CFFC 137's Christian McAuley predicting fireworks against Tial Thang: 'I feel like it will be over quickly'
Undefeated bantamweight looking to take out most experienced opponent to date at Friday's CFFC 137.
With each successive performance in the cage, Christian McAuley has proven to fans and media that he has a real shot of reaching the pinnacle of CFFC, and beyond. So far, the Tiger Schulmann pupil has achieved a perfect record, with three of his victories coming by way of finish, including two specifically by anaconda choke.
As an instructor at his gym, as well, McAuley has shown immense commitment to his students, in addition to his own training. McAuley has dedicated himself to the sport of MMA since a very young age, practicing the discipline and commitment he felt was needed to become a top-level fighter. His hard work in his early years has certainly paid off, making him a formidable presence in the cage today.
McAuley's love for MMA is obvious, both inside the cage and out. One thing that helped him develop this deep passion for the sport was a valuable draw he endured in an early kickboxing contest, where fatigue proved a difficult challenge. Through the experience, he developed a mindset to train as hard as he can to be the best fighter he can be.
"It was a horrible feeling," McAuley said. "My first amateur kickboxing fight, I came in a little overweight. After the first round, I was gassed. Being dead tired and having the guy keep coming after you is a horrible feeling. After that fight, I told myself that I never want to feel that feeling again. I'm going to be the one that's going forward, putting a pace on my opponent. I'm going to do whatever it takes to not feel that feeling again."
McAuley has shown a commitment to his training and development that few fighters can match. Having trained since he was 5 years old, as McAuley aged through his teenage years, only one career path was on his mind, and that was to be a professional fighter. For him, there is no plan B.
"Nothing is cooler than kicking someone's ass and getting paid for it," McAuley said. "I could never see myself just sitting at a desk or working a regular 9-to-5. So to me, why not just do that?
"I had my daughter at a really young age – my first year in college. I decided after she was born that I was going to drop out and pursue mixed martial arts full-time."
Through his dedication to himself and his career, it is no surprise that McAuley has seen the benefits from his hard work. His debut on UFC FIGHT PASS showcased a matchup where he handily defeated Keron Reed by decision, proving that he could be on the growing list of CFFC fighters that gets the call to join Dana White's Contender Series, "The Ultimate Fighter," or even a direct invitation to the UFC.
Fans noted that McAuley was visibly annoyed after his victory over Reed at CFFC 132. McAuley said it was frustration stemming from not being able to finish his opponent, but also dealing with some foul play in the cage from Reed.
"He was doing a bunch of dirty stuff," McAuley said. "I'm on top of him, and he starts fish hooking my mouth. If you're doing something like that, then I think you're a dirty fighter. I was ticked off.
"That was my first fight that went to a decision. I pride myself in being able to finish fights. I feel like there were moments when I could've finished the fight. The fact I didn't really ticked me off."
The 25-year-old McAuley (4-0 MMA, 3-0 CFFC) now shifts his focus towards Friday's CFFC 137 which takes place at 2300 Arena in Philadelphia and streams live on UFC FIGHT PASS. He draws ONE Championship and LFA veteran Tial Thang (7-4-1 MMA, 0-0 CFFC), who makes his CFFC debut when he steps into the cage against McAuley.
The 140-pound catchweight matchup is undoubtedly a great opportunity for McAuley to prove himself against a battle-tested professional, and the New Jersey native says he is excited for the test, and that fans can expect fireworks in the cage when he performs.
"Fighting someone like Thang excites me," McAuley said. "He's someone who has fought at a very big stage. He has more than double the fights that I have. It's getting me excited to go out there and put on a show and make a big statement.
"I have a good feeling about this. I feel like it will be over quickly. I like the matchup. He comes to fight. He's going to stand there and try to finish me. It's either going to be a long night for him, or a quick night for him. The fans can expect fireworks. Knockout in the first round."
