Loiseau Excited to be Back in the Cage

Finally, the popular Canadian middleweight will get his chance on Saturday when he takes on Jason Day at Hardcore Championship Fighting's "Destiny" event at Calgary's Stampede Corral.

"The Crow" was a late addition to the already stacked HCF card after his planned bout at the Jan. 12 World Cagefighting Organization event fell through due to financial difficulties. Prior to that debacle, Loiseau's last fight was a submission win over Freddie Espiricueta (Pictures) in May 2007.

The eight months since have been very frustrating for someone trying to work his way back to the UFC.

"I've been in fight shape for the past six months," Loiseau told Sherdog.com.

It's been a difficult haul, but Loiseau said there was never any doubt in his mind that he was going to get back on track: "I'm so dedicated and focused and don't cut corners -- everything comes together in the end. I just think positively, and when you work hard, things will get better and better."

Against Day, Loiseau will be facing someone who has as much, if not more, riding on the outcome of the fight. Day's camp has had contact with UFC matchmaker Joe Silva, and they feel that a victory over Loiseau may be the final hurdle for him to get a shot at the big show.

"He's a very good fighter, and it's going to be a great fight," Loiseau said. "He's exciting, he's got good standup and good submissions."

Loiseau has more experience in major events like the UFC, but he doesn't think that will give him an advantage.

"A fight is a fight," he said. "When you go in there, anything can happen, and there's no such thing as I'm better or he's better. When the bell rings, it's who wants it the most."

Regardless of the outcome, HCF has already signed Loiseau for a second fight. The French-Canadian will headline the promotion's first eastern Canada show on March 29 in Gatineau, Quebec. Loiseau wouldn't reveal his opponent, but HCF CEO Keith Crawford told Sherdog.com that if he wins Saturday, he'll be taking on Evangelista Santos (Pictures) for the 185-pound title.