Matt MacGrath (photo via Twitter / @mattmacgrathmma)

By Kelsey Mowatt

Matt MacGrath has long been regarded as one of Canada’s top welterweights, but thanks to a seven fight winning streak, the 36 year-old’s career could be headed to new heights.

On April 15th, MacGrath (17-8) will look to defend Xcessive Force Fighting Championship’s welterweight title against UFC vet Jesse Ronson. The fight is several months removed from MacGrath’s win over former TUF competitor Michael Hill, and several fights removed from his 2013 victory over another UFC vet, Mark Holst. So, it doesn’t take a combat sports expert to figure out why MacGrath’s next bout is so pivotal.

“I think it is a big opportunity,” the Price Edward Island fighter said on a recent episode of Full Contact Fighter Radio. “I also look at it as though he’s just another opponent. The way I kind of changed my training, my approach for fights, it’s just another win for me. So, seven wins in a row, three Canadian titles, now it will be eight wins in a row against another UFC vet.”

“I hope so,” MacGrath stated, when asked if he believes a win over Ronson could lead to a call from the UFC. “If it doesn’t, then I just keep on trucking right? If I keep winning then eventually I’ll force their hand. It doesn’t hurt to win the fight a couple of months out from a UFC event on Canadia soil, there in Ottawa. I think it will help my chances….”

MacGrath was referring to UFC Fight Night 89, which will be hosted by Ottawa’s TD Place Arena on June 18th. Ronson (15-6) has gone 2-1 since exiting from the UFC in 2014, and will be moving up from 155 to face MacGrath.

“It’s not a fight that I put out to look for,” added MacGrath. “Jesse was mainly a lightweight fighter and he wasn’t ranked in welterweight, but I couldn’t seem to secure any welterweights…I didn’t really have a whole lot to pick from, as far as welterweights in the country, and even in New England I was slated to face Jon Manley, and then Chris Curtis, and guys are just not wanting to step in there against me.”

XFFC 9 will take place on April 15th at the Entrec Centre in Grand Prairie, Alberta. Ronson (15-6) has gone 2-1 since exiting from the UFC in 2014.