Santella vs. Honstein Set for Cage Fury FC Title on April 19

[keithlewis]

Santella vs. Honstein Set for Cage Fury FC Title on April 19


Almost a year after defending his CFFC flyweight crown, Sean Santella returns to the CFFC cage on April 19, 2014 when he looks to defend his title for the fifth consecutive time when he takes on veteran Nick Honstein at the Mennen Arena in Morristown, New Jersey on April 19, 2014. This will mark the organization's debut at the Mennen Arena. "We're excited to have the number one flyweight prospect in the world defend his title in our North Jersey debut," said CFFC CEO Robert Haydak Jr. "We plan on making a home up here and this is a great way to kick things off!"

While preparing for another title defense, Santella tore his LCL which required surgery that sidelined him for nearly a year. "My road to recovery was good," said Santella. "The injury made me concentrate on weaker areas of my game and I had a lot of time to break things down. I think it made me a better fighter."

"Shorty getting hurt has been a setback but he rehabbed better than I have seen any other fighter do before and he will be back stronger and better than ever," said CFFC President Mike Constantino.

"It's always an honor defending my belt," stated that current CFFC flyweight champion. "I know CFFC always brings in the top guys and I'm excited to have my skills tested. My opponent is a tall scrappy striker that has a good jits game. Should be a tough test but I'm predicting a TKO."

For the Colorado based fighter, Honstein, traveling to New Jersey will not faze him one bit. After capturing a title in Australia, Honstein wants to add another to his resume. "First of all, I'm very honored and this opportunity could not have come at a better time," said Honstein. I have been training consistently for over two years with my team at Factory X and am fully prepared to take on the flyweight division with guns blazing. I am also about to be a father and the thought of focusing on my fight career and defending my title this summer instead of dealing full-time with my construction business is exciting."

Santella will be a huge test for Honstein but with consecutive wins coming from submission, Honstein isn't backing down. "He is obviously a decorated Jiu-Jitsu player and in 16 fights he has yet to be finished," continued Honstein. "I'm up for that challenge. My game plan is the same for this fight as it has always been; push his ass into the cage, take him down, damage, damage, damage, then submit. There's usually a detour to adjust to but either way this match ends with the CFFC Flyweight title around my waist."

"Honstein is a very dangerous fighter who likes to come out very fast," said Haydak. "He has to know that Sean's time away from the cage could play in his favor."

The co-main event will feature a featherweight bout that will have title implications when TUF alumni, Andy Main takes on Brian "Boom" Kelleher. For Main, this fight is close to home considering his last two fights were in Japan. "I'm excited to be fighting in my backyard," said Main. "Being the co-main event and fighting alongside my training partners, Sean Santella and Claudio Ledesma, is awesome. It's great having everybody gearing up at the same time. CFFC is a great show I had a great experience the first time and hope I can put on another show for the fans."

"Andy Main is truly one of the most talented 145-pound fighters in the world and we are lucky to have him on our CFFC roster," said Constantino.

In regard to his opponent, Main knows the issues his opponent can bring. "Brian Kelleher is a tough dude," said Main. "He's a grinder, no doubt. I have to fight smart and play my game and not fall into his. It's as simple as that. I know Brian is going to bring it, so I just have to be on point with every part of my game on the 19th."

Kelleher is no stranger to the CFFC cage and has fought for the organization six times with only one of those fights going to a decision. His last fight was a submission victory over Lester Caslow in February of this year. "I'm very happy to fight in the co-main event for CFFC," said Kelleher. "In fact, I'm always happy to fight for CFFC. It's a great promotion that treats fighters well.

"Kelleher is a tough, gritty fighter," continued Haydak. "We love him here at CFFC because he always shows up and puts on a show. He has never been out of fight and has come so close in his losses. 2014 is a new year and a win against Main gets him right back in the hunt."

"My opponent, Andy main, is a tough opponent," continued Kelleher. "I respect all of my opponents. Without an opponent there is no fight or reason to continuously improve. He's got great jiu-jitsu but I'm not one to sit and worry about my opponent. Instead, I focus on myself and my skills and mindset going into the fight. I predict that I show up and fight to win and go for the finish. I won't stop going forward. I want the CFFC belt at 145 or 135 or both!"

Here is a look at the rest of Saturday night's card:

Main Event CFFC Flyweight Title:
Nick Honstein vs Sean Santella

Co-Main Event:
Brian Kelleher vs Andy Main

Main Card
Emmanuel Walo vs Cheljean Erwin-Davis
Lewis Rumsey vs Mike Stewart
Marcio Bittencourt vs Claudio Ledsma
Mike Wade vs Shedrick Goodridge

Preliminary Card:
J.A. Dudley vs Plinio Cruz
Joshua Key vs Bradley Desir
Jorge Martinez vs Robbie Flores
Shane Manley vs Noel Arcibal