With CFFC title unification in sight, undefeated Morquez Forest looks to prove he's levels above
"Black Clover" eyes promotional history at CFFC 133, set for Friday, July 26 in Tampa.
A momentous opportunity has been given to current CFFC interim lightweight champion Morquez Forest as he attempts to become the promotion's undisputed 155-pound titleholder. He is slated to face off against current champion Robert Watley on Friday, July 26 in the main event of CFFC 133, which streams live on UFC FIGHT PASS from the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa.
Immediately after he finished a previously unbeaten Robert Varricchio in impressive fashion to claim the interim title at April's CFFC 131, Forest (5-0) challenged Watley (14-3) for an opportunity to unify the titles. Despite the massive experience gap between the two, Forest said he had no hesitation in calling for the fight, which he had actually requested even before earning the interim belt.
"Man, I feel excitement," Forest said. "That's what this sport is about: fighting the best guys. I did call Watley out for a fight before Varricchio. It finally came to happen now. I did want to fight Watley before, but now this is the right time."
Forest acknowledges that victory will come at no easy cost, as his assessment of Watley is that he is a true veteran of the game and very tricky to figure out. That said, going up against a fighter with an impressive resume like Watley only creates a bigger opportunity for Forest to make a huge statement and prove his value.
"He's not like anyone I have fought before," Forest said of his opponent. "Watching his film, when he's hurt, you can't tell. He's very composed in the cage. He fights like a veteran. He fights like he has been here before. Also look at the guys he has fought. He's good. I like his style. He's very calm."
While he shows much respect for the experienced veteran in Watley, Forest remains focused and eager to make promotional history at CFFC 133, when he steps into the cage and gets an opportunity to become the first fighter to hold a CFFC interim title and defeat a reigning champion to unify the belts.
With so much riding on the fight, Forest said is not looking to make any adjustments to his training, but rather use it more as motivation. With Watley being Forest's most challenging and tricky matchup in his career thus far, Forest said he is simply focused on the task at hand, yet also thrilled about the chance to make history and prove he's ready for the sport's top promotions.
"It just gets me more excited." Forest said. "I'm one of those guys that likes to figure things out when I'm in the cage. We have a gameplan, but when we get into the cage, things can change. I may see things different than what the gameplan is.
"For me, this is about testing my ability, testing my skillset, and showing everyone that I am at a level above the regional scene. This fight will show where I am at."
A former CFFC NextGen champion during an undefeated amateur run, Forest's success is mounting quickly, with his interim title win coming a little less than a year after entering the professional ranks. With the biggest fight of his career thus far set for CFFC 133, Forest says he felt it was only a matter of time before he reached this spot given the circumstances of his life, how he deals with adversity, and the people supporting him to achieve his goals.
"I'm just that dog," Forest said. "With what I do for a living – I'm a truck driver, so it's not easy. I go on the road, come back, cut weight. It's one of those things that if you want it bad enough, you have to go for it. The team around me, not even just my coaches, are always pushing me. I got guys constantly pushing me, and constantly motivating me since day one."
History awaits as Forest looks to keep his professional record unblemished and become the undisputed CFFC lightweight champion. With the path of CFFC titleholders generally being a move to the big stage shortly after, time will tell what victory brings. But for now, Forest knows it will earn him some much-deserved immediate recognition.
"Then they have to acknowledge me," Forest said. "Take that 'interim' out."
