why you need to watch btc 28 . . .

For the first time ever, Ontario’s No. 1 MMA organization, BTC Fight Promotions, is bringing an exclusively Amateur MMA event to Sarnia! Mark your calendar and get ready for BTC 28: Battle at the Border - an electrifying night of nonstop action featuring the next generation of MMA stars.

Earlier this year, BTC made history in Belleville by hosting Ontario’s first-ever Pro-Am event, introducing sanctioned amateur MMA to the province. Now, it’s Sarnia’s turn to witness the future of the sport! BTC 28 will showcase top rising prospects and fresh talent looking to break into the professional ranks.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the adrenaline-pumping excitement of live MMA in Sarnia. Be part of the action at the Royal SCITS Academy gymnasium. It may be a small venue, but it will have all the energy from a packed stadium.

For over eight years, BTC Fight Promotions has traveled across Ontario, delivering world-class events that spotlight elite talent from Canada and beyond. Our platform has helped launch the careers of top fighters, with 11 BTC alumni—including BTC Bantamweight Champion Serhiy Sidey, BTC Middleweight Champion Aaron Jeffery, and The Ultimate Fighter Season 32 winner Ryan Loder—making it to organizations like the UFC and Bellator.

BTC 28: Battle at the Border is a launching point for the next generation of Canadian talent. Join us in Sarnia and witness history!

Official Sponsors of BTC 28:

Visit TICKETSCENE to purchase tickets. A confirmation e-mail will be sent to the supplied email address that has to be brought to the show to obtain entry. The recipient of the e-tickets is required to show matching photo identification to the door staff.

• Door opens at 5PM

• Show starts at 6PM

• All ages event; anyone under 16 must be accompanied by a guardian

• Licensed for +19

• Each section of seating, will be “first come, first serve”

• Security will check all bags on entry to the venue

• Fight card is subject to change at any time

• No refund or exchange policy is in effect

• Sanctioned by the Ontario Athletic Commission

Have any questions about the event or tickets? Send us an email

closer look at btc 28

BTC 28: Battle at the Border will go down in history as another pivotal moment for Ontario MMA, continuing the momentum of sanctioned amateur competition in the province. For years, Ontario fighters had to travel elsewhere to gain amateur experience, but with events like this, a new era has begun - one where athletes can develop their skills at home. BTC 28 will play a key role in cultivating the next generation of Canadian talent by providing a clear pathway from amateur to professional MMA. This long-overdue shift is strengthening the regional fight scene, creating more opportunities for young athletes, and elevating Ontario's overall competition level. BTC 28 isn’t just another fight night; it’s the next step in the evolution of Canadian MMA.

MAIN EVENT: CRAIG McDONALD vs. BRANDON BOUCHARD
It’s middleweight mayhem in the main event as Sarnia’s own Craig McDonald takes centre stage against rising knockout artist Brandon Bouchard on May 3rd!

Representing Forge Training Centre, McDonald steps into the spotlight with the hometown crowd behind him and momentum on his side. Tough, technical, and built for war, McDonald is ready to defend his turf and prove he’s the top dog at 185.

But standing in his way is a dangerous striker with bad intentions—Brandon Bouchard. Fighting out of Welland, Bouchard brings power in both hands and a highlight reel he’s eager to expand. He’s not just coming for the win—he’s coming to silence the crowd.

Two warriors. One winner. No backing down.

CO-MAIN EVENT: HUDSON ADAIR vs. MICHAEL WILLIAM ADAMS

Two of Ontario’s brightest up-and-comers are set to clash as Hudson Adair takes on Michael William Adams in a high-stakes showdown at BTC 28!

Fighting out of Sarnia’s own GhostHouse MMA, Hudson Adair has already proven he’s a name to watch. With two solid wins under his belt, Adair enters 2025 with momentum, confidence, and the hometown crowd behind him. Calm under pressure and laser-focused, he’s eyeing win number three and a big leap up the amateur ranks.

But across the cage stands a dangerous threat—London’s Michael William Adams. Training out of the legendary Adrenaline Training Centre he is known for his heavy hands and fight-finishing ability. Adams isn’t coming to Sarnia to play it safe, he’s coming to make noise and leave with another highlight-reel moment on his record.

JUSTIN RITCHIE vs. KEEGAN CHIASSON

The featherweight division heats up in Sarnia as hometown favourite Justin Ritchie returns to action against surging Orillia standout Keegan Chiasson!

Back in front of his home crowd, Lambton County’s own Ritchie is looking to remind everyone why he’s a fan favourite. Gritty, explosive, and always game, Ritchie is ready to pick up right where he left off—and he’s not planning on letting Chiasson steal the spotlight.

But Big Country MMA’s Keegan Chiasson has other plans. With two wins already in the bank and momentum on his side, the Orillia product is hunting down victory number three—and a big-name to go with it.

JESSE McAVOY vs. DONTAE DE JESUS

Two of Ontario’s most dangerous amateurs are set for a collision course in Sarnia as Sudbury’s Jesse McAvoy takes on Trillium MMA standout Dontae de Jesus!

Fresh off back-to-back finishes, McAvoy is a rising force out of Troop MMA, bringing speed, power, and a killer instinct into the cage. He’s not just coming for a win—he’s coming for another statement finish to keep the streak alive.

But in the opposite corner stands a proven threat. Dontae de Jesus brings four wins and a slick submission game, with two victories coming by way of armbar. Calm, calculated, and deadly on the mat, he’s ready to derail the McAvoy train and add another highlight to his growing résumé.

A finisher vs. a submission specialist. This one’s got fireworks written all over it.

BRAYDEN TODD vs. SCOTT HEATHCOTE

Get ready for a high-stakes throwdown as Brayden Todd of Adrenaline Training Centre squares off against Woodbridge’s Scott Heathcote from Legends MMA & Thicc Boy Fight Club in a catchweight clash that promises pure action!

Todd, representing the legendary London camp, brings sharp striking, strong grappling game and relentless pace into the cage. Known for his pressure and grit, he’s looking to put Adrenaline in the win column and leave with his hand raised.

Standing across from him is the always dangerous Scott Heathcote—a powerhouse from Legends MMA & Thicc Boy Fight Club who brings aggression, raw strength and toughness. He’s not here for the judges—he’s here to finish.

RICARDO MARTINEZ vs. JEFF TOMASZEWSKI

The lightweight division gets a jolt of electricity as Ricardo Martinez makes his long-awaited BTC debut against Orillia’s rising prospect Jeff Tomaszewski!

Fighting out of the iconic Adrenaline Training Centre, Martinez brings veteran poise, slick technique, and fight IQ to the cage. With years of hard rounds behind closed doors, he’s ready to show the BTC crowd exactly what he’s made of.

But across from him stands a young lion on the rise—Jeff Tomaszewski of Big Country Orillia. With momentum on his side and a reputation for pushing the pace, Tomaszewski is gunning to make Martinez’s debut a rough one.

COLE KING vs. TISEAN CAESAR-GABRIEL

It’s Sudbury vs. Oshawa as Cole King of Troop MMA steps into the spotlight against seasoned finisher Tisean Caesar-Gabriel of Savage Fight Team in a high-stakes bantamweight bout!

With a 1-1 record and a knockout already under his belt, King is back and ready to show he’s grown sharper, stronger, and more dangerous. Representing the hard-nosed grit of Troop MMA, he’s coming to make a statement.

But Tisean Gabriel is no stranger to the cage. With five wins—three by submission and two by knockout—Gabriel brings veteran savvy and finishing power wherever the fight goes. From slick grappling to explosive strikes, he’s always one move away from ending the night.

MO ERTUGRUL vs. MOHAMMAD MAHDI

Striker vs. scrapper—two promising amateurs collide in a catchweight bout as London’s Mo Ertugrul faces off with Mohammad Mahdi of Trillium MMA!

Representing Adrenaline and London Muay Thai, Ertugrul enters the cage with a Muay Thai win under his belt and a striking pedigree that demands respect. Sharp, composed, and dangerous on the feet, he’s looking to turn his striking chops into MMA success.

But Mahdi is no easy task. With a 1-1 record and a gritty decision win to his name, he’s already shown he can go the distance and grind out tough fights. Trillium MMA fighters come prepared—and Mahdi is ready to test Ertugrul in all areas.

MATT MACLEAN vs. HLIB HONCHAROV

Two powerful forces collide at 155 lbs as Sarnia’s own Matt Maclean steps into the cage against Niagara Top Team’s rising prospect Hlib Honcharov!

Representing Iron Eagle and known for his heavy hands, Maclean is built for the big moments. Fighting in front of the hometown crowd, he’s bringing raw power, pressure, and a point to prove in this explosive catchweight contest.

Ukraine’s Honcharov isn’t coming to play spoiler—he’s coming to show why NTT is one of the most respected gyms in the country. Sharp, technical, and hungry, he’s ready to weather the storm and shine on enemy turf in his amateur MMA debut.

ROBYN TROWBRIDGE vs. GÜNCE AKPINAR

A new chapter begins in the women’s division as hometown hopeful Robyn Trowbridge makes her MMA debut against Niagara Top Team’s Günce Akpinar!

Fighting out of Sarnia’s GhostHouse MMA under the tutelage of Jesse Gross, Trowbridge is ready to show off the skills she’s been sharpening behind closed doors. Backed by her home crowd and hungry to make an impact, she enters the cage with confidence and fire.

Across from her stands Günce Akpinar—battle-tested and eager to bounce back from her debut. Representing the elite Niagara Top Team, she brings crisp striking and relentless drive, looking to silence the Sarnia crowd and secure her first win.

MATT PREVOST vs. ADAM “Super Saiyan” SHHADEH

The amateur middleweight division gets a jolt of fresh energy as Matt Prevost and Adam “Super Saiyan” Shhadeh square off in their highly anticipated debuts at BTC 28: Battle at the Border!

Representing Sarnia’s own The Butcher Shop, Matt Prevost is stepping into the cage for the first time—and he’s doing it on home turf. With a full camp behind him and the roar of the local crowd in his corner, Prevost is ready to make a statement and show he belongs under the bright lights.

But London’s Adam Shhadeh didn’t come to play the underdog. Fighting out of a sharp and disciplined camp, “Super Saiyan” is bringing speed, intensity, and a laser-focused mindset to the border. He’s aiming to silence the crowd and start his amateur journey with a bang.

WILL BRALSKI vs. ANTHONY MELENDEZ

Get ready for a collision course between two heavy handed prospects as Will Bralski and Anthony Melendez throw down in a can’t-miss middleweight bout at BTC 28: Battle at the Border!

London’s Will Bralski, representing the hard-nosed crew at Bad Boyz MMA, is known for bringing relentless pressure every time he steps into the cage. He’s coming to Sarnia with one mission—make a statement and leave no doubt about who the next rising threat in the division is.

But standing across from him is Toronto’s Anthony Melendez, out of the elite Evolução Thai camp. Technical, explosive, and dangerous in every exchange, Melendez is more than ready to match fire with fire and prove that his striking pedigree can steal the show on fight night.

LENNY “The Wolverine” WHITE vs. DIEGO FAREZ

The stage is set for a thrilling catchweight clash as Lenny “The Wolverine” White takes on Diego Farez in a fight that promises fireworks at BTC 28: Battle at the Border!

Hailing from Sarnia and training out of Purebred Fight Club, “The Wolverine” is a ferocious competitor with a unique blend of speed and power. With lightning-fast strikes and a relentless pace, White is eager to prove he’s a force to be reckoned with in the cage.

But standing in his way is Diego Farez, a dangerous and dynamic fighter representing the renowned Evolução Thai camp in Toronto. Known for his technical precision and knockout power, Farez is ready to showcase his explosive skills and spoil the hometown debut of The Wolverine.

LUCAS DIPONIO vs. JACOB DA SILVA

It’s a London vs. London clash as two hungry young prospects collide in a high-energy featherweight bout set to light up Sarnia!

Representing Bad Boyz MMA and sharpening his skills at Western University’s wrestling program, Lucas Diponio brings a relentless grappling style and fierce work ethic to the cage. With a strong base and a point to prove, he’s ready to grind his way to victory.

Across from him stands fellow Londoner Jacob Da Silva—a fast, technical athlete looking to steal the spotlight and outshine his local rival. Expect slick movement, sharp timing, and a refusal to back down.

the countdown is on…