Following successful pro debut, Luke Fernandez ready to shine at CFFC 120: 'I'm planning to put on a show'
Former CFFC NextGen champ returns to action on June 16 and looks to shine again on UFC FIGHT PASS
Former CFFC NextGen light heavyweight champ Luke Fernandez was long considered one of the top amateur prospects on the promotion's roster, but earlier this year, the Dante Rivera BJJ Academy rep made the shift to the professional ranks. Fernandez clearly was ready for the jump, needing less than a round to pick up a knockout win in his debut.
After going 6-0 under the CFFC banner during his amateur run, as well, Fernandez said he was confident heading into his first professional contest.
"I feel like because I was in the same arena that I fought in so many times, I think that really eased me into the feel of pro," Fernandez said. "But I mean, just the fact that it is pro, I did go into that fight wanting to make sure that I really, like, prepared a little differently, really cross my t's and dot my i's and stuff. Other than that, I mean the feel of it wasn't different, but mainly because I fought in that arena so many times. I've fought for CFFC exclusively, so I was used to that environment, that atmosphere."
In his seven total appearances for CFFC, Fernandez has earned six stoppage wins, including five in the first round. Three of his amateur wins came via submission, but it was a devastating uppercut on the feet that sealed the win in his professional debut. The former Elizabethtown College wrestler said it all unfolded just as he envisioned.
"It kind of went exactly how we thought it would," Fernandez said. "I knew certain things that he was good at to watch for, like the clinch against the cage and stuff, but I work a lot of cage wrestling, so I wasn't too worried about it. I knew it would end up there, probably, but I was just happy that we were able to get it to our feet and just let the hands go. I wish I could have thrown hands a little cleaner, but I got excited once I caught him a few times and kind of just tried to put an exclamation point on the finish."
Mission accomplished.
After the March win, Ferandez said he was hoping for a little break from the gym. However, when his coach caught wind of a potential summer CFFC event in Atlantic City, the New Jersey native knew there was only one choice to make.
"I really wanted to take time off, but Dante told me right away that there's rumors of a June card and stuff like that, so I was back the following Monday in the gym and kind of just went back to work," Fernandez said. "I allowed myself to have like a night or two to hang out with some friends, but other than that, it was straight back to business. I wanted to be on the last card that was in Atlantic City, but there was a health issue, so this time, I definitely needed to be on it."
The decision paid off, and Fernandez (1-0) steps back into the cage at CFFC 120, facing Jesse Romans (1-0) on Friday, June 16, in a contest that streams live on UFC FIGHT PASS from the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.
While the grind of back-to-back training camps can be taxing, Fernandez said he's enjoyed the process, even working in rounds with the likes of UFC and Bellator veteran Corey Anderson, who is currently preparing to face Phil Davis at this month's Bellator 297 event.
"Camps are always physically demanding and stuff, but I've had a great camp," Fernandez said. "I've been fortunate enough to be working with some guys that are super experienced. Corey Anderson is doing a camp. He's fighting the same night as me in Chicago, so we've been basically training day in and day out together. I'm really close to him now. He's been helping me a lot, so guys like that, and then just like my normal team and just getting different looks.
"Kyle Daukaus, I've been doing some sparring with him, so just getting different looks and getting guys that have been on big stages and really being able to pick their brain and stuff like that, so it's been good."
Romans makes his CFFC debut in the contest, but Fernandez says he's been able to scout his opponent and is looking forward to the challenge. After all, with goals of reaching the sport's highest stages, Fernandez appreciates the opportunity to face any opponent willing to step in the cage.
"I give him all the respect for taking the fight," Fernandez said. "There was a little bit of time where we didn't know if we're going to get an opponent, so he stepped in, and we're very fortunate for that. I respect that. Game-wise, I mean, I would say he's got some similarities to my last opponent. I would say just a little less clean, but I don't take anyone lightly.
"I figured that he's probably grown since his last fight, and I prepared like I'm going for a world title, myself, so I just focused on getting better. Obviously, I watch film and stuff, so I've got some things I'm looking at and working towards, but I'm more concerned about my game and making sure that I'm at the peak for the right time, and then I'll just get the job done for sure."
Another victory, and Fernandez may quickly find himself talking about a CFFC title shot and a chance to add a professional belt to go along with the NextGen version already in his trophy case. However, he insists he's not trying to force anything. Under the watchful eye of Rivera, Fernandez said he'll let his coach help dictate his progress.
"He is the most upright, real guy," Fernandez said of Rivera. "He's just straightforward, and I think that really helps our team with the fact that he's not sugarcoating anything. He has your best interest in mind because you'll tell you when you're doing stuff wrong, and he tells you bluntly, so it's just one of those things where what you see is what you get.
"He also preaches the fact of all of us being together – even outside the gym – being friends, getting together. When he has get-togethers at his house or something, we're all there having dinner and watching fights, and I think that cohesiveness really makes the team just grow and just get better together, and it makes everyone more motivated. I mean, I'm more motivated for even my teammates' camps when they're getting ready and I'm not in a camp, and just seeing them get ready, you're excited for your teammates to win, so the energy just gets lifted in the room."
Fernandez will certainly have eyes on him as he steps in the cage at CFFC 120. Flawless in his CFFC run thus far, he appears destined for the opportunity to compete at the highest level, but for the moment, it's simply one step at a time.
"There's always talk as to what could possibly happen next, but right now, I'm focused on June 16," Fernandez said. "I mean, there's no one holding a CFFC belt at light heavyweight, so if that was in the near future, that would be cool. Otherwise, it's just going to be June 16, trying to get on a UFC Fight Pass highlight again. That's really the goal.
"Just prepare for fireworks on June 16. I'm excited for the home crowd, and I'm planning to put on a show."
