Is Liam Macfadyen Canada’s top bantamweight prospect?

Jan 13, 2025

TORONTO — Liam Macfadyen believes he’s Canada’s next great bantamweight fighter.

“Absolutely — I’m the best Canadian prospect at 135 pounds,” Macfadyen says.

“I’m a Pan American sambo champion, and I’m 3-0 as a professional with some dominant performances. I believe that makes me the top prospect in the country in my weight class.”

The 26-year-old Ottawa, ON product is eager to bolster his case at Unified 60. On Jan. 24 at the iconic Rebel Entertainment Complex in Toronto, Macfadyen will look to smash his way to 4-0 with a second straight, first-round finish over Diego Dejesus, LIVE worldwide on UFC Fight Pass.

Dejesus, a former undefeated amateur champion with the New York-based Cage Wars promotion, might prove to be Macfadyen’s toughest test yet. But Macfadyen is ready to rise to the occasion and begin 2025 with another highlight-reel performance.

“I think he’s going to try to take me down and use his submissions on me, but my grappling is going to be better than his,” he says. “We’re going to put the pressure on him with strikes, and we’re going to be ready for wherever the fight goes.”

Macfadyen would like to stay as active as possible in 2025 and be knocking on the UFC’s door with the Unified MMA Canadian Bantamweight Championship belt around his waist within the next 12 months.

“I’m working hard, so I’ll be ready for anything.”

ABOUT UNIFIED MMA

Unified MMA is Canada’s leading mixed martial arts promotion, showcasing the country’s top-ranked fighters and elite international talent, LIVE on UFC Fight Pass. The organization has successfully promoted 59 events across Canada since it was founded in 2009, and has propelled several athletes to the UFC’s Octagon.