The 5 Finishes we Should all Recall from the 2300 Arena
The 2300 Arena in Philadelphia has been a home for the CFFC for over three years now, and we've had an abundance of fantastic fights held there. From back-and-forth title bouts to highlight reel knockouts, the 2300 Arena has seen it all.
Over the course of 6 events held at the 2300 Arena, we've seen many impressive finishes, but only five could make our list. These knockouts came at the hands of some of our most successful fighters, and some were used as a springing board to move on to the UFC.
Here are the Top 5 finishes we all recall from CFFC events held at the 2300 Arena:
1. Paul Felder vs Marc Stevens at CFFC 33
Paul Felder had already achieved five straight victories under the CFFC banner leading up to his bout against Marc Stevens making him one of Cage Fury's biggest stars. Felder did more than just embrace the spotlight that night. Midway through the second round Felder landed some clinch elbows that made Stevens turn his back. "The Irish Dragon" saw his opportunity and went for a rear naked choke jumping onto Stevens' back. The choke was tight, but ultimately unsuccessful. However, the submission attempt left Felder in full mount on top of Stevens, and Felder would not be denied a victory. The Renzo Gracie Philly fighter unloaded a flurry of ground and pound that put away Stevens and cemented Felder as one of the best in CFFC history.
2. Katlyn Chookagian vs. Stephanie Bragayrac at CFFC 57
CFFC had the pleasure of showcasing the uber-talented Katlyn Chookagian before she found herself in the UFC. At CFFC 57 Katlyn catapulted herself to stardom with a brutal knee the body that sent her opponent Bragyarac to the canvas. You could hear the air leave Paraguayan's body as she crumpled down and Chookagian finished her off. This victory was a career defining win for Katlyn. Shortly after showcasing her pin point accuracy at the 2300 Arena, the woman known as "Blonde Fighter" got the call to fight Lauren Murphy at UFC Fight Night 91. Chookagian remains one of the most promising prospects in the Women's bantamweight division.
3. Azunna Anyanwu vs. Keith Bell at CFFC 37
"Zulu" Anyanwu won the CFFC heavyweight title at CFFC 32 and he has held onto the gold strap periodically over the past two years. Anyanwu's brute force inside the cage is something not many fighters can deal with. Back on July 28th 2014, Keith Bell found that out the hard way. Just past two minutes in the opening round Anyanwu took advantage of a sloppy front kick attempt by Bell and landed a heavy right hand that dropped his opponent. Zu finished off his adversary by raining down hammerfists until referee Dan Miragliotta pulled him off a stiff Keith Bell. This was a huge moment of redemption for Anyanwu as he avenged a knockout loss to Bell back at XFE 22. Anyanwu returned the favor and placed himself atop the CFFC heavyweight division once again.
4. Jared Gordon vs. Anthony Morrison at CFFC 59
Jared "Flash" Gordon fought Anthony "Cheesesteak" Morrison for the vacant featherweight title at CFFC 59, and it took just over three minutes to decide the winner. Gordon was stalking the veteran Morrison ever so carefully right before he unleashed a vicious left high kick that landed flush. Morrison folded and Gordon walked away with a highlight reel KO and a shiny new belt. Gordon has since become one of CFFC's most popular fighters compiling a record of 11-1. It's likely only a matter of time before Gordon find himself on the phone with UFC matchmakers.
5. Louis Gaudinot vs. Sideco Honorio at CFFC 57
Just one fight after Katlyn Chookagian's body shot KO, CFFC fans were treated to another fantastic finish. Ultimate Fighter season 14 contestant and UFC veteran Louis Gaudinot won the CFFC flyweight title at CFFC 57 main event when he finished Sideco Honorio via TKO. Long known for his one punch knockout power, "Goodnight" Gaudinot lived up to his nickname that night at the 2300 Arena. A massive combination of punches early on in round one dropped Honorio on his keister and spelled the beginning of the end. Gaudinot would pour on some ground strikes before coming away with the TKO victory and the CFFC flyweight title. The green-haired champion celebrated with his belt and hug from his daughter cage side.
There are sure to be more phenomenal finishes at CFFC 62, so don't miss your chance to watch history be made. Be there for our biggest card ever being held at one of our favorite venues, the 2300 Arena located on 2300 S Swanson Street in South Philadelphia.