Daniel Morrison welcomes challenge of Busurman Zhumagul at CFFC 150: 'You can't be the best without beating the best'
Vacant welterweight title on the line in headliner of Friday's event, live on UFC FIGHT PASS from Philadelphia's 2300 Arena
When Daniel Morrison returned to CFFC this past October following three years away from the organization, he did so with the intention of fighting for the company's welterweight title – he just didn't know it would be happening so soon.
"This is the kind of the stuff that we've been waiting to happen," Morrison said. "Getting back with CFFC, we were looking to get on this title. The goal was getting here, get a win or two, and then look for the title shot, and then it came after one."
The "one" was a dominant decision win over former title challenger Hugh Pulley at CFFC 147. That same night, Kevin Pease claimed the CFFC welterweight title, though he quickly announced he would vacate the belt and focus on a move down to 155 pounds. That left a vacant title up for grabs, and when Morrison was offered the chance to be one half of the fight for the belt, he accepted with no hesitation.
After all, Morrison is well aware of the opportunities that generally follow after winning a CFFC belt.
"It would mean, everything, man," Morrison said. "It's a part of the goal, the dream to make it to the highest stage and be one of the best in the world, so being able to get a coveted belt on this proving ground would be able to skyrocket our name up and put us in the talks for getting into the big show, which is always the dream for everybody at this level."
Morrison (7-2 MMA, 2-0 CFFC) now faces undefeated prospect Busurman Zhumagul (4-0 MMA, 4-0 CFFC) in the main event of Friday's CFFC 150, which streams live on UFC FIGHT PASS from Philadelphia's 2300 Arena following prelims that stream exclusively at OnlyFans.com/cffcmma.
It's Morrison's biggest opportunity to date, and he's aware of what's at stake.
"Fighting for this promotion on UFC Fight Pass, main event, one of the best promotions out there on this stage – it's definitely something we've been looking forward to, and we're happy that we were able to get to where we wanted to be," Morrison said.
Of course, Morrison isn't exactly getting an easy assignment in this spot. Zhumagul has been on an absolute tear with four straight finishes to start his professional run and has even been featured as a UFC FIGHT PASS "Fighter to Watch" in previous appearances.
Morrison is aware of his opponent's reputation but believes tough tests are necessary to gain success at the sport's highest level.
"He's a tough guy for sure," Morrison said of Zhumagul. "He's a dangerous guy. He always goes for the finish. Tall, 6-foot-4, you know, big guy, so definitely that's something that we have to work around in terms of gameplanning, everything like that, but I'm always down for challenges. My goal has always been to be the best, and you can't be the best without beating the best, so I'm going out there and fighting tough challengers.
“He's a very well-rounded guy, as well, too – striking, grappling, a little bit of everything, so it's definitely something that I was looking forward to in terms of the challenge, itself. You know, obviously the belt is something I'm definitely looking forward to, but I always look forward to the challenge of who I'm fighting, as well."
Morrison is hoping to get a bit crowd support inside 2300 Arena as the American facing a foreign athlete from Kyrgyzstan – though it's Zhumagul who does now call Philadelphia home, so "The Lion Tamer" isn't counting on not hearing a few boos, as well. But ultimately, the only thing matters is what happens in the cage, and Morrison believes it's going to be worth watching.
"For all my John Wai family out there, I appreciate you guys always supporting me," Morrison said. "For all the people who've watched and become fans, I appreciate you guys, and for all the people who are going to become new fans because I know you guys are after seeing me February 6. I appreciate you guys, too."