Andre Soukhamthath after CES 37
Andre Soukhamthath defends CES MMA bantamweight title in main event of CES 42
Andre Soukhamthath defends CES MMA bantamweight title in main event of CES 42
Andre “The Asian Sensation” Soukhamthath will defend his CES MMA World Bantamweight Championship versus Tony Gravely in the main event of CES 42 on March 31 at Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I., LIVE on AXS TV Fights.
The fighting pride of Rhode Island, Woonsocket’s “The Asian Sensation” successfully won, and subsequently defended, his championship with highlight-reel finishes on AXS TV in the headlining bouts of CES 33 and CES 37 in 2016.
Now entering the CES cage for the 14th time, Soukhamthath has his sights set on defending his title once again, grabbing the top spot on AXS TV Fights’ bantamweight rankings, and punching his ticket to the UFC, all in one unforgettable showing.
“I don’t know much about my opponent, and it really doesn’t matter,” said Soukhamthath, AXS TV Fights’ No. 2-ranked bantamweight contender, with his trademark smile. “My mindset is always the same. I’m going out there to defend my belt at home with a spectacular performance for my people, regardless of who I’m fighting. My opponent is just my opponent; what happens in the cage is up to me.”
But Gravely, a two-time conference wrestling champ at Appalachian State University and three-time high school All-American wrestler, isn’t coming all the way from Virginia to help Soukhamthath achieve his dreams.
“I’m not a stepping stone for anyone,” Gravely said when asked about his fight with Soukhamthath.
Since transitioning to MMA, Gravely has racked up eight wins in 11 outings, and almost literally jumped at the opportunity to come into hostile territory to add a third championship belt to his collection.
“I watch CES all the time on AXS TV and have always wanted to fight here,” the ambitious title challenger said. “I can’t wait; this is the biggest fight of my career. I’m ready to take advantage of this opportunity and turn a lot of heads on national television.”
