CFFC 117 Preview: Two Championship Matchups Kick Off Loaded Weekend of Action on UFC Fight Pass

Cage Fury Fighting Championships returns TONIGHT with a showcase of some top prospects in MMA today at CFFC 117. The loaded card sees two very competitive title fights, plus four exciting feature bouts, on the main card, which streams live on UFC FIGHT PASS. 

Additionally, there's quite a bit of thrilling action on the preliminary card, as well. CFFC 117 takes place at 2300 Arena in Philadelphia.

Here's a look at the top matchups set to light Philly on fire this Friday.

Main event: Zulkarnaiyan Kamchybekov vs. Cedric Gunnison for interim lightweight title

Zulkarnaiyan Kamchybekov (6-2) and Cedric Gunnison (4-1) face off in a battle for the interim lightweight title in Saturday's main event.

"Big Zulk" is the former undisputed champ and has won three of his last four bouts. In his last time out, he earned a flawless decision victory over Dean Hancock.

Gunnison dominated his last three fights in Ring of Combat and earned his way to this opportunity at the title. "The Gunman" is a hard-hitting finisher, coming in with four finishes in his six MMA wins.

Kamchybekov comes with the experience of being the champion before and competing in title bouts. He has a relentless style that could pose issues for anyone. Gunnison lacks the experience but makes up for it with his power.

Co-main event: Champ Greg Velasco vs. Ronald Coleman – for heavyweight title

Greg Velasco (5-0) will defend the heavyweight title in a clash with fellow undefeated prospect Ronald Coleman (3-0).

Velasco defends the title for the first since capturing the title over Kevin Sears last October. He has phenomenal grappling skills and shows an ability to wrestle for all five rounds.

Coleman is a very dangerous prospect; he has finished all three of his opponents since turning pro and finished all four of his amateur bouts, as well.

Who will emerge victorious in this battle of strong, dangerous finishers for the heavyweight title?

Luke Fernandez vs. Derik Overstreet

Luke Fernandez (0-0) begins his pro MMA career in a featured bout against talented striker Derik Overstreet (2-1) in a light heavyweight contest.

Fernandez is a very talented fighter and has showed off his grappling skills throughout his career in the Next Gen division, where he finished five of his six bouts and earning the CFFC Next Gen Title.

Overstreet will be making his CFFC debut, but he has had three professional bouts already. He has not made it to the judges' scorecards yet, and he will certainly be looking to finish the fight, as well.

Both guys do not work by the hour and will look to end the fight early. The fans should be in for a treat between these two emerging prospects.

Featherweight bout: Jeremiah Labiano vs. Ryan Cafaro

Jeremiah Labiano (13-10) and Ryan Cafaro (9-5) will lock up in a battle between two featherweight veterans looking to get back on track.

Labiano has been around for years across many different promotions. He has wins in the CFFC, Cage Warriors and Bellator, among others. Labino's last win came in October of 2021 against Tim Dooling. He will be looking to get a big win on Friday.

Cafaro has also been around the game for years, but he has won his last two bouts. When he wins, he normally is finishing the fights. He will look to push his winning streak to three.

Anthony DiLemme vs. Isa Dalipaj

Undefeated prospect Anthony DiLemme (2-0) will get in an entertaining scrap with finisher Isa Dalipaj (3-1).

Diemme won his CFFC debut against Johnson Nasona via unanimous decision and owns a KO victory in his professional debut. In a small sample size, he has shown an ability to be composed for 15 minutes and an ability to finish the fight at a moment's notice.

Dalipaj has finished all three of his wins in the CFFC, and his lone loss came by a decision against current featherweight champion Jose Perez. He will be dangerous for the duration of this fight and will be looking to end the fight early.

Hector Iglesias vs. Christian McAuley

Hector Iglesias (1-1) will take on dangerous grappler Christian McAuley (1-0) in an exciting bantamweight bout.

Iglesias is coming off a big KO win Bill Markle in his last appearance. He has had two exciting professional fights that have not gone to judges' scorecards.

McAuley finished his pro debut with a third-round anaconda choke and hopes to build on that with another finish.

Death, taxes and bantamweights. If there is one thing to count on, the bantamweights will deliver tons of excitement.

Limited tickets remain for CFFC 117 are available online at CFFC.tv. The main card streams on UFC Fight Pass, with preliminary fights streaming for free on CFFC's YouTube and Twitter accounts. The commentary will feature a two-man desk consisting of wrestling superstar and UFC veteran CM Punk and MixedMartialArts.com editor-in-chief John Morgan.

ARTICLE BY WILL BREWER