BTC XXVII: Bellevegas event info
For the first time ever, Ontario's No. 1 MMA organization, BTC Fight Promotions, is bringing the thrill of live mixed martial arts to Belleville! Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 15th, and join us at the Belleville Armouries for BTC XXVII: Bellevegas — an electrifying night of MMA action you won’t want to miss.
For over seven years, BTC Fight Promotions has travelled across Ontario, hosting world-class events that spotlight elite talent from Canada and beyond. Our platform has helped launch the careers of top fighters, with 11 athletes, including Serhiy Sidey, Aaron Jeffery, and Ultimate Fighter winner Ryan Loder, making it to organizations like the UFC and Bellator.
Now, it’s Belleville’s turn to experience the action! BTC XXVII will feature some of the best fighters from across the globe, including rising stars and undefeated prospects battling for their shot at greatness. Get ready for one of our biggest events of the year—an unforgettable night of high-stakes matchups, explosive action, and an electric atmosphere.
Don’t miss your chance to witness the heart-pounding excitement of live MMA right in the heart of Belleville. Be part of the action and make history with us at BTC XXVII: Bellevegas!
BTC XXVII Bellevegas FAQ
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
PROFESSIONAL MMA BOUTS
BTC XXVII: Bellevegas continues our tradition of showcasing the highest level of MMA talent in Canada. As always, we’re bringing together elite athletes with the skill, experience, and ambition to compete on the international stage. Many of today’s Canadian UFC standouts jump-started their careers inside the BTC Fight cage, and this event will be no different. With top prospects and battle-tested veterans all looking to make their mark, fans can expect a night of high-level action featuring the best fighters in the country.
MATT “THE MAULER” SMITH (3-1) VS. LJAE SIMMINZ (2-1)
Matt Smith and Ljae Simminz are set to clash in an exciting welterweight bout on March 15th at the Belleville Armouries. With both fighters looking to make a statement, this matchup promises to deliver high-paced action and a battle of knockout power.
Belleville’s own Matt Smith (3-1) returns to the cage following an emphatic first-round TKO victory at BTC 24: Apex in Burlington. With two TKOs on his record, “The Mauler” has shown a relentless finishing ability and will be eager to secure another dominant performance in front of his hometown crowd.
Toronto’s Ljae Simminz (2-1) made an explosive entrance into the pro ranks in 2024, scoring back-to-back knockout wins to kick off his career. However, after facing his first setback, he’s determined to bounce back strong. A victory over Smith would put him back on course and prove that his finishing power is a serious threat in the division.
With both fighters known for their knockout ability, this bout is unlikely to go the distance. Smith will have the hometown advantage, but Simminz is hungry to silence the crowd and get back in the win column. Fans in Belleville can expect fireworks when these two welterweights step into the cage.
ANDREW “BABJITSU” BABCOCK (2-0) VS. RYAN YAPSAM (2-2)
Andrew Babcock and Ryan Yapsam are set to face off in a high-stakes bantamweight showdown at BTC XXVII: Bellevegas. With both fighters aiming to solidify their place in the division, this matchup promises a clash of submission skills and striking creativity.
Belleville’s own Andrew Babcock (2-0) returns to the BTC Fight cage after an incredible 2024 campaign, which included a highlight-reel submission that earned him Submission of the Year honors. Undefeated with back-to-back submission victories, Babcock will look to keep his momentum going and secure another win in front of his hometown supporters.
Across the cage, Ajax’s Ryan Yapsam (2-2) brings an exciting and unorthodox style to the fight. Known for his flashy techniques and versatility, Yapsam has already proven himself inside the BTC cage with two victories. He now looks to hand Babcock his first professional loss and claim his own third career win.
With Babcock’s dangerous grappling and Yapsam’s unpredictable skill set, this fight could go in multiple directions. The Belleville crowd will be behind Babcock, but Yapsam is more than capable of spoiling the hometown celebration. Fans can expect a fast-paced, technical battle when these two bantamweights step into the cage.
ALANA “THE ALANAMAL” COOK (3-1) VS. ANDREA “THE AMAZON” WATSON (0-1)
Alana Cook and Andrea Watson are set to collide in an electrifying women’s bantamweight showdown in Belleville. With both fighters bringing high-level skill and championship aspirations, this matchup is poised to be one of the most exciting bouts of the night.
Cook enters the cage riding a wave of momentum after being named BTC’s 2024 Rookie of the Year. Fresh off a dominant performance at BTC 26: Rumble in the Rapids, she has already racked up three professional victories. Now, she looks to further cement herself as Canada’s top pound-for-pound female contender with another statement win.
Across from her stands Kitchener’s Andrea Watson, a highly decorated competitor across multiple disciplines, including kickboxing, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and boxing. Making her transition into MMA, “The Amazon” brings a wealth of experience and a well-rounded arsenal that could pose serious challenges for Cook.
With Cook’s rising dominance and Watson’s elite striking and grappling pedigree, this fight has all the makings of a war. Cook will aim to continue her ascent, while Watson looks to make an immediate impact in her BTC debut. Fans in Belleville can expect an intense battle when these two fierce competitors step into the cage.
ZACH BALDWIN (1-0) VS. BHUMI LOGANATHAN (0-0)
A high-stakes flyweight battle is set for BTC XXVII: Bellevegas, as two rising prospects step into the cage on March 15th. Belleville’s Zach Baldwin (1-0) looks to build on his impressive debut, while Ottawa’s Bhumi Loganathan (0-0) makes his long-awaited transition to the professional ranks.
Zach Baldwin made an emphatic first impression at BTC 19: Fight Night Kingston, securing a devastating first-round knockout against Blair “The Wild” West. Now, he returns to the BTC Fight Promotions cage for his sophomore fight, this time in front of a hometown crowd. Training out of Belleville’s Limitless Martial Arts, Baldwin is eager to put on another dominant performance and prove he’s a serious contender in the flyweight division.
Standing in his way will be Ottawa’s Bhumi Loganathan. Training out of the Fight Factory, Loganathan has proved himself on the amateur circuit earning three victories including two submissions. Known for his well-rounded skill set and strong fight IQ, Loganathan has built a reputation as a dangerous competitor. A victory in his first pro fight would instantly put him on the radar as a flyweight to watch.
With two talented fighters representing top Canadian gyms, this matchup is set to deliver fireworks. Both athletes are hungry to make a statement, but only one will walk away with the victory in Bellevegas.
NOAH CROSSWELL (3-4) VS. VICTOR BORDAGE (0-1)
A bantamweight showdown is set for BTC XXVII: Bellevegas, as two dynamic finishers square off on March 15th. Nate Small returns to the BTC cage, looking to extend his win streak, while Victor Bordage makes his Ontario debut in search of a statement victory.
Nate Small has been a force inside the BTC cage, racking up three stoppage victories since turning pro. He showcased his submission skills in his debut defeating Amear Bani at BTC 12: Unlocked, followed by a dominant TKO over Blair West at BTC 15: Homecoming. Most recently, he added another slick submission finish at BTC 24: Apex over Noah Crosswell. With a track record of finishing fights, he’s determined to make another statement in Belleville.
France’s Victor Bordage, now training out of Tristar Montreal, brings a decorated kickboxing background, having competed under top promotions like Glory Kickboxing and earning over 20 career victories. Though new to MMA, his skill set is rapidly evolving, and he’s eager to secure his first professional win. He sees this fight as a chance to prove he’s a rising threat in the bantamweight division.
With both fighters possessing elite striking and finishing instincts, this bout promises to deliver high-paced action when they step into the cage in Bellevegas!
DAVIS RAPAGNA (1-4) VS. RAMSTON RODRIGUES (1-0)
An exciting 160 lbs catchweight bout is set for BTC XXVII: Bellevegas, as two dangerous prospects look to make a statement on March 15th. Toronto’s Davis Rapagna returns to the BTC cage, while Montreal’s Ramston Rodrigues aims to keep his undefeated record intact.
Rapagna showcased his finishing power in Kingston last year taking out Jarred “The Sheriff” Dumond via 2nd round TKO at BTC 19 and is eager to build on that success in 2025. Training out of Evolução Thai, he brings a battle-tested striking arsenal and the experience to handle tough competition. Looking for another dominant victory, he looks to get his pro record back on track and prove he can be a challenger in the lightweight division.
On the other side, Rodrigues enters this matchup riding the momentum of an impressive pro debut. Representing Tristar Montreal, one of Canada’s most renowned MMA gyms, he possesses a well-rounded skill set and a hunger to prove himself against more experienced opponents. A victory here would solidify his status as a top prospect.
With both fighters bringing aggressive styles and plenty to fight for, this bout promises to deliver nonstop action in Bellevegas!
AMATEUR MMA BOUTS
BTC XXVII: Bellevegas will go down in history as a pivotal moment for Ontario MMA, marking the official arrival of sanctioned amateur competition in the province. For years, Ontario fighters had to travel elsewhere to gain amateur experience, but this event signals a new era where athletes can develop their skills at home. By providing a clear pathway from amateur to professional MMA, BTC XXVII will play a key role in cultivating the next generation of Canadian talent. This long-overdue change will strengthen the regional fight scene, create more opportunities for young athletes, and elevate the overall level of competition in Ontario. March 15th isn’t just another fight night—it’s the beginning of a new chapter in Canadian MMA.
MICHEAL McTAGGART (5-0) VS. DONTAE de JESUS (4-1)
BTC XXVII will make history on March 15th, hosting Ontario’s first-ever sanctioned amateur MMA fights, this one will go down in history as the first official amateur fight announcement. This groundbreaking moment will feature two of the province’s top amateur talents, as Michael McTaggart and Dontae de Jesus step into the cage in Belleville.
Belleville’s own Michael McTaggart enters this fight with an undefeated 5-0 record, with four submission victories to his name. A rising prospect out of Alcateia BJJ, McTaggart has already claimed an amateur title and now looks to solidify his status as Ontario’s best. Fighting in front of a home crowd, he’ll be eager to showcase his elite grappling and prove he’s ready for the next level.
Standing in his way is Dontae de Jesus, a dangerous competitor fighting out of Trillium MMA in Markham. With a 4-1 record, de Jesus has been on an impressive three-fight win streak, displaying well-rounded skills and a relentless style. Stepping onto the biggest stage of his amateur career, he’s determined to hand McTaggart his first loss and make a name for himself on the Canadian MMA scene.
With history on the line, these two warriors will battle for more than just a victory—they’ll be paving the way for the future of amateur MMA in Ontario.
CHASE STEVENSON (1-1) VS. MAZEN MERHI (0-1)
Another high-paced amateur showdown is set for BTC XXVII: Bellevegas as Chase Stevenson and Mazen Merhi square off in a 165lb catchweight bout. Both fighters are eager to prove themselves in Ontario’s newly sanctioned amateur scene, bringing their well-rounded skills to the BTC cage.
Representing Kingston’s Hayabusa Academy, Chase Stevenson is looking to showcase his striking and grappling abilities against a tough opponent. With strong fundamentals and a relentless pace, he’s determined to leave Belleville with a statement victory.
Standing across from him is Markham’s Trillium MMA’s Mazen Merhi, a promising talent with a hunger to establish himself in the amateur ranks. Training out of one of Ontario’s top up-and-coming gyms, he’s prepared for a tough battle and ready to show his full skill set under the BTC Fight Promotions spotlight.
With both fighters looking to make an impression, this matchup promises nonstop action and a glimpse at the future of Canadian MMA!
Liam Walker (0-1) vs. Mohammad Mahdi (1-1)
A pair of hungry amateur prospects are set to clash as Liam Walker and Mohammad Mahdi meet in a 143lb catchweight bout at BTC XXVII: Bellevegas.
Representing Kalsamrit Martial Arts, Walker is eager to showcase his skills and make his mark in Ontario’s growing amateur MMA scene.
Standing in his way is Trillium MMA’s Mahdi, who’s ready to bring the fight and prove himself on one of the biggest stages in Canadian amateur MMA.
With both fighters looking to make a statement, expect a fast-paced and competitive battle in Bellevegas!
Matt Harrigan (0-1) vs. Doug Ford (0-0)
Ontario’s amateur lightweight division heats up as Kingston’s Matt Harrigan takes on Bobcaygeon’s Doug Ford in a 155lb showdown at BTC XXVII.
Training out of the Hayabusa Academy in Kingston, Harrigan is looking to showcase his skills and take the next step in his amateur career with a big win on fight night.
Ford, representing Bobcaygeon, is ready to bring his own firepower and make a name for himself in his amateur debut Bellevegas.
With both fighters eager to prove themselves, expect an all-action clash inside the cage!
the countdown is on…
***FIGHT CARD SUBJECT TO CHANGE at ANY TIME · NO REFUND POLICY in EFFECT***