Brenneman vs Baker Title Bout Set for Cage Fury FC 26
On Saturday, August 17, 2013, Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC) will crown a new lightweight champion when Charlie Brenneman takes on Kyle Baker at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The title was left vacant after then undefeated prospect, John Cholish, submitted WEC veteran, Jameel Massouh by guillotine back in June 2013. Right after that victory, Cholish got the call to the UFC and shortly retired afterwards leaving the CFFC lightweight title behind. Since then, CFFC has featured many lightweight battles but was careful to choose two competitors to compete for the title.
"When we first signed Charlie, there was little doubt he'd be in contention for our lightweight title," said CFFC President Rob Haydak Jr. "Immediately after Kyle's decisive knockout at welterweight in CFFC 23, he told me he wanted a title shot. I told Kyle he would have to wait a bit for the welterweight title because of other CFFC commitments. Kyle quickly responded that he'd go to lightweight and fight Charlie. At that point, I couldn't get the contracts out quick enough."
After going 4-4 in the UFC at 170 pounds, Brenneman (18-5) went back to the local circuit and dropped down to 155 pounds. Since that move, Brenneman has gone 3-0 with his two last victories coming under the CFFC banner. "When I signed with CFFC, my goal was to get the belt, and on August 17, I'll have my chance to be their champion," said Brenneman.
Brenneman knows that a victory here could propel him back in the UFC. With that in mind, Brenneman has a game plan and looks to keep the "Alley Cat" on his heels. "I'm looking to put pressure on him from the opening bell, and I'll be working for the finish every second of the fight," continued Brenneman. "He's a tough dude who has fought some studs, but he's never felt the pressure I bring. I'm coming to get that belt."
"I've said it from day one, Charlie is with CFFC for a pit stop," continued Haydak. "At lightweight, he's one of the best in the world. He deserves to be right back in the UFC if he defeats Kyle."
Although Baker (11-4) has never been to the UFC, he has fought across the globe including an event where he took on two competitors at the same time and won. Always the opportunist, Baker will make his lightweight debut for the CFFC title and isn't shying away from letting his true feelings be known to Brenneman. "I'm very excited about the opportunity to fight Charlie for the CFFC title, but not excited about him trying to hump my leg the whole night, said Baker."
Baker knows that Brenneman's strength will be his wrestling but it doesn't appear to faze the Virginia native. "No, it's not like I haven't wrestled before," continued Baker. "Wrestling got me into MMA, but I don't rely on that to win. Wrestlers are boring, and that's not how I like to win. I see him continually trying for takedowns and me stuffing them. I'll break him, and then I'll knock him out."
"Kyle at welterweight is a stud," said Haydak. "Kyle at lightweight is downright scary. If he has a solid camp and a good weight cut, Charlie is in for an absolute war. A victory by Kyle will easily garner the attention of the MMA world."
Don't miss out on the action on August 17, 2013, at the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa. To stay up to date on everything CFFC, find us on facebook and on the web at www.CFFC.tv
Here's is a look at the projected card:
CFFC Lightweight Title: Charlie Brenneman vs. Kyle Baker
CFFC Welterweight Title: George Sullivan vs. Jesus Martinez
Duane Bastress vs. Mike Stewart
Mike Medrano vs. Luiz Azeredo
Jordan Stiner vs. Donald Ooton
Aung La Nsang vs. Shedrick Goodridge
Bradley Desir vs. Christian Leonard
Andrew Aguilar vs. Peter Cole
Lamont Lister vs. Jared Platt
Brylan Van Artsdalen vs. Lester Caslow
Derrick Kennington vs. TBA
Dan Holmes vs. TBA
