Richie Lewis expecting a dogfight at CFFC BJJ 15: 'And ain't no f-cking tougher dog than me'
Reigning 170-pound champion Sabatini puts his title on the line in main event of Saturday's card in Philadelphia
It was just three weeks ago that Richie Lewis debuted for CFFC with a headlining win over fellow lightweight MMA prospect Benny Orozco, and "Savage" is already stepping back into the spotlight.
The former wrestling standout will ditch the MMA gloves on Saturday night in favor of a rash guard, as he headlines CFFC BJJ 15, which streams live on UFC FIGHT PASS from Philadelphia, and Lewis is excited to be competing again so quickly.
"Man, it feels good," Lewis said. "We're staying focused. We're taking this mission all the way, and this is just another step in the journey, so I'm ready. I'm excited, and I'm ready to put forth the best version of myself on Saturday night at the legendary 2300 Arena."
August's CFFC 145 was an important moment for Lewis, headlining in his home state of New Jersey for the first time in his MMA career. He delivered in the spotlight and believes he's beginning to show his true potential as a complete mixed martial artist thanks to the team around him.
"I feel like that's been a huge difference for me," Lewis explained. "I'm here in my home at GTGym and CULTR Fight Club, and it's made all difference in the world being back in Jersey. I feel like that's the light that I have to shine on rather than just myself. Obviously I've had some moments throughout my career, and this has been a career-defining one I just have to always shine a light back on Jersey."
Mission accomplished at CFFC 145, and now Lewis hopes to continue that momentum at CFFC BJJ 15.
While he had a few days of vacation planned following his recent win, Lewis said there was no hesitation when he was given a chance to take on 170-pound champion Pat Sabatini at Saturday's event and instantly went back to work.
"No questions asked," Lewis said. "I mean, I'm ready. We got to prepare, put together a little camp, and it's just been smooth sailing, so I'm ready to go.
"We actually have a really good training camp here though. I know I play things down, but Roberto, Matheus Diniz – we have Sean Yadimarco – we're going over key positions. We watched the film. This is just as serious as a fight to me, and I take everything personal, so this one, my reputation's on the line. Obviously my health is always on the line, and my budding future is on the line, so I'm taking this very seriously."
Champ Sabatini, a Pennsylvania native and formter two-time CFFC MMA champion, will likely be the crowd favorite inside 2300 Arena on Saturday night, but Lewis has a vocal crew of loyal supporters, as well, which should make for an entertaining environment. Plus, it's two prideful, lifelong grapplers locking horns, and Lewis believes it should be a firefight.
"I know I got a lot of love in Philly," Lewis said. "I know I got a lot of hate in Philly, too, so I know the energy's going to be there for me, and I'm just ready to perform against a good opponent.
"I feel like this is a good matchup for him, too because I do got the buzz, I do got a name behind me. I do got a big fanbase behind me, and the eyes are on me so I'm recognizing this as an equal opportunity and a dog fight – and ain't no f-cking tougher dog than me."
CFFC BJJ gold is on the line in Saturday's headliner, but bragging rights might prove just as important, as well. Strength and technique are in abundant supply on both sides, but Lewis plans to dictate the action and believes the matchup should not be missed.
"We're going to be playing my game," Lewis said. "It's not Patrick Sabatini's. This is Richie Lewis' fight. This is really Richie Lewis' match, and that's what I'm going to show on Saturday night, September 20 at the 2300 Arena."
