you try to throw kicks against a grappler you're getting taken down. I feel like it's going to be a fun one."
