COVID-19 protocol forces Eddy Torres out of Friday's CFFC 104 main event
Blake Bilder now faces Frankie Buenafuente for vacant title live on UFC FIGHT PASS
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Eddy Torres has been forced to withdraw from the headlining bout of Friday's CFFC 104 event at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
Torres (4-0), who was expected to challenge for Cage Fury Fighting Championships' vacant featherweight title, was removed from the card due to COVID-19 protocol.
"It's an unfortunate and extremely sad situation for Eddy," CFFC President Rob Haydak said. "The pain on his face and the tears in his eyes when I broke the news were absolutely heart-wrenching. I've been doing this a long time, and I know how hard these athletes train. I know what a title shot means in this organization."
Torres' removal left undefeated featherweight prospect Blake Bilder (4-0-1) without an opponent for the night's main event. However, veteran featherweight Frankie Buenafuente (10-5), who was scheduled to compete on the featured prelim of CFFC 104 but also lost his opponent due to COVID-19 protocol, has agreed to step up on just one day's notice and will fight for the belt.
"Frankie is a stud and has fought some of the toughest competition in the Northeast," Haydak said. "I approached Frankie and his coach with the opportunity. They didn't hesitate for even a second and immediately accepted. I then had to explain the situation to Blake and his coach – they, too, didn't hesitate.
"Frankie and Blake are both top prospects, and they're both ready to put on a show. One of them will walk away as the CFFC featherweight champion."
CFFC 104 streams live on UFC FIGHT PASS at 8:30 p.m. ET. Current All Elite Wrestling superstar and two-time UFC veteran CM Punk calls the action alongside MMA Junkie lead staff reporter John Morgan.
Stay tuned to CFFC.tv for additional information regarding CFFC 104.
ABOUT CAGE FURY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Considered one of the best developmental mixed martial arts organizations in the industry, Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC) hosts events across the United States with an emphasis on cultivating the best and brightest talent in the sport. CFFC events are broadcast live on UFC FIGHT PASS, the leading digital subscription service for fight fans.
Founded in 2006, CFFC has served as home to a variety of UFC stars, including Anthony Smith, Jimmie Rivera, Aljamain Sterling, Kimbo Slice, Paul Felder, Jim Miller, Nick Catone, Lyman Good, Katlyn Chookagian, Shane Burgos and Jared Gordon. Led by its respected President Rob Haydak, CFFC’s executive team consists of sports and entertainment industry executives who have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in the world.
