CFFC 146 results: Angel Alvarez takes split decision over Jesse Roberts, leaving belt vacant
Razor-thin result caps off night of intriguing matchups from 4 Bears Casino & Lodge and live on UFC FIGHT PASS
NEW TOWN, North Dakota – It took five full rounds of action for Angel Alvarez to earn a win over Jesse Roberts, but the split-decision result in the headlining bout of Friday's CFFC 146 event means the promotion's lightweight title is now vacant.
After missing weight by the narrowest of margins at Thursday's official weigh-ins, Alvarez knew he was unable to claim the belt at Friday's event. Still, he fought hard until the bitter end and was rewarded for his efforts on two of the three judges' card, handing him the victory over now-former champ Roberts.
The matchup closed out a night of competitive contests at 4 Bears Casino & Lodge that streamed live on UFC FIGHT PASS and OnlyFans.com/cffcmma.
The two were well-matched from the start, with Alvarez seemingly throwing the harder blows on the feet, but Roberts moving well and countering with quick flurries. Meanwhile, Roberts made a few attempts at taking the action to the canvas, but Alvarez dealt well with each effort and never found himself dealing with his opponent's vaunted submission game.
The opening four rounds were all tightly contested, with the momentum swinging back and forth, and at the end of four rounds, two judges had it even, leading to a fifth round to determine a winner.
Despite the clearly difficult weight cut the day before, Alvarez maintained a steady pace in the final frame and narrowly outpointed Roberts on the two judges' cards who had it tied going in, and he was awarded a split-decision victory, 46-49, 48-47 and 48-47.
Despite being unable to earn the title, Alvarez was happy to have claimed the victory and credited his team for having him prepared while also promising to make the weight next time around, whether it be in the CFFC or if he's given an opportunity to compete at the sport's highest level.
“Every time, every round, I remembered the hard training with my team, Kill Cliff, my coach," Alvarez told Din Thomas after the win. "I have good support in my corner.
"Yesterday, I had a little bit of a problem on the scale. This is more experience, more sacrifice for my next fight because my last fight I didn't have a problem with my weight. I know next time I won't have a problem in whatever company. Please, I want to fight for the UFC. Please, give me an opportunity. I'm ready."
Alvarez (10-2 MMA, 3-0 CFFC) has now won four straight contests, while Roberts (9-2 MMA, 1-1 CFFC) sees a three-fight win streak snapped.
Full CFFC 146 results include:
MAIN CARD (UFC FIGHT PASS)
Angel Alvarez def. Jesse Roberts via split decision (46-49, 48-47, 48-47)
Kegan Gennrich def. Blayne Richards via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Beau Samaniego def. Devante Sewell via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Maksim Sergeev def. Hunter Lee via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
Iasmim Casser def. Micaela Rampage via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Guram Mestvirishvili def. AT McCowin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD (OnlyFans.com/cffcmma)
Kris Williams def. Dakota Jones via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:12
Aaron McDaniel def. Edward Lavallie via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:30
Lane Coggins def. Jeramy Titsworth via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 1, 1:09
Isaiah Cannaday def. Shane Scott via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Jason Simon def. Jacob Lavallie via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:57