"This is the best version of me," - Eddy Torres Returns to the Cage at CFFC 116

Last year, Eddy “The Taino Warrior” Torres (4-0) found himself in the same spot where he is now, preparing for fight night. Last year however, Torres was looking forward to one of the most important fights of his career, a title shot for CFFC’s featherweight belt against CFFC veteran and now UFC fighter, Blake “El Animal” Bilder (7-0-1). Although when it came time to weigh-in devastating news reached Torres and his camp as he had tested positive for COVID-19. His months-long training had been rendered useless. His time spent preparing for this crucial moment felt wasted. He was disappointed, and had to watch Bilder win the belt from the sidelines. This year, Torres is coming back into the cage for the first time since May of 2021, and he’s looking to get back like he never left at CFFC 116. 

“The whole situation with COVID and being off a whole entire year, it’s been pretty tough,” Torres said. “I feel like I have been in a fight camp for a whole year.” 

Torres has spent the past year waiting patiently to have a fight signed and ready, however no one has answered. Even with a few attempts to move up a weight class, Torres remained opponent-less and continued with his fight drought.

"We struggled for a while to find opponents. A lot of people didn't wanna fight man and we even asked for fights at 55 and 70,” Torres said. “After a while we found an opponent at 55 and we haven't changed the training too much.” 

While having trouble finding opponents, Eddy Torres stayed busy at FURY Professional Grappling

Yet, Torres managed to stay busy throughout the year. The Collingswood based fighter made two appearances at FURY Pro Grappling. Torres went 1-1 and defeated CFFC veteran Mike Medrano via decision. With his eyes set on returning back to the cage, Torres took his destiny into his own hands and moved up a weight-class to lightweight to finally find an opponent. On December 16th, Torres will enter the cage with the goal of getting back on track and lining up another title shot. However, it won’t be easy. At CFFC 116, Torres will face Minnesota’s very own Tyler Mathison (3-2).

CFFC matchmaker, Arias Garcia Jr. expressed his excitement to see the Taino Warrior’s long-awaited return.

“I can’t wait to see Eddy back in the cage,” Garcia Jr. said. “It’s been far too long. He’s got such an exciting fighting style and he can end the fight anywhere. But, he’s going to have his hands full with Tyler.” 

Despite what others may think, Torres has enjoyed the weight-gain and believes that fighting at 155 is better for him. In fact, he plans on using his speed to his advantage against Mathison.

“I like fighting at 55. I think the fighters are slower and a little bit less athletic,” Torres said. “I think I'm able to use my speed more and I feel much better in the later rounds not having to cut such a significant amount of weight. I'm able to focus on my training and getting better every day rather than constantly focusing on a number.”

Going forward, Torres is in the air on what weight he plans to fight at next, and for him it’s all about the timing. 

“I’m planning to fight at 145 again and 155,” Torres began. “It depends on what comes first. I'm trying to stay active as much as possible in the coming year so if that means staying at 55 or moving up or down, it doesn't  matter I'll do it. ” 

With a win on the 16th, Torres could find himself earning another shot at CFFC’s featherweight title. Or he could find a groove in the lightweight division and continue fighting at 155. Or best case scenario, Torres could be getting a special phone call after CFFC 116 and make an appearance at Dana White’s Contender Series sometime in 2023. 

Torres plans on showing off his hours of training, especially with his team members, at CFFC 116.

“I think working with Andre Petroski helped. I think I have some new tools in my toolbox that I'm going  to show in this fight,” Torres stated. “I think this past year I have learned more than I have learned in my whole entire career. Jonavin Webb has been a great help in doing so, as well as John Marquez, Daniel Gracie, Pat Sabatini and Taylor Samarco. They have been working with me day in and day out."

Torres believes that at CFFC 116, he will be performing his best fight yet.

“I feel like this is the best version of me,” Torres said. “You guys are in for a treat.”

ARTICLE BY: SERENA GARCIA