Whose Phone Could Be Ringing If They Win at CFFC 116 on Dec. 16
CFFC has proven time and time again to be the promotion providing all-star fighters to perform at the top of the MMA game at the UFC. With stars like bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling, #8 ranked welterweight Sean Brady, #11 ranked heavyweight Chris Daukus and rising middleweight prospect Joseph “Bodybagz” Pyfer making their mark in the UFC, CFFC continues bringing rising stars to the big stage. With CFFC providing a platform for stellar talent it leaves the important question on who’s next? So with CFFC 116 coming up, here are some fighters who might be getting a call up if their hand is raised next weekend.
Eddy “The Taino Warrior” Torres (4-0)
With a 4-0 pro record, it’s no surprise that The Taino Warrior would make it on this list. On a seven fight win streak, the South Jersey native will look to get a win in 2022, after Covid derailed his title shot last year. Torres was supposed to fight Blake Bilder at CFFC 104 for the vacant CFFC featherweight title, but tested positive for Covid at weigh-ins. While Bilder went on to win the title and sign with the UFC, Torres was left searching for fights and getting healthy. He stayed active by competing twice on Fury Professional Grappling, while waiting for the right opportunity to get back in the CFFC cage. Although this opportunity came at a higher weight class, Torres still has the ability to win on the feet or on the ground. He knows that with a victory over Mathison, he could be seen on the next season of Dana White’s Contender Series or earn a path directly to the UFC.
Ricardo Fuentes (5-2)
Ricardo Fuentes has been making 2022 his year with two dominant victories in his past two performances. With a 5-2 record (two losses coming via split-decision), Fuentes has secured two submission wins over top tier opponents, and is looking to keep his win streak alive through the new year. Fighting out of Colombia and a staple at TSK, the bantamweight will face the biggest challenge of his young career against Dana White’s Contender Series' veteran, Junior Cortez. If he earns another submission under his belt at CFFC 116, it would be no surprise if Fuentes ends up receiving a UFC call-up or a shot at CFFC's vacant bantamweight title.
Junior Cortez (6-2)
Junior Cortez is no stranger to the big stage. Last year, Cortez competed at Dana White’s Contender Series to face Christian Rodriguez as the main event. Cortez would lose to the CFFC veteran by unanimous decision and drop to 5-2. After the loss, Cortez was not deterred and earned a decision victory in June. Fighting out of Scottsdale, Arizona, and training with the likes of former UFC bantamweight champion and Olympian Henry Cejudo, Cortez is a powerhouse with knockout power, seen evident with four of his six victories coming from stoppages. With a win over Fuentes in any fashion, Cortez could expect an invitation back to the Contender Series or even a direct call up to join his sister Tracy Cortez on the UFC roster.
Tyler Mathison (3-2)
Ready to break Torres’ win streak is Tyler Mathison (3-2) who is no stranger to the CFFC cage. Mathison dropped a decision to highly touted prospect Paul Capaldo in 2019, and has been eager to redeem himself in the CFFC cage. Fighting out of St. Cloud, Minnesota, Mathison is looking to add another win to his belt. Coming off a first round TKO win in October, Mathison is hoping to keep the wins coming in, and end 2022 victorious. With a win over an opponent like Torres, Mathison could also see himself on Dana White’s radar. Taking Torres’ year layoff and the wrestling to his advantage, Mathison will look to secure his first CFFC win at CFFC 116.
Despite the outcome of the fights, all four of these fighters are ready to prove their worth and earn a shot to compete at the next level. So — will you be there to see it?
ARTICLE BY: SERENA GARCIA