(PRESS RELEASE) -- Atlantic City,NJ -- On Saturday May 11, 2013, Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC) returns to the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa with two title fights and the CFFC debut of former world champion Zach Makovsky. In the featured bout of the evening, George Sullivan (12-3) will look to successfully defend his CFFC welterweight title against wrestling phenom, Brandon Becker (6-0).In the co-main event, Sean Santella (12-3-1) will defend his CFFC flyweight for the fourth consecutive time against a daunting challenger, Dave Morgan (5-2).
Since joining CFFC in 2011, Sullivan has gone undefeated in four fights, with three of them being for the title. With a win here, he looks to defend his title for a long time. “I feel (CFFC) is the best organization around, I'm so pleased to be their champion,” continued Sullivan. “It's an honor to be with them as they grow so big. I see big things for them.”
Becker knows he has his toughest test in his young career ahead of him, but will make the most of his opportunity. “George is a smart, veteran fighter that is always ready to go,” said the three-time All American. “To me, a fight is a fight. The only thing different is that this one has the potential to go much longer. There’s going to be a lot of action.”
Originally from New Jersey, Becker moved to the mid-west and started his MMA career in Indiana. He has since came back to his roots and found his home organization. “Obviously CFFC is a great promotion. I would not have resigned with them if I had thought otherwise. I have fought for several others but none have been as well run and professional as CFFC.”
The fans and media are split on this fight and it is one that intrigues CFFC President, Rob Haydak. "This matchup is your classic striker versus wrestler, said Haydak. “Whoever forces their style, will win this fight."
After losing his CFFC debut in October of 2011, Santella moved down to his natural weight class and has won four in a row. He feels as though he is on the cusp of the UFC and fighting is now strictly business. “I'm looking forward to the fight,” said Santella. “Dave Morgan is a strong wrestler and I feel like I can finish my opponent anywhere the fight goes. The CFFC flyweight belt is staying at AMA Fight Club.”
Fighting out of Scranton, Pennsylvania, Dave Morgan knows that he will have to bring his “A” game come on May 11th. “Fighting Santella is a huge opportunity,” said Morgan. “He's top 15 in the world and to get where I want to go, I need to beat him. It's an amazing opportunity. I'm coming to fight and take that belt and defend it as many times as it takes for the UFC to notice. CFFC is by far the best promotion on the east coast it is an honor to fight for such a prestigious title and promotion.”
Although he is known for his wrestling, Morgan states that we might be surprised when we see him fight for the title. “I'm working on some tricks and stuff that will end it early but I say the longer it goes the better it is for me.”
"This matchup has been in the makings for quite some time,” said Haydak. “Santella is on mission to get to the UFC, if anyone could put a damper on that in the Northeast, Morgan just might be the one. However, if you blink on the champ, you're liable to go to sleep."
In another featured bout, former world champion, Zach Makovsky (14-4), will go down to his natural weight class to take on Claudio Ledesma (8-3) at his first venture in the flyweight division.
“I think Claudio is a well-rounded fighter with a decent amount of experience,” said Makovsky. “His ground game is probably more of his strength but he can certainly fight anywhere. I really believe that I am better than Claudio in every aspect. This however does not mean I will win because I am better than him. I learned this in my last fight. Its cliché but I will beat Claudio because I will fight better than him on May 11. It will be a good fight and a tough test, but ill beat him no matter how the fight unfolds.”
With a win here, Makovsky would propel himself as the number one contender for CFFC’s flyweight title and be one of the organization’s most prominent champions. “Anytime you get to fight for a title it is a great thing but I have to get there first,” said Makovksy. “Claudio is first. I have been watching CFFC for a while now and believe it is a top tier promotion. Outside of the biggest promotions there is nowhere I'd rather fight than CFFC.”
Ledesma is coming off of two straight victories and is eager to prove himself against a fighter like Makovsky that could also land him in title contention. “I think he's tough,” said Ledesma. “I've been a fan of his for years so it feels crazy to be fighting him now. I'm honored to be in title contention. But I'm not really thinking about that right now. I have a big hurdle to jump right now in Makovsky. I know I'm going to win, I just haven't pictured how in my head yet.”
This will be Ledesma’s second go around with CFFC and the feeling appears to me mutual now that he is back on the roster. “I love them (CFFC),” exclaimed Ledesma. “They take care of everything. With them, all I have to do is worry about fighting. And I know the rest is taken care of. They put on an impressive show from top to bottom.”
"This is a huge fight in the CFFC flyweight division,” said Haydak. “Zach and Claudio are world class practitioners and I expect nothing but a tactical war. The winner of this bout could be fighting for the CFFC strap in August."
CFFC 24 will also have solid veterans, local favorites and rising starts on the undercard including a match up of undefeated fighters when Paul Felder (4-0) takes on Corey Bleaken in a lightweight match up. Rising star, Jonathan DelBrugge (2-0), will put his undefeated record on the line when he takes on veteran Derrick Kennington (6-4). Robert Fabrizi (2-1) and Alfred Alo (0-1) will try to stop their losing streak at one when they face each other in lightweight battle. In the middleweight division, Michael Wilcox (2-2) will also try to rebound off a loss when he takes on Pennsylvania’s Eric Roncoroni (2-0). This card will also feature the return of Jonavin Webb (2-0) and Danny Holmes (3-1).
As always, CFFC is honored to be back at the Borgata to host another exciting event. "The Borgata has been a tremendous partner for our organization, said Haydak. “It has been huge for our fighters, staff and fans to experience this world class venue, along with all the services and amenities. It continues to solidify our position has an elite MMA organization."
About Cage Fury Fighting Championships Cage Fury Fighting Championships (www.cffc.tv) is a pioneer in bringing prominent and elite MMA talent to the east coast. With a successful return in 2011 headed by President Rob Haydak Jr. and Vice President Joe Stant, the organization has continued to help launch the careers of several MMA stars including current UFC standouts, current CFFC lightweight champion John Cholish, and former CFFC featherweight champ, Joey Gambino. CFFC Champions include George Sullivan (welterweight), current #2 prospect in the world, Aljamain Sterling (bantamweight), CFFC Flyweight Champion, Sean Santella, who is currently ranked as the # 8 fighter in the world in the flyweight division, undefeated Renzo Gracie protégé Artur Rofi (featherweight) and UFC veteran Dustin Jacoby, currently holds the CFFC middleweight title.