CFFC 154 results: History made as Kevin Pease claims lightweight belt in short order

"Sweet Pea" becomes first male fighter to earn CFFC title in two divisions, closing out incredible event at Union League Liberty Hill

LAFAYETTE HILL, Pennsylvania – Former CFFC welterweight champion Kevin Pease is now the reigning lightweight titleholder following a spectacular first-round submission win in the main event of Friday's CFFC 154, becoming the first male fighter in promotional history to hold titles in two weight classes.

Pease (8-0 MMA, 6-0 CFFC) overwhelmed Will Starks (12-4 MMA, 1-1 CFFC) en route to a first-round win, and fireworks lit up the sky at the incredible outdoor event at The Union League of Philadelphia's exclusive Liberty Hill.

Pease wasted no time at the start of the contest, marching forward and immediately shooting for a takedown. Starks defended well initially, but Pease eventually lifted him into the air and slammed him to the canvas. From there, Starks tried to escape, but Pease was able to slip to the back and lock in a rear-naked choke, flexing a powerful squeeze and earning the tap at just the 2:03 mark of the opening round.

After the win, Pease told Josh Thomson he's ready to make the move to the UFC and asked matchmaker Sean Shelby to get in touch with his manager, Daniel Cormier.

"I can take anybody in the world down at 155," Pease said. "No one can stop my wrestling. No one can stop my takedowns. I'm here to be the best fighter in the world. I gave my life to this sport, and I'm here to prove it on the highest stage.

"Sean Shelby, call DC. I'm ready. I'm the best lightweight in the world. Let me at 'em. I want to be in Vegas."

Complete CFFC 154 results include:

MAIN CARD

• Kevin Pease def. Will Starks via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:03 – to claim lightweight title

• Moshe Aladi def. Ben Coyle via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 4:53 – to claim interim flyweight title

• Nikita Leshukov def. Josh Jackson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

• Josiah Simpson vs. AT McCowin declared a split draw (28-28, 29-28, 28-29)

• Xavier Vasquez def. Fathy Elsony via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 1:48

PRELIMINARY CARD

• Johnny Santos def. Jordan Baskerville via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)

• NextGen: Ryan Barker def. Moises Cordero via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 0:32