Two Former CFFC Champions Return in 2016
Next year is scheduled to be a banner year for Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC), but to look in towards the future one might want to visit the past. Two former champions, Sean Santella and Artur Rofi will return to the company in an attempt to reclaim what was once theirs. Both will see action on February 27, 2016 when CFFC returns to the 2300 Arena in South Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
From 2012 to 2013, Sean Santella (14-5-1) was the king of the flyweights in the northeast. He captured the inaugural CFFC flyweight crown in February 2012 and reeled off of four straight
victories. After an injury, Santella returned in 2014 and lost his crown to Nick Honstein. After leaving CFFC, Santella is 1-1-1 coming off a submission victory in his last fight over Jay Pressley (5-2) and his eager to make his CFFC return. “Feels great to be back,” exclaimed Santella. “CFFC has some of the best flyweights around and that’s who I want to fight. I’m getting that belt back!”
Ironically, when Santella makes his return on February 27, 2016, the main event will feature current CFFC flyweight champion, Sedico Honorio against UFC veteran Louis Gaudinot. Santella holds a victory over both. “I feel that I’m better then both of those guys and it’s just a matter of time before I get what’s mine,” responded Santella. “I think Sedico is going to win but I’m rooting for Louis. I’d love to fight Louis. I fought him back in amateurs and won by decision. I know I could finish him this time.”
Before he can think about the title, Santella will have to defeat the man in front of him on February 27, 2016, Andrew Cseh (7-4). After capturing a title in another organization, Cseh is coming off a victory over the previously undefeated Desmond Moore. But to Santella, it doesn’t matter who is next. “Every fight is the most important fight to me,” stated Santella. “At this point in my career I feel like I’m one fight away from the big show. I’ll fight whoever is gonna get me to the next level. I’m always looking to test my skills against the best.”
“It’s great to have Sean back, said CFFC CEO Robert Haydak, Jr. “The flyweight division is stacked and I fully expect him to be in the title mix and awaiting a UFC call should he win it. On the ground, Sean is a beast. I don’t know anyone in the Northeast that feels comfortable being there with him. CFFC’s flyweight division is the best it’s ever been.”
Before leaving for World Series of Fighting (WSOF) in 2013, Artur Rofi (6-1) had fought five times in CFFC and went 5-0 with five stoppages. He eventually claimed the CFFC featherweight title against Lester Caslow but then suffered his first defeat, a decision loss to Rick Glenn (14-3-1) in WSOF. That was his last fight before taking leaving the fight game.
“The last two years I have been working my butt off doing construction and attending Montclair State University, where after this semester I will be receiving my bachelor’s degree in Political Science along with a minor in Public Administration,” stated the former champ.
“It feels great to be back with CFFC. I never wanted to leave them without defending the belt. And I want to thank Rob, Arias, and the entire CFFC crew for allowing me to be a part of this great professional MMA show and make this dream a reality. And yes I have been dreaming about this day ever since I have started this journey. No more breaks, no more stopping, no more rests. Artur “The Albanian Nightmare” Rofi is here to stay for a long time. I want to apologize to all my fans and to those who are not, for having been on-and -off type of fighter. Let that not be the perception of how I perform inside the cage.”
“Had Artur not taken a break since his last fight, I truly believe he would be in the UFC right now,” stated Haydak. “Artur’s greatest asset is his confidence. He believes no one can beat him and he is not bashful about letting that be known. His return to the featherweight division is coming at an exciting time. With the likes of Algeo, Lentz, Burgos, Gordon and others, things will get interesting.”
