Nick Galanti planning fireworks at CFFC 134: 'It's going to be a head-on car crash'

Dante Rivera pupil ready to shine at Friday's event in Atlantic City.

While it's just his third professional fight, former CFFC NextGen champ Nick Galanti has been tasked with kicking off the main card at Friday's CFFC 134 on UFC FIGHT PASS. The Dante Rivera Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu product understands the assignment he's been given, and fighting in front of his home crowd at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, he's hell-bent on delivering the goods.

"Atlantic City is my home," Galanti said. "Anyone that has ever been to a CFFC card in AC when a Dante guy fights, that place gets rocking, so I want to protect my home. It's going to take a very special performance from somebody to take me out on my own soil."

Galanti has done a fine job of protecting that house so far, with both of his previous professional fights also coming at the famed Atlantic City Boardwalk venue. Add in six amateur appearances for the promotion, and even a FURY Professional Grappling win over UFC welterweight Phil Rowe, and Galanti says he feels far more advanced in his development than a 2-0 record might indicate.

"I was lucky enough to start fighting competitively when COVID came around, and CFFC was the only promotion running," Galanti said. "I really got to feel those bright lights and those nerves right away. They really gave me a lot of experience. (CFFC matchmaker) Arias Garcia does such a good job; he always gives you the toughest fights. I feel like that really allowed me to mature as a fighter. I don't feel like I've only had two professional fights."

On Friday, Galanti (2-0) will get the next challenge in his run, facing fellow undefeated prospect Brandon Holmes (3-0), a South Carolina native who was also undefeated as an amateur, as well. Galanti said he likes the stylistic matchup and thinks everyone watching will, too.

"I think it's a really exciting fight for the fans," Galanti said. "We both like to come forward. We're both stubborn. I think it's going to be a head-on car crash from the beginning to the end of the fight. I'm sure we're both going to feel like we've been in a fight once the adrenaline wears off."

If Galanti's hunch is correct, then Friday's event might prove a bit of a coming out party for the 26-year-old prospect. Featured on UFC FIGHT PASS for the first time in his MMA career, a big win over an undefeated opponent to move to 3-0 would be quite the statement.

Galanti has put in the work. Now he gets an opportunity to show the world the results.

"We don't get paid by the hour, but I do respect him as an opponent," Galanti said of Holmes. "I understand he's a tough and durable guy with very good striking techniques, so I'm aiming for a first-round finish but ready to go all three if needed."