Atlantic City, NJ –On Friday August 24, 2012, Cage Fury Fighting Championships’ (CFFC) flyweight champion, Sean “Shorty Rock” Santella, returns to the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to defend his title against Bombsquad’s Evan Velez.  Santella (10-3), who trains at the famed AMA Fight Club, which is the home to current UFC and former CFFC stars such as Jim and Dan Miller, will try to make it his second straight title defense after submitting Philadelphia’s Tuan Pham in less than two minutes earlier this year in April.    

            "This has ‘Fight of the Night’ written all over it," said CFFC President Rob Haydak. "Without question, Evan and Sean are coached by two of the very best in the game.  They have always delivered for the fans, and August 24th will be no exception."

"I am very excited to have two fighters on the upcoming CFFC card,” said Mike Constantino, the head trainer and owner of AMA. “The Borgata is a great venue and I am looking forward to “Shorty Rock” defending his title and (Jonathan’s) Helwig's return to the cage!"

Since moving down to his natural weight class, Santella is riding a two-fight win streak and believes that he is getting better.  “On August 24^th, I will be defending my flyweight belt against Bombquad’s Evan Velez,” stated Santella.  “I know they've prepared him for war, but I have some new tricks up my sleeve.  Come the 24th you’re going to see a new and improved Shorty Rock 2.0. This is my second title defense for Cage Fury and it's been an honor fighting for them.  I’mhere to fight the very best and I know CFFC will always do their best to find a worthy opponent and put on the best show possible.”

"I consider Sean one of top tier fighters at his weight in the world.  If anyone in the Northeast can knock him off, it's Evan,” stated Haydak.  “With two vastly different skill sets and anything can happen."

Coming from the Team Bombsquad in Ithica, New York, there is no question that Velez trains with some of the best fighters in the world.  CFFC bantamweight title holder, Aljamain Sterling, holds a victory over Santella and trains with Velez every day.   The prospect of these two fighting on the same card is very exciting for the New York team.  "We are excited to compete in CFFC, the best promotion in New Jersey,” said Team Bombsquad’s head trainer, Ryan Ciotoli.  “They put on the best fights in the best venues and to have two of our guys fighting for their titles means a lot.  Both Aljamain and Evan are ready to put on a show and bring some excitement to New Jersey MMA."

Velez (4-1, 1 NC) is known as a finisher and has submission victories in all but one of his victories.  Velez debuted with CFFC in July of 2011 with a decision win over Lennox Chance but if he wants to be successful the second time around, he knows he will have to be at his best.  “I'm excited to be back with CFFC,” stated the challenger.  “They've always treated me professionally and Atlantic City is a lot closer to my hometown than all of the others places I've fought that's for sure.  I'm honored to be fighting for the flyweight title. I’ve been working hard my whole life and its time people know who I am.  I think I have a big advantage in all around skill and the fact that I know my opponent well and he barely knows anything about me.  I respect what Santella has done but it really is my time now. The way I see it, he’s just been holding my belt until I got here, and I have arrived.”

In addition to Santella vs. Velez, CFFC will have three other title bouts. Undefeated prospect Tim Williams (7-0) will fight UFC veteran David Branch (10-3) for the vacant CFFC middleweight crown.  Current CFFC bantamweight champion, Aljamain “Aljo” Sterling, will try to keep his perfect record intact when he defends his title for the second time against Philadelphia’s Sidemar “Sedico” Honorio (8-2).  In the co-main event, George Sullivan (10-3) is coming off the biggest victory of his career and he will try to ride the wave when he defends his title against Baltimore’s Tenyeh Dixon.  For more details on the card please visit www.CFFC.tv.  Tickets for this event can be purchased at www.theborgata.com.