CFFC 140 results: Yaroslav Amosov returns to win column, Jesse Roberts claims vacant lightweight title
Former Bellator MMA champ Amosov solidifies UFC bid in special attraction finish to Friday's card on UFC FIGHT PASS.
PHILADELPHIA – In one of the more unique matchups presented in recent memory by Cage Fury Fighting Championships, former Bellator MMA welterweight champion Yaroslav Amosov was finally able to rebound from a 2023 setback, securing an impressive first-round submission win over fellow big-show veteran Curtis Millender.
The special attraction matchup closed out the evening at Friday's CFFC 140, which streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS from the historic 2300 Arena.
Amosov (28-1), who was fighting for the first time since losing his title in a shocking 2023 upset loss – the first setback of his professional career – was in vintage form from the start, stalking Millender (21-11) and looking to implement his vaunted grappling attack. It didn't take long for him to find success.
Early in the opening frame, Amosov was able to get deep on a single-leg attempt, twisting his way to the floor and taking top position with relative ease. From there, it was methodical work, steadily advancing to more dominant spots.
Millender did his best to scramble, at one point climbing back to his feet, but he was never able to gain separation, and Amosov quickly deposited him again on the canvas. Once there, Amosov quickly established top position, postured up and attacked the neck, locking in an anaconda choke and squeezing for the finish with 43 seconds left in the opening round.
After the win, Amosov – who was using a custom mouthpiece that featured a UFC logo, signaling exactly where he's hoping to land next – had a simple message on the importance of his result.
"Mission completed," Amosov said. "I am happy."
Meanwhile, in the night's original main event, Jesse Roberts (9-1) scored a stunning first-round knockout over a previously undefeated Omar Rzgoev (4-1) to take home the vacant CFFC lightweight title.
Roberts admitted before the fight that he thought his grappling would prove the difference against Rzgoev, who had scored first-round finishes of his own in each of his four previous professional outings. However, that would not be the case.
Rzgoev seemed content to box as the two felt each other out in the first frame, but while he appeared to be setting the pace, it was Roberts who eventually countered with a lead right hand that connected clean to the chin, sending his opponent to the canvas. Roberts followed immediately to the floor, landing a series of big left hands that rendered Rzgoev unconscious, ending the bout at the 3:47 mark of the first frame.
After the emphatic win, Roberts admitted he wasn't necessarily setting up the finish but instead just utilized the toosls he had available in the moment, which he believes should be enough to catch the attention of UFC CEO Dana White and matchmaker Sean Shelby.
"I didn't see anything," Roberts said. "That's just them trailer park haymakers coming in, and it hit him just right. We got him out of there.
"I'm ready. Dana, Sean, we're calling you Monday morning. Come on. Pick up the phone. Let's talk about it. I done won the belt. I've been fighting everywhere. I proved myself. I'm ready. Let's go!"
Complete CFFC 140 results include:
MAIN CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS)
Yaroslav Amosov def. Curtis Millender via submission (anaconda choke) – Round 1, 4:17
Jesse Roberts def. Omar Rzgoev via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 3:47 – to claim vacant lightweight title
Jimmy Drago vs. Junior Melo declared a no contest (accidental headbutt) – Round 2, 3:47
Chris Brown def. Egor Kostyuchenko via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Ryan Cafaro def. Ricardo Fuentes via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 0:34
Sebastian Ruiz def. Nodir Alidodov via unanimous decison (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
PRELIMINARY CARD (ONLYFANS)
George Lo def. CJ LaFragola via TKO (body kick, punches) – Round 3, 2:58
Shaun Stant def. Tom Hinz via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Justin Meyers def. Michael Bruno via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Mardin Velasquez def. Nezzar Dimes via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 2:05
NextGen: Cameron Scalio def. Gavin McQuade via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
NextGen: Juwan Gonzales def. Mason Lewis via submission (armbar) – Round 2, 1:28