For DeAndre Anderson, CFFC title shot is full-circle moment – but also just the start

DeAndre Anderson made his spectacular CFFC debut in August, needing just 11 seconds to score an incredible knockout of a previously undefeated Jose Perez.

It was a thrilling moment for "The Protege," and one that brought him an astounding amount of attention.

"Man, it was just like a dream," Anderson said. "It was off a two-year layoff, and I've been working so hard. My whole plan had just been to work that time just to get way better at MMA. That was my complete, total goal, so for that to happen in the first fight back in MMA, it was just amazing to feel that.

"That 11-second knockout just kind of blew everything out of the water. Like, it was just on 10 from the minute I stepped out of that cage, so it's been a blessing, but I've just still been working."

During those two years away from MMA, Anderson spent much of his time sharpening up his boxing skills, including competing in a few professional bouts. The time invested clearly paid dividends, but Anderson believes he didn't get to show his growth outside of just his punching skills.

"I would have rather actually fought longer to prove more to the people and prove to myself that I've grown as a martial artist," Anderson said.

Anderson might get that chance at Friday's CFFC 103 event, which streams live on UFC FIGHT PASS from Horseshoe Tunica Hotel & Casino in Tunica, Miss. There, Anderson (5-0) takes on Da'Mon Blackshear (10-4) for the vacant CFFC bantamweight title, and it's a bout that has more meaning to the undefeated 24-year-old that you might realize.

"This is definitely a special moment for me because the exact day is five years since I won the V3 Fights amateur belt, and it was actually in Memphis, which is like 30 minutes up the road from Tunica," Anderson said. "Jason Lederfine, the announcer, he was there. Rod Galvan, who's matchmaking, he was there. All the V3 guys. That was a really big moment because that was my first real amateur belt."

CFFC acquired V3 Fights in 2020, a move that saw the promotion expand its national footprint for live events, including into the Memphis area. Anderson now hopes history repeats itself when he fights for the title on Friday night against an opponent he thought he might face down the line when each of them competed at August's CFFC 99.

"I think it's just a great matchup all around," Anderson said. "I remember watching Da'Mon before my fight. My buddy had already told me about him. He was fighting Matt Vogel, and I wasn't focusing on those two, but I had already had my eye on them. I already knew who they were.

"I just feel like he's really good all the way around. I don't really see a lot of holes and stuff, but for me, I feel like I'm really good all the way around with my background and me training at a jiu-jitsu school – and, you know, I've done all the boxing and kickboxing stuff. I feel like we match up pretty evenly. I just have to do what I need to do."

Anderson knows he isn't likely to be able to finish things quite as quickly this time around, and that's just fine by him. A little added experience in the cage wouldn't be the worst thing for the prospect as he makes his way to the sport's biggest promotions.

"I definitely don't feel an 11-second knockout," Anderson said with a laugh. "I mean, I didn't see it the first time, either, so I would be lying if I told you I knew I was going to go out there and do that. Honestly, it's crazy to say, but I don't really have a plan. I just go out there and I do what I normally do. You never really know what you're going to get out of different fighters. People evolve, they change. They get better, so I don't really look at somebody's last night and think that's exactly how they're going to be. I just plan on going out there and doing what I need to do

"I hope I get to the fifth round. I mean, it would suck because that would mean, I've lost a round or two. But I'd love to get to the fifth round just to know that I can get there because this is a long game for me. I want to be, you know, in five rounds of a UFC title fight. I want to know that I can go into those deep waters because not a lot of people get that opportunity, especially outside of a major organization like the UFC or Bellator. It's a great opportunity for me."

So it's a special night for Anderson, but it's certainly not the finish line. Yes, "The Protege" is hoping to relive the glory of that night five years ago, but once done, he's thinking about putting another belt over his shoulder, as well.

"I would love to go to the UFC immediately after this one, but if they don't give me that call, I would love to fight for the 145-pound belt, too, just because I feel like I can jump between both divisions," Anderson said. "I know CFFC is going to Atlantic City in December, and I think they have a featherweight title fight, so I have a little bit more time, and if I don't get signed or anything, come January or February, I would love to fight for that 145-pound belt, as well, and I'll just keep going back and forth between both divisions."