Darrell Horcher's Title Defense Highlights CFFC 52 on Halloween Night
In addition to the Cage Fury Fighting Championships’ (CFFC) bantamweight title up for grabs this Saturday night, current champion Darrell Horcher will defend his CFFC lightweight title in the main event at the Borgata Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey. With 12 exciting professional fights scheduled with the best talent across the east coast, each fight has fight-of-the-night written all over it – but with Horcher vs. Regman – this is a fight-of-the-year candidate.
Affectionately known as the “Saint”, Darrell Horcher (11-1) became the CFFC lightweight champion with a TKO victory over former number one contender, Jordan Stiner (9-3), in the third round of their title fight in February 2015. “There was a lot of hype going into that fight,” replied Horcher. “Both of us had been winning some big fights, so it was a great match up. I was able to execute my game plan and find my range, the finish was inevitable. I know I belong among the top in the division in any organization.”
While Stiner’s strength was based in wrestling and jiu-jitsu, Regman’s skillsets rest in. This is something that Horcher is comfortable with. “I am prepared wherever the fight takes place,” said the Pennsylvania native. “Regman has solid stand up but he's never been in there with anyone like me. I am very excited about this fight because Regman is a game opponent who likes to throw down. We brought in three professional boxers. One was a former WBO champ and we also brought in two former K-1 veterans to focus on my stand up. I’m looking forward to drawing a line in the middle of the cage and throwing down. What's not to like about two guys who want to take each other's heads off?”
Horcher is undefeated in his CFFC (4-0) career and is currently riding a four-fight win streak with five stoppages in his 11 victories. So it’s no a surprise that when Horcher talks, it’s with complete confidence. “I hold the belt, that's not by accident,” exclaimed Horcher.
“I know I am a champion and I am looking forward to defending and answering any questions that may exist. Regman is tough, great stand up and very confident in his abilities. I think he is very well rounded and is a contender for a reason. I will head back home to PA with the belt around my waist, I don't predict how, it just will happen. Thanks to Regman for stepping up and answering the call when so many others wouldn't.” -CFFC LW Champion Darrell Horcher
Striking is not the only thing Horcher and Regman have in common. In order to gain his title shot, Stephen “the Predator” Regman (5-1) also defeated Jordan Stiner, but with a guillotine choke after being controlled the first two rounds. “Beating a BJJ black belt Renzo Gracie fighter at his own game and putting him to sleep was much better than biting into a donut after a weigh cut,” stated Regman while laughing. “The victory was bitter sweet. As far as what I took away from the performance and watching the fight, I worried too much on what he was going to do. Now, I just worry about what I want to do and make my opponent adjust to me.”
Regman is also excited about fighting a fellow striker as four of his five wins have come via stoppages. “When I first looked at this fight, I thought about Lawlor versus Macdonald two and how our fight could be exciting like that one was. I immediately agreed and was as excited as I've ever been. Any fighter who can hit another fighter and put them to sleep continuously is impressive. I don't see this fight going to decision, don’t blink!”
Although he’s not looking ahead, Regman knows what a win and claiming the CFFC title can do for his career. “A victory on Halloween against Horcher, means a big possibility of hooking a UFC contract which is ultimately what we both want as well,” stated Regman. “Being a CFFC champ will also be a huge accomplishment for me and will become my first title on the professional level.”
"Regman vs Horcher is going to be an epic nightcap to an incredible night of fights, both guys are elite strikers with knockout power. I don't see this one going to the judges." -CFFC CEO Rob Haydak
Also scheduled on the card is the promotional debut of highly touted prospect, Sam Oropeza (11-2) when he battles Virginia standout Levon Maynard (12-10). In a featherweight title contender elimination bout, Jared Gordon (9-1) will take on William Algeo (7-2) at catch weight bout after CFFC featherweight champion, Jeff Lentz was injured and had to withdraw from his rematch with Gordon. In an anticipated female bout, world jiu-jitsu champion, Sijara Eubanks (1-0) goes against Katlyn Chookagian (4-0) in a flyweight tilt.