Anthony Dilemme's plans include CFFC title, UFC debut at Madison Square Garden
Serra-Longo Fight Team standout faces Beau Samaniego for vacant gold at Friday's CFFC 137 in Philadelphia.
Anthony Dilemme is firmly focused on claiming gold at Friday's CFFC 137 in Philadelphia, but he's also fully aware of what could come next – and he knows exactly how he'd like it to unfold.
The undefeated Dilemme (6-0 MMA, 5-0 CFFC) faces the dangerous Beau Samaniego (6-1 MMA, 3-1 CFFC) in the main event of CFFC 137, which streams live on UFC FIGHT PASS, battling it out for the featherweight belt that was vacated when former champ Jose Perez signed with the PFL. The stakes are high in this one, as not only is the title up for grabs, but both fighters are also considered to be on the UFC's "short list," leaving many potential implications in play.
The entire CFFC 137 card was built around this title fight, but the pressure doesn't faze Dilemme. Used to high-stress environments, Dilemme trains with some of the best fighters in the world with the Serra-Longo Fight Team. From facing off with UFC champions to fellow rising stars, Dilemme never has an easy training day, which is essential going into such a high-level fight.
Working with UFC standouts Aljamain Sterling, Matt Frevola and Dennis Buzukja has Dilemme well-prepared for the tough challenge Samaniego offers as an opponent. His preparation, along with his fighting experience, is giving Dilemme all the confidence needed heading into the biggest fight of his career.
"I have to be able to finish a guy like this to get to where I want to go," Dilemme explained. "I welcome the challenge. I'm excited for it, and I will get this belt.
"I know he's tough, and I know he comes forward, and he does have that dog, but it's not about him, it's about me. I can do it all. I can be technical. I can show that dog if I need to, but if I hit you and you go down, if that's how it works, then that's how it works."
Claiming the CFFC belt would be a dream come true for Dilemme, but his ultimate goal is to make it to the UFC. Believing he is on the cusp of that call, Dilemme looks forward to freeing up his rigorous schedule when he someday soon becomes a full-time fighter. Alongside training and fighting full-time, Dilemme also currently has a full-time job serving as a New York state court officer.
As if training with UFC talent and fighting professionally wasn't high-stress enough, Dilemme's day job sees him work with inmates for a living. The 28-year-old starts every day by training at 6 a.m. before his 9-to-5 law enforcement shift begins, followed by more training at 6 p.m. to end his days. Train, work, train, eat, sleep is all Dilemme has known since starting his new job in August. Motivated to keep winning, Dilemme is appreciative of the opportunity but is also eager to leave that gig behind.
"I don't plan on looking back," Dilemme says. "When I do get in that door, I'm going to kick it open, and it's going to be full-steam."
With a CFFC title win and an undefeated 7-0 record, it would be hard for the UFC to deny Dilemme any longer. While he's fully focused on Friday's event and the challenge Samaniego presents, the Long Island native is still entertaining big plans to kick off his UFC career, eyeing UFC 309 on November 16 at Madison Square Garden as a dream scenario.
"I'm going to win this belt, then I want a quick turnaround," says Dilemme. "Fight at MSG. Get that short-notice call – 145, 155 – get that UFC debut. I'm very grateful for CFFC and other promotions that give us this platform to make that jump, but I feel like after this performance, I'm going to be undeniable for that goal."
Fighting in front of his New York fans would be the best possible way for Dilemme to begin his journey in the octagon. As long as he can make it past Samaniego for the title, a UFC debut at Madison Square Garden could be destiny for the Serra-Longo Fight Team prodigy. Staying healthy through a championship war with Samaniego might not be an easy task, but Dilemme is no stranger to defying the odds on a daily basis.
Watch the action unfold on Friday at Philadelphia's 2300 Arena or streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS. Limited tickets remain at CFFC.tv
