In just over a week, Vancouver, British Columbia amateur fighter David Kennedy (6-1) will take part in the biggest fight of his young career. He began with a 2-0 amateur record, but unfortunately lost his next fight by split decision (he took the fight on 30 minutes notice.) Since that loss he has gone on a 4 fight winning streak, with all 4 wins coming by way of submission.

Amateur Spotlight: David Kennedy looks to showcase his skills at BFL 18

The West Coast MMA fighter will step into the cage at Battlefield Fight League 18 against Stu Deleurme (5-0) in the main event. Deleurme is the current BFL amateur welterweight champion.

Kennedy last fought in February against Saeid Mirzaei at Battlefield Fight League 14. It didn’t take him long to get the fight to the mat and at 2:30 of round 1 he finished Mirzaei by armbar. Prior to the fight I heard one gentleman in the crowd say, “This is going to be like a man against a child.” It seems as if many people are looking at the oversized welterweight that way. Kennedy is not one of those people.

“I don’t really feel that way per say. In that fight [against Mirzaei] I felt pretty confident that I would have the advantage everywhere, whether that was standing, wrestling or on the mat; as well as being a better athlete. I didn’t feel I was getting the proper respect for all my skills, so I am glad I went out there and won the fight in every facet, before I finished him.

Deleurme comes into the fight undefeated in his amateur career and Kennedy looks to end that at BFL 18. Battlefield Fight League President, Jay Golshani believes that this is the most evenly matched title fight in Battlefield history.

“A fight that I’ve wanted to see for 18 months is finally happening and it’s for the title!!!! 50/50 fight between two excellent fighters. Hard to say who will come on top in this one.” – From Golshani’s Facebook page.

The fact that they are so evenly matched does not stress out Kennedy one bit. He feels any time two opponents fight, one will have the advantage in some aspect of the fight.

“Any time two opponents face each other there is always speculation as to who will have the advantage where, as well as who will be better in implementing the advantages in the fight. I feel as if im going to win the fight convincingly and i’m sure that Stu feels the same way, but the only way to actually figure it out is to get in there and fight. Then we can see which opinions were valid. I feel like I can exploit Stu almost anywhere if i’m on my game: wrestling, BJJ, but especially stand-up.”

The West Coast fighter has put his training in the hands of Shawn Albrecht, Jamie Graff, Gary Gill, Chris Fraser and also Josh Bohnen who has a great style to emulate his opponent Deleurme. His coach Albrecht does not expect this fight to end in quick fashion, but he is extremely excited about it.

“Honestly, it’s a good matchup. Stu is no joke; I dont think he has the most fan friendly style, but his game works and he wins fights. He comes out looking like he went in, so not much bad mouthing can be said for a guy who steps into a locked cage for 15 mins with an equal opponent and can do that. He’s always training by the sounds of it and comes out of a really good team. I’m not going to get into little details surrounding what we have planned for this fight or what we think Stu is good at or bad, but I am excited for this fight.

I’m most excited for the fact that finally Dave is going to get recognized as being a top amateur fighter. Yeah, sure he’s been in the top 10, but no one has really seen what he is capable of. He fought a top guy at 155lbs and won that in the second. Some say it was a questionable stoppage, however I think it was appropriate for amateur. He then fought another top guy at 165lbs and that was ended quickly. I think Stu is going to force Dave to fight for 5 rounds and i hope it shows off all of Dave’s skills.”

Many have speculated whether Kennedy will turn pro after capturing a title. Most amateur fighters like to defend their title prior to testing the professional ranks. Whichever the case, he would like to stay as active as possible inside the cage.

“If a high profile enough fight is offered to defend the belt in a quick time frame I will defend the belt one, if not I will be turning pro right after, either way I am going to make sure that i’m fighting again in November.”

One of Kennedy’s other training partners and resident “Road to the Pro’s” blogger on MMASucka.com, Micah Brakefield described the main event fighter as,

“Having the speed of a lightweight, but the strength of a middleweight. I hear his stand-up has been getting really good. He’s going to be hard for Stu to stall for 5 rounds.”

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Which is a great quality to have as a welterweight fighter.

When asked where he would like to be one year from now, he was crystal clear.

“I’m trying to get my name recognition out there a bit more. I’m glad people are starting to recognize I have skills and hopefully in this next year I can stay as active as possible. I’d like to get 4 or 5 pro fights under my belt in 2013.”

Looking into his crystal ball, Kennedy feels he will finish the fight and capture the gold.

“I predict this fight will end with me victorious in the first or second round by TKO.”

If you live in the Vancouver area you can check out Battlefield Fight League 18 on September 15 at the Vancouver Trade and Convention Centre.

Follow David on Twitter @DavidKennedy_WC and ‘Like’ his Facebook Fan Page.

(Photo Credit – Kombat Nation)

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