Lleshi v. Hasan Will Open Main Card at CFFC 116 in Atlantic City

For CFFC 116, the main card will open on UFC Fight Pass with a bang, when two rising talents clash in the CFFC cage. The electrifying match up between Bilal Hasan (6-0) versus Xhelal “Jerry” Lleshi (4-0), features two undefeated rising prospects that are expected to create a bout full of fireworks. One of these athletes will either keep their win streak alive or taste defeat for the very first time. No matter the outcome, this is definitely a fight you don’t want to miss. 

Regarding the bout, CFFC President Rob Haydak expressed his excitement to see the action unfold. “A pro debut with two of the top prospects in the nation who come in with a combined 10-0 record in the NextGen division doesn’t happen everyday,” Haydak said. “It speaks volumes about their goals and the belief their coaches have in their abilities. I have not stopped smiling since the day this fight was signed.” 

Bilal Hasan training with teammate Miranda Granger at the UFC Performance Institute

Bilal Hasan (6-0) is an flyweight fighting out of Everett, Washington. Having an undefeated record with stellar performances on his resume, Hasan is looking to have his professional debut end with his hand raised. Despite this being his debut, Hasan is no stranger to the big stage of MMA. Being trained under Charlie Pearson at Charlie’s Combat Club with teammates like CFFC and UFC veteran strawweight Miranda “Danger” Granger, Hasan is looking to start his professional career with a bang. 

Granger believes with his talent, Hasan has the ability to have a successful MMA career. “Bilal is something special,” Granger said. “I believe that if he wants it badly enough that he will be the UFC world champion one day.” 

Out of his six victories, Hasan has shown off his knockout power by defeating his opponents via TKO/KO four times. His previous performances have shown how dangerous he is on the feet and it will be interesting to see how that will translate to the pros. Haydak also expressed his anticipation to see Hasan’s transition. 

“I’ve been hearing about Bilal for a while now from good friends in the Northwest,” Haydak said. “He is an incredible striker and boring is not in his vocabulary. I can’t wait to see how he does under the bright lights at The Hard Rock!” 

With his undefeated record and impressive stoppages, Hasan has earned himself the top ranking of flyweights in the Pacific Northwest according to Tapology. Granger believes that Hasan will put on a show at CFFC 116, and show the world what he is capable of. 

“I have never trained with anyone so athletic and naturally talented. He is quick, powerful, and precise,” Granger continued. “He has every quality you need to be the greatest, and I know he will put that on display December 16th. The kid is gifted and I can’t wait for the world to see what I do.” 

Jerry Lleshi wins the NextGen Flyweight Title at CFFC 112 with Coaches Dante Rivera (Left) and Ashure Elbanna (Right)

In the other corner of the cage stands Xhelal “Jerry” Lleshi (4-0). The flyweight is fighting out of Howell, NJ under the guidance of CFFC and UFC veteran, Dante Rivera at Dante Rivera BJJ. Rivera, Lleshi’s head coach, shared his thoughts on Lleshi's talent and capability in the cage.

“Jerry is one of the hardest workers I know and is ready for the next level,” Rivera said. “His elite wrestling combined with his striking and ground game has him ready for any opponent.” 

With a 4-0 record, Lleshi has shown his dominance in the cage with all four wins coming from one-sided decisions. Being the current CFFC Next-Gen Flyweight Champion, Lleshi is hoping to start his professional career with a win and continue to rise through the ranks at CFFC. Lleshi plans to end 2022 with another victory after his decision win at CFFC 112 in August.  Haydak shared his thoughts regarding Lleshi’s pro-debut and his excitement to see how he will perform on December 16th. 

“Jerry is a tremendous prospect and was one of the most explosive amateurs I had seen in a very long time,” Haydak stated. “I’m excited to see how he transitions to the pro ranks.” 

No matter what you’re doing on December 16th, this fight is one for the books. Haydak himself is counting down the days till he gets to witness these two newcomers come face to face. “Debut fighters are not the norm on our main cards,” Haydak stated. “Fans will quickly find out on fight night why I made the decision to have them kick off our main card.”

Mark your calendars because like President Rob Haydak said, “December 16th can’t get here quick enough.”

ARTICLE BY: SERENA GARCIA