Frank Wells sees holes in Jose Perez's game ahead of CFFC 112 title clash: 'We're really going to expose him'

Frank Wells believes Jose Perez is a good fighter. Ahead of their CFFC 112 meeting, Wells just doesn't think his upcoming opponent is anything too special.

"I think he's solid," Wells said of Perez. "I think overall, he's pretty tough, pretty gritty. Definitely seems like when he gets hurt, when he gets tired, his default is to be aggressive and keep attacking and coming forward, so that's something that's cool. That's something I respect. I think his jiu-jitsu is good. I'm curious to see how good it is."

Wells (3-1) and Perez (6-1) headline Friday's CFFC 112 event, which streams live on UFC FIGHT PASS from Philadelphia's 2300 Arena. With reigning featherweight champion Blake Bilder booked for a spot on Dana White's Contender Series the following week, Wells and Perez will compete for an interim belt.

Both fighters have plenty of experience in the CFFC cage, with Wells fighting his entire professional career under the CFFC banner, while Perez has contested all but one of his pro bouts for the promotion. As such, there's plenty of tape to watch on both men, and Wells said from what he's seen, there are a few different paths he can take to claim the interim title.

"Obviously, I'm mostly going to look to keep this on the feet, but I'm thinking over 20 minutes, at some point I'll have some moment of success, so we'll feel out that grappling and see where he's at," Wells said. "I think it's good, but I don't think it's as different or as special as maybe it's been talked about. That's just my opinion from watching it.

"Striking-wise, again, he's OK, I think. He's got a good, crisp couple punches. His kicks are all right. I think defensively, that's his biggest gap. As you watch every single fight he has, he gets wobbled, he gets cut, he gets dropped, so I think defensively he leaves a lot of holes open. That's what we're really going to expose him."

Perez burst on to the CFFC scene in 2020 and scored three submission wins in his four appearances for the organization. After a shocking loss to DeAndre Anderson in 2021, Perez has since battled back to decision wins over Paul Capaldo and Isa Dalipaj. In each of those appearances, Perez showed a little more of his striking game, complimenting his already dangerous submission skills.

However, Wells has a muay Thai background, including a five-year run competing in the striking sport, so he's not fully convinced Perez is going to try and stand with him on Friday night.

"I think it's going to be one of two ways, and I'm mentally preparing for both," Wells said. "One part of me thinks he's going to touch gloves, take one step, and shoot. Another part of me thinks he wants to see what happens because he has been striking more and more as his fights have gone on. So either he shoots off the bat, or we're going to be striking for a minute or two, maybe three, and he's going to be like, 'OK, I'm not seeing this guy's kicks. I'm getting hurt. I'm getting chipped up. I need to bring this to where I feel more comfortable.'"

With both fighters on solid runs in CFFC, the winner will certainly draw some attention from the sport's biggest promotions, and "Chopper" believes he's capable of competing at that level.

"I'm not exactly calling out Max Holloway yet," Wells said with a laugh. "But there's definitely guys that I watch in the UFC that I'm like, 'That guy, I could take care of. This guy, I could take care of.' I know I'm on that level."

That said, Wells said he's not feeling any added pressure in the moment. The 28-year-old prospect believes he'll eventually make it to the top level one way or another. For now, it's just a matter of performing to the best of his abilities and letting the rest sort itself out.

"I know it's definitely big in the sense of like, there's a lot of CFFC champions that don't defend their belt at all or maybe defend it once, and they start getting calls to bigger organizations," Wells said. "That part is really cool, just the exposure side. That will help a little bit with the financial side of things. It's also cool, what it represents, because I respect all the champions that CFFC has had, but I've had a lot of fights for titles and for accolades and stuff, so that part doesn't really intimidate me or get me extra nervous.

"All that said, I want to do something spectacular, if possible. The win is a priority, but I know that finishes are what people want, and that's what the bosses want. Ultimately, you don't want to do anything stupid, but also, if there's an opportunity to finish – to close it out, to hurt them – that opportunity is definitely gonna get taken."

Friday's main event is a big one between two of CFFC's top featherweight prospects, and the winner will walk away with championship gold and a little bit more spotlight. Wells believes it's a moment that's setting up perfectly for him and that fight fans certainly shouldn't miss.

"Just don't blink," Wells said.