CFFC 133 results: Robert Watley unifies lightweight title in dramatic fashion; Gustavo Villamil plays spoiler in co-main
Reigning champ nets thrilling comeback over Morquez Forest in main event, then declares it's PFL or bust moving forward
TAMPA, Florida – Reigning CFFC lightweight champion Robert Watley was pushed to the limit by now-former interim titleholder Morquez Forest, but with his back against the wall, "Contact" delivered one of the most dramatic finishes in recent memory to unify the belts and walk away as undisputed champion.
The thrilling and historic contest, the first unification bout in promotional history, headlined Friday's CFFC 133 event, which streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS from the Florida State Fairgrounds.
Traditionally a bit of a slow starter, Watley fell behind early on the judges' scorecards against a more active Forest. Still, Watley stuck to his gameplan, chopping at the lead leg of his opponent and returning fire in the pocket when possible while avoiding Forest's destructive power.
As the contest wore on, it seemed Watley's patience might prove detrimental, but late in round 3, the tide finally began to turn, and the relentless pace of the contest saw Forest begin to slow just a touch.
Watley did not, and his persistence was rewarded when a barrage of strikes late in the frame registered significant damage to Forest's right eye, immediately causing massive swelling. Referee Andrew Glenn brought in the ringside doctor to assess the damage between rounds, and while Forest was cleared to continue, the momentum had very obviously shifted in Watley's favor.
Still, Watley found himself down three rounds to none on two judges' scorecards heading in the fourth – and potentially final under CFFC rules – round and was in desperate need of a finish. Aware of the situation, he pressed like a man behind on the cards.
After some initial back-and-forth exchanges, Watley landed a clean right hand that wobbled Forest, who then looked to clinch. Watley expertly defended the ensuing takedown attempt, transitioned deftly to the back, and was able to get the right arm under the chin, sinking in a dramatic, fight-ending rear-naked choke at the 2:48 mark of the frame.
Afterward, the 34-year-old Watley admitted he considered retiring ahead of the contest but now has his sights set on a return to the PFL, where he went 1-2 during the promotion's 2018 debut season.
"Honestly guys, I love this sport so much," Watley said. "It's given so much to me, but I don't have a lot left for it. There's only one thing left that I want, and that's a little redemption: PFL 2025.
"I flamed out in the inaugural season. I'd love another shot back at that tournament, but other than that, I think I've done what I came to do in this sport. That's all I want left, man. Either that, or I'm done."
Watley (15-3 MMA, 5-0 CFFC) now carries a four-fight win streak with the result, while Forest (5-1 MMA, 5-1 CFFC) tastes defeat for the first time in his career.
In the night’s co-main event, flyweight Gustavo Villamil (7-2 MMA, 1-0 CFFC) secured a second-round submission against fan-favorite Max Quinones (5-2 MMA, 5-2 CFFC), spoiling a potential title shot for "The CandyMan."
Villamil, who was making his CFFC debut, silenced the pro-Quinones crowd with a beautiful guillotine choke at the 4:07 mark of the frame. While Quinones towered over his opponent, Villamil displayed superior grappling in the contest, using an errant takedown attempt from his foe as a moment to leap in the air and lock in the fight-ending submission.
"I knew my opponent was long, so I knew that range was going to be something I would have to adjust to, but I knew I was going to get the finish," Villamil said after the win. "There was no doubt in my mind."
Complete CFFC 133 results include:
MAIN CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS)
Robert Watley def. Morquez Forest via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 4, 2:48 – to unify lightweight title
Gustavo Villamil def. Max Quinones via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 2, 4:07
William Rentz def. Gabriel Morales via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:51
Bimysola Attobra def. Matthew Allison via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Anthony Guarascio def. Justin Harbison via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:31
Blake Smith def. Keith Speed via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD (ONLYFANS)
Kaushik Saikumar def. Joel Winters via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 1, 3:00
Ali Abouzalam def. Joshua Sierra via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 3:46
NextGen: Adam Snyder def. Dylan Patlan via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
NextGen: Greg Kalouris def. Ramon Betanzo via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
NextGen: Daemar Harleston def. Reggie McFarlane via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)