“Shorty Rock” Sean Santella meets former UFC fighter Justin Scoggins at Art of War 35 in Philadelphia
“Shorty Rock” Sean Santella (23-9-2) will return to the cage for the first time since July 2022 when he meets former UFC fighter Justin Scoggins (15-6) in Philadelphia on April 5. Art of War Cage Fighting promoter Mike Bickings shared the flyweight matchup exclusively with MyMMANews.com on Thursday.
“This fight is as high level as you can get regionally,” Bickings told MyMMANews said of both fighters making their promotional debuts with AOW. “Shorty Rock has an outstanding record of 23-9. We didn’t do him any favors by bringing in UFC vet, Justin Scoggins. Justin never lost as an ammy and won his first nine pro fights. He’s a UFC vet and Shorty wants this level of opponents to remind everyone of who the best flyweight outside of the UFC is. It’s high risk, high reward for both guys. This fight could easily be on a UFC pay per view. Fans will see it live at the best place in Philadelphia for MMA fights, Live Casino on April 5!”
Scoggins, 31, and hailing from North Carolina, nine fights with the UFC between 2013 and 2018. “Tank” has also fought for RIZIN Fighting Federation, Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, XMMA, and more.
“He’s a BJJ specialist and a veteran of the game,” Scoggins said of Santella. “He’s tough, he’s gritty, but I’m tougher and grittier. I’ll keep it standing, beat his head up, get back to the UFC and become a world champion. Can’t wait to put on a show for Philadelphia.”
Santella’s fight status in the U.S. has been on hiatus as he was competing overseas with Brave Combat Federation since 2020. The former Cage Fury Fighting Championships title holder did work his way up to a fight opportunity with the UFC in 2016, even having his signing mentioned live on a pay-per-view event. Unfortunately, the bout never happened and “Shorty Rock” continued to dominate the regional circuit.
“I’m super stoked to be back fighting in the US after almost five years,” Santella told MyMMANews. “Being able to fight in front of my friends and family here on the east coast is always a treat. I’m looking forward to testing my skills against another UFC vet in Justin Scoggins. He’s fought some of the best guys in the world, so I know it’s gonna be a scrap!”
The entire AOW 35 fight card at LIVE! Casino and Hotel will be revealed on MyMMANews as the event continues to build.
