Brandon Lopez is Ready for War in His Hometown at CFFC 100
Tampa native, Brandon “Playboi” Lopez (3-2) is prepared to make a statement on Thursday at CFFC 100 in his hometown of Tampa, FL.
The 32-year-old is never in a boring fight and is the epitome of a warrior inside the cage. However, the status he has earned didn’t come overnight, it was a long time coming.
Lopez started wrestling at a young age and found his competitive fighting spirit early. His wrestling prowess got him a connection to Gracie Barra Jacksonville. He started working on Jiu-Jitsu at the prolific Gracie Barra academy and developed an even stronger passion for martial arts. Fast forward a few years later and Brandon Lopez the martial artist was born.
In 2017, he made his amateur debut earning a submission victory in under 5:30. A year later in his second amateur bout, he did the exact thing just quicker. After going 3-0 in his first three bouts, he got a chance to earn his first amateur belt. In that bout he earned his third win by stoppage and the WCFL amateur welterweight title. After defending his WCFL strap with ease, he took his talents to Combat Night to challenge for their welterweight strap. As you can imagine, he cruised his way to victory and his second amateur belt. After an outstanding 6-0 amateur run, Lopez knew it was time to do what he had always dreamed and that was to be a pro athlete.
“I fight because I want to get to the highest level,” he said. “I always wanted to be a pro athlete.”
Lopez’s kicked off his pro career right where he left off as an amateur. He won his first two bouts in dominant fashion submitting both opponents in under 3:15. As his third fight arrived, he stepped in with current TUF 29 veteran, Ryder Newman. Newman got the better of Lopez in that bout, but he bounced back in dominant fashion earning a decision win five months later. In his last bout, just a month and change ago, he was in an absolute war with Sanford MMA product, Devon Dixon. In a toss-up, the judges sided with his opponent. He vows to not leave this upcoming fight in the hands of the judges.
“I will not leave this up to the judges,” he explained. “My goal is to leave no doubt in anyone’s mind that I won the fight.”
Brandon Lopez does his training at Hellman’s MMA as well as Gracie Tampa. He speaks extremely highly of Gary Hellman and his tenured coaching resume. He also greatly appreciates his training and training partners at Gracie Tampa, which is home to the likes of Billy Quarantillo and Matt Frevola. He occasionly spends time at Team Alpha Male as well and has built a solid relationship with MMA legend Clay Guida.
“Gary has been in the game for 30 years, his stand up knowledge is outstanding,” Lopez said. “The training partners at Gracie Tampa push me to the next level for sure.”
This Thursday night at CFFC 100, Brandon Lopez will look to make a statement as he takes on Charlie Radtke (3-3). He is aware of Radtke strengths and weaknesses and is prepared for whatever comes his way. One thing Lopez has his mind set on is not leaving the judges in charge of the outcome.
“I know he’s a BJJ blackbelt and he’s a tough guy, but I’ve been training my ass of for this,” he said. “I’m going for the finish; I don’t want to leave it up to the judges.”
Brandon Lopez is a warrior and a pleasure to watch thrown down every time he gets the opportunity. He’s extremely well-rounded and has all the skills to be a contender in a big organization one day. This Thursday night on UFC Fight Pass we get the pleasure of watching Lopez represent his hometown at CFFC 100.
