CFFC 141's Will Rentz: 'I'm capable of overcoming anything that comes my way'
After battling through an unwanted layoff once more, "Iron Will" is ready to renew his charge to the UFC.
Nine months after his last thrilling CFFC victory, Will Rentz will take center stage once more.
This past July, after battling through injuries that cost him a planned appearance earlier in the year, Rentz returned to Cage Fury Fighting Championships, where he claimed a much-needed TKO victory over Gabriel Morales at CFFC 133.
Emotions overcame the lightweight after battling through a lengthy road to recovery to put a frustrating 2023 setback behind him. Rentz utilized heavy grappling pressure and improved striking technique to finish his opponent. Hand raised in victory, Rentz reminded the media backstage that his struggles simply make him stronger as a fighter.
Now, after another injury-induced layoff, Rentz looks to repeat history at this weekend's CFFC 141.
"I'm capable of overcoming anything that comes my way," Rentz said. "Getting that last win was big for me, especially coming off that loss. Getting that win was great. Unfortunately, I suffered injuries in and after that fight.
"It's great to know I'm capable of overcoming any obstacle, no matter the circumstances. With the layoff and injury, you've always got those doubts creeping in. It's tough to deal with mentally. Getting back in the cage and winning the way I did was pretty big for me."
Similarly to his last fight, ahead of this contest Rentz was again able to corner his coach, Billy Quarantillo, at a UFC event, an experience he insists is quite helpful for his own fighting career. Taking in the atmosphere of the crowd and the energy of the fighters was key for him to know he belongs in the UFC.
Rentz now turns his focus to his own return to the cage. Even through adversity, Rentz's "Iron Will" has not wavered. Rentz feels he possesses the skills and mentality to become a UFC fighter – and even more so, a champion.
"I pride myself on no matter how difficult it is, no matter how much I have to suffer or sacrifice, that I give it my best no matter what," Rentz said. "I pride myself on how I overcome adversity. I'm not overlooking my opponents, but I feel firmly that I will get to the UFC one day and become champion."
Rentz (4-2 MMA, 4-2 CFFC) electrified the Tampa crowd on the night of CFFC 134, and he looks forward to enjoying a hometown crowd's support once more as he takes on promotional newcomer Shane Mistretta (3-1 MMA, 0-0 CFFC) in the co-main event of CFFC 141 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa this Saturday, with the main card streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS.
The debuting lightweight respects Rentz as an opponent, and Rentz feels that Mistretta will bring fire into the cage.
While Rentz feels an eventual UFC move is inevitable, "Iron Will" will not waste any time looking past his current opponent. With respect coming from both sides of this fight, Rentz states he will look to electrify his home crowd yet again, as well as some family members who will see him fight in person for the very first time.
Rentz will also look to add another accomplishment to his resume on his quest to the UFC. After injuries, setbacks, obstacles – you name it – Rentz will get in the cage under the lights yet again to showcase his relentless fighting spirit for CFFC fans.
"It's always great being in front of that home crowd," Rentz said. "I got some of my grandparents and my cousins coming down for this one, too. That'll be pretty special for me. The hometown crowd always gets pretty loud for me so it's always special.
"I don't concern myself with leaving any impression. I want to just go in there and give it my best. This fight can go a few different ways that I'm comfortable with. I feel like I'm ready for whatever he throws at me out there."
ARTICLE BY: SETH FASSANO