Cage Fury Fighting Championships returns Memorial Day weekend for back-to-back title fights
Philadelphia's 2300 Arena plays host to CFFC 96 and CFFC 97, live on UFC FIGHT PASS
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC) returns on Memorial Day weekend with another set of back-to-back fight cards, and there's a title on the line in each night's headliner. Philadelphia's 2300 Arena once again plays host to both events.
CFFC 96 takes place Friday, May 28, and features CFFC heavyweight champion Jamelle "The Beast" Jones (11-6) seeking the first defense of his title, when he faces a veteran challenger with a penchant for finishes in Rakim "The Boogeyman" Cleveland (20-13-1). In the night's co-main event, Russian featherweight Sitik Muduev (9-2) looks to follow up on his impressive promotional debut when he meets a yet-to-be-determined opponent. Additionally, undefeated featherweight prospect Eddy "The Taino Warrior" Torres (3-0) returns to take on promotional newcomer Yohe Rojas (2-1) in a featured contest.
Meanwhile, CFFC 97 takes place Saturday, May 29. In the night's main event, undefeated strawweight champion Elise Reed (3-0) puts her title on the line against Dana White's Contender Series veteran Hilarie Rose (5-2). In the co-main event, a pair of light heavyweights with 100 percent finishing rates collide with Jay Radick (3-0) taking on Gustavo "Cuban Assassin" Trujillo (3-1), while two undefeated featherweights meet in a featured bout with Jose Perez (3-0) facing Jaleon Alston (3-0).
Limited tickets are available now at CFFC.tv, with social distancing implemented along with additional COVID-19 safety protocols.
"CFFC continues to put on some of the most exciting events in the sport, and these two events will be no exception," CFFC President Rob Haydak said. "We've got two cards full of athletes looking to make their way to the highest level of the sport, and that means our fans can expect two more nights of action-packed cards from start to finish."
CFFC 96 and CFFC 97 stream live on UFC FIGHT PASS, with former WWE champion and two-time UFC veteran CM Punk calling the fights alongside MMA Junkie lead staff reporter John Morgan.
A veteran of Dana White's Contender Series and "The Ultimate Fighter," Jones struggled to break through for years as a light heavyweight prospect but has since found new life after making a move to the heavyweight division. He claimed the CFFC title in March with a stunning first-round finish over Cody Goodale and appears ready to make a move to one of the sport's biggest promotions. First, though, he'll face a stiff test in 10-year veteran Cleveland, a 6-foot-3 heavyweight who has earned 10 knockouts and eight submissions in his 20 career victories.
Meanwhile, Reed claimed her title with an epic split-decision win over Dana White's Contender Series signee Jasmine Jasudavicius this past August, then successfully defended the belt in December against Invicta FC veteran Jillian DeCoursey. Now she gets another stiff test in Rose, who debuted for CFFC in scintillating fashion, stopping Alannah Arnett with a vicious barrage of leg kicks.
Stay tuned to CFFC.tv for future announcements regarding CFFC 96 and CFFC 97. More bouts will be announced shortly.
ABOUT CAGE FURY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Considered one of the best regional, 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.