Cage Fury Fighting Championships returns to Tampa's Florida State Fairgrounds on Friday, July 18
Tickets on sale now for "CFFC 144: Norton vs. Martins 2," featuring two championship matchups
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC) officials are excited to reveal details of the promotion's return to Tampa's Florida State Fairgrounds on Friday, July 18, where two championship matchups will top the bill for "CFFC 144: Norton vs. Martins 2."
Headlining the event is an intriguing championship rematch as reigning women's bantamweight titleholder Auttumn "The Natural" Norton (4-2 MMA, 1-0 CFFC) takes on the woman she beat to earn the belt, Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace Emily "Galega" Martins (3-1 MMA, 3-1 CFFC). Meanwhile, the night's co-main event features vacant bantamweight gold on the line, as Cuban standout Sean Mora (6-1 MMA, 0-0 CFFC) takes on former CFFC NextGen champion Mark Grey (7-1 MMA, 5-1 CFFC).
Additional matchups already confirmed for the CFFC 144 lineup include former title challenger Shamel "Badman" Findley (6-3-1) facing the always entertaining Max "The CandyMan" Quinones (5-3) in a key flyweight matchup, Dana White's Contender Series veteran Angelo "Baby Monsta" Trevino (11-4) against a to-be-announced opponent in a middleweight clash, lightweight veteran "Iron" Will Rentz (5-2) facing undefeated newcomer Alius Delarosa (3-0), former CFFC NextGen flyweight titleholder Xhelal "Jerry" Lleshi (3-1) vs. Gage "Game Over" Mitchell, Chris Choo (4-2) and undefeated Canadian Hunter Lee (3-0) in a 195-pound catchweight matchup, featherweights Tommy Laipply (1-2) vs. a to-be-announced opponent, and bantamweights Marvin Chavez (2-2) vs. Matt "The Hammer" Hammerstone (1-1).
NextGen matchups booked for the card include a vacant bantamweight title fight between Dontay "The Phantom" Friga (6-0) and Jesse "Jessed James" Dejong (4-1), flyweights Emilio Barco (5-1) vs. Jeese Soules (3-3), lightweights John "Afro Samurai" Murphy (3-0) vs. Noah Lopez (4-3), featherweights Juan Cruz (4-0) vs. Jessin Williams (5-0) and flyweights Devin "El Rey" Flores (1-2) vs. Chris Minasian (Debut).
Tickets are on sale now at CFFC.tv.
The CFFC 144 main card streams live on UFC FIGHT PASS, with preliminary bouts streaming exclusively on OnlyFans.
"We're excited to be returning to Tampa once again, where we continue to be impressed by the skill level and entertainment value the athletes in the area bring to the cage each and every time we host an event," CFFC CEO Rob Haydak said. "Our last visit to the Florida State Fairgrounds was filled with highlight-reel moments, and fans know to again expect the fast-paced, top-level live events that have become our hallmark.
"We encourage everyone to get your tickets quickly because this event will sell out, and we look forward to seeing each of you there."
Norton and Martins first met for the CFFC women's bantamweight title in 2024, with Norton delivering a stunning 10-second knockout to claim a vacant belt. Injuries have forced the champion to the sidelines since, and she now looks to defend her title for the first time. Meanwhile, the 21-year-old Martins rebounded from that frustrating result with a scintillating 91-second submission win in April, after which she immediately called for a rematch with Norton, looking to prove the first result was more unfortunate luck rather than an accurate indication of her skills.
Meanwhile, with former bantamweight champion Joey Ruquet vacating his title in hopes of a UFC call while also pursuing opportunities outside of MMA, Mora and Hall will now square off for the belt. Mora enters the contest on the strength of a three-fight win streak, and his lone career loss to date came via disqualification. Meanwhile, Gray's one professional setback came in a disappointing result against former CFFC champion Vilson Ndregjoni, though he has since rebounded with a win and now hopes to add a CFFC pro title to a trophy case that already holds a NextGen belt, as well.
A complete lineup for CFFC 144 will be announced shortly. WWE superstar and two-time UFC veteran CM Punk calls the action alongside CFFC General Manager and longtime MMA journalist John Morgan.
Stay tuned to CFFC.tv for future announcements regarding CFFC 144.
ABOUT CAGE FURY FIGHTING CHAMPIONSHIPS:
Considered one of the best developmental mixed martial arts organizations in the world, Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC) hosts events across the United States with an emphasis on cultivating the best and brightest talent in the sport. CFFC events are broadcast live on UFC FIGHT PASS, the leading digital subscription service for fight fans, and include the company's flagship mixed martial arts events, as well as FURY Professional Grappling, CFFC Match Day & CFFC Muay Thai.
Founded in 2006, CFFC has served as home to a variety of combat sports stars, including Aljamain Sterling, Paul Felder, Sean Brady, Pat Sabatini, Katlyn Chookagian, Shane Burgos, Merab Dvalishvili, Anthony Smith, Jared Gordon, Kimbo Slice, Jimmie Rivera, Jim Miller and Nick Catone, among others. Led by its respected CEO Rob Haydak, CFFC's executive team consists of sports and entertainment industry executives who have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in the world. For inquiries regarding partnership/sponsorship opportunities please contact us at CFFC.tv.
