With eyes on UFC, Alexander Keshtov only wants toughest fights available in CFFC cage

Undefeated Russian prospect Alexander Keshtov is focused on getting to the UFC as quickly as possible, and he has a simple strategy for making it happen: Beat the toughest guys he can find that are willing to sign on the dotted line.

"I know that's what the matchmakers in the UFC are looking for," Keshtov said. "You need a solid reputation. You need to leave no doubts."

The current Cage Fury Fighting Championships bantamweight titleholder, Keshtov claimed his belt with a December 2018 win over Andre Bernardo. However, he has yet to defend his title.

"The first problem was I couldn't find an opponent that wanted to fight me," Keshtov said. "Then I ended up having a little injury with my leg, an infection, and that kept me out for a bit."

Still, "AK-47" hasn't just been sitting idle on the sidelines. Keshtov said his training has remained intense throughout his time away, and he also returned to his native Russia to compete in the national hand-to-hand combat championship, where he defeated five opponents in a single day to claim the title

"I've stayed very, very focused on my training," Keshtov said. "I've kept training, and now I'm back. Both physically and mentally, it hasn't been a problem. I stayed busy and continued competing to keep myself sharp."

Keshtov (9-0) returns to action at CFFC 81, which takes place Feb. 1 at Parx Casino in Bensalem, Penn. He puts his title on the line against Brazilian contender Herbeth Sousa (14-1) in one of three championship fights on the night's main card, which streams live on UFC FIGHT PASS.

K Dojo Warrior Tribe's Murat Keshtov, who serves as Alexander's trainer and manager, said the opponent sets up perfectly for their efforts.

"We need some kind of a measuring stick, like Joe Silva used to say when he was still a UFC matchmaker," Murat said. "This is what they're telling him directly."

There have been some discussions with UFC officials, including an offer for a flyweight bout that had to be declined when there wasn't enough time for Keshtov to secure a visa. But he isn't interested in waiting and hoping. A dangerous athlete wherever the fight ultimately goes, Keshtov hopes to leave no doubt he's deserving of a slot in the sport's biggest promotion.

"My main goal is to get to the big show," Keshtov said. "I want to make it to the UFC. The problem for me has been finding ranked opponents who will face me. So many fighters are trying to get to the big show and don't want to risk anything by fighting somebody dangerous, that way they don't risk any setbacks."

That won't be the case with Sousa, who is considered one of Brazil's top bantamweight prospects. Keshtov was supposed to fight Raufeon Stots in November, but "Supa" ended up signing with Bellator. Now the attention shifts to Sousa.

It's a matchup with international flair, and one Keshtov believes will help him take the next step in his career, especially if he can provide a highlight-reel moment.

"My focus is to win, but if a knockout or submission is there, I'm going to take it," Keshtov said. "I've been waiting for this fight. I hope I win and go to the UFC."