Anthony Dilemme excited to defend title at CFFC 142, then ready for UFC call: 'I'm not at the finish line'

Featherweight champ Dilemme faces tough challenge in Ryan Cafaro at Saturday's event in Atlantic City and on UFC FIGHT PASS.

After cementing himself as the CFFC featherweight champion, Anthony Dilemme is now ready to make his very first title defense, but he's planning for what comes next, as well.

The undefeated Dilemme (7-0 MMA, 6-0 CFFC) faces crafty veteran "Korean Thunder" Ryan Cafaro (12-6 MMA, 7-2 CFFC) in one of three championship fights at Saturday's CFFC 142, which streams live on UFC FIGHT PASS from New Jersey's Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City.

Dilemme captured the title at this past September's CFFC 137 in spectacular fashion against Beau Samaniego, a chief training partner of former CFFC champ Jose Perez. Many felt Samaniego would serve as Dilemme's toughest test to date due to his extensive wrestling ability, along with a well-rounded fight style.

Dilemme would instead make short work of the surging contender to capture the vacant championship.

"It was a very special moment for me," Dilemme said, "It was awesome, but it was exactly what I said I was going to go in there and do. I had to be able to finish him, and I did. I was very confident going into that fight.

"I knew he was a challenge. I knew the challenge in front of me, but I also knew how to prepare. I knew I would beat him, and that's what I did. It was a great moment."

Not much has changed in the world for Dilemme in the time since. He still continues in his position as a New York state court officer in his spare time, and he maintains his daily focus on improving the skills that have pushed him to his current status.

Despite his impressive success, Dilemme feels there is still much more to be done in his MMA career, and with lofty goals come lofty responsibilities.

"I feel the same," Dilemme said, "What I've done is a great accomplishment, but there is work to be done. My goal is to get to the UFC and become the UFC champion. Being CFFC champion is a great step towards that, but I'm not at the finish line."

Dilemme employs an intense work ethic in his MMA career. The Ray Longo pupil remains undefeated through his first seven professional appearances, and it's easy to see why. Many teammates and coaches feel Dilemme is a clear standout in the gym and have always seen a natural fighting ability.

Early on, Dilemme struggled just like many other amateurs on the path to MMA greatness. Having lost as an amateur, Dilemme made an effort to learn from his inconsistencies. Today, he is regarded as one of CFFC's top prospects, and is on the top of the list of CFFC fighters who could get a call from the UFC.

With that being said, every fight is a must-win until that point. Dilemme originally hoped for an even faster turnaround following his win over Samaniego, but the moment has now arrived. He knows undefeated champions don't tend to continue in CFFC long before getting that illustrious call, so he's aware how meaningful a successful defense could be.

Now entering the cage with a target firmly on his back, he draws a very motivated and very game Cafaro, a man who cut his teeth in CFFC and has been instrumental in training the likes of Frankie Edgar, Paul Felder, Marlon Moraes, and many others over the past decade. Now at 35, Cafaro gets his first championship opportunity.

Dilemme, on the other hand, is a 28-year-old hungry champion with a chip on his shoulder and a desire to reach the top of the MMA mountain. Dilemme feels that while Cafaro certainly is a respectable opponent, he will suffer the same fate as the rest who got in his way.

"I know I'm going to go out there and get a finish," Dilemme said. "He's a tough dude. He's a seasoned guy. He has a lot of experience, but I know I'm going to go out there and get a knockout.

"I have to beat this guy to get to the next step of where I want to go, and when I do beat him, I'll be undeniable for a shot in the UFC."

Dilemme is proud of where he stands in the CFFC, but he knows there is more to come. With a win on Saturday, after improving his undefeated record and successfully defending his championship, Dilemme feels that it will be time for him to spread his wings in the UFC, and he’ll make the invitation process as simple for UFC CEO Dana White as possible.

"There's nothing more I feel I would have to do," Dilemme said, "Maybe I'll have to fly directly to Dana and sit with him directly and have a little espresso with him and sign in person. Make it easy for him. Other than that, I've done all the work.

"This is just the very beginning for me. I'm grateful for CFFC for giving us this platform on UFC FIGHT PASS. I've had a pretty dominant run thus far, but this is just the start. There's a lot more work to be done. People will remember me for getting to the UFC and eventually becoming champion."

ARTICLE BY: SETH FASSANO