[CES Press Release]
#CESMMA World Lightweight Champion Luis Felix will now face Bellator MMA veteran Ryan Sanders in the main-event at #CES32, January 8 at Twin River Casino, LIVE on AXS TV FIGHTS at 9 pm ET/6 pm PT.
Sanders, fresh off an impressive win over former #CESMMA World Lightweight Championship challenger Lucas Cruz, jumped at the opportunity.
“I knew eventually that Luis and I would cross paths. He’s a stud and I think I’m a stud, too. He’s a great wrestler, a great MMA fighter. He’s been in there with and beat some top-calibre guys. But I think I have the advantage because I’ve got nothing to lose in this fight, and he does,” said Sanders.
While Felix was looking forward to notching his fifth win against a UFC veteran in Waylon Lowe, who was forced to withdrew due to injury, he’s just as excited to test himself against Sanders, in a three-round, non-title fight.
“Sanders is another tough kid, and it’s just another challenge for me” offered Felix. “He’s very aggressive. I plan on matching that intensity and bringing it up a notch. It’s going to be an exciting fight. I’m looking forward to starting the year off with an impressive win.”
In other news, Kody Nordby has a new dance partner for #CES32 on January 8 at Twin River Casino: Derek Shorey.
Zech Lange, who was previously slated to throw down with the red-hot Nordby, was forced out of the bout due to injury. Shorey, meanwhile, was more than happy to jump at the opportunity.
That's music to Nordby's ears.
"I think Derek is more of a stand-up guy, and he's kind of wirey on the ground. There's nothing in particular that I have to look out for; I just have to go out there and stick to my own game plan," offered Nordby. "I really appreciate him agreeing to fight me on short notice, and I respect him as a game opponent. I can't wait."
CES MMA XXXII FULL CARD
[160] Lightweight Champion LUIS FELIX (14-8, Cranston) vs. RYAN SANDERS (9-7, Bangor)
CES MMA WORLD WELTERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP
Champion GIL DE FREITAS (18-5, Sao Paulo, Brazil) vs. CHRIS CURTIS (12-4, Cincinnati)
[265] JOSH DIEKMANN (15-6, Groton) vs. ASHLEY GOOCH (8-4, Nashville)
[145] KYLE BOCHNIAK (5-0, Boston) vs. TAYLOR TRAHAN (5-4, Saint Johnsbury, Vermont)
[135] KODY NORDBY (5-3, Cumberland) vs. DEREK SHOREY (3-2, Dover-Foxcroft, Maine)
[145] MANNY BERMUDEZ (3-0, Abington) vs. EVAN PARKER (5-3, Worcester)
[135] RICO DiSCIULLO (5-0, Peabody) vs. CHINO DURAN (8-8, Homestead, Fla.)
[145] JAMES MURRIN (South Boston, 3-3) vs. MAK KELLEHER (7-18, Centereach, N.Y.)
[185] PAT McCROHAN (1-0, Beverly) vs. MIKE RODRIGUEZ (2-0, Boston)
[125] DAVID BAXTER (1-0, Bellingham) vs. JOSHUA RICCI (pro debut, Courtland, N.Y.)
[125] NICK IACIOFANO (2-0, Providence) vs. LUAY ASHKAR (1-0, Syracuse)