[CES Press Release]
For the first time in #CESMMA history, three belts will be on the line as the Bantamweight, Featherweight and Heavyweight Championships are up for grabs under the bright lights at Twin River Casino in #Lincoln, R.I., on August 12, live on AXS TV FIGHTS at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PST.
At the top of the card, Andre “The Asian Sensation” Soukhamthath, the pride of #Woonsocket, defends his CES MMA World Bantamweight Championship in a rematch versus the always-dangerous Kin “Kong” Moy.
Soukhamthath, who won the title with a flying-knee knockout that most are calling the Knockout of the Year, looks to avenge his prior loss to Moy.
“I’ve always been a good fighter, but I’ve improved so much since my first fight with Kin. I’m on a whole ‘nother level right now, mentally and physically, and it’s going to be really hard for anyone to stop me. There’s no way I’m leaving Twin River Casino without that belt around my waist,” predicted Soukhamthath.
Moy, the #Boston fighter with eight impressive wins to his credit, wasn’t interested in a rematch with Soukhamthath, who he beat by unanimous decision in 2014, until CES MMA gold was on the line. When offered the title shot, Moy jumped at the opportunity to go two-up on his old foe Soukhamthath.
“I’ve never been able to claim a title, and I’ve been in this sport for a long time. But now to have the opportunity, especially with an organization like CES MMA, is an honor and an opportunity I couldn’t turn down,” said Moy, who’s riding high with back-to-back stoppage wins. “I’m going to keep this fight standing up, apply my pressure, hopefully leave with the championship and be the CES MMA champion for a long time.”
In the co-main event, #Hartford’s Matt “The Mangler” Bessette goes to war with #Gloucester’s Pedro Gonzalez for the vacant CES MMA World Featherweight Championship.
Bessette, a five-time CES MMA veteran, enters Fight Night looking for his 20th overall victory. While he doesn’t have trouble getting excited for bouts, the chance to fight for CES MMA gold admittedly has him extra pumped.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Pedro -- but I’m coming in there to take his head off. Fighting for this title is an amazing opportunity and I’m super pumped to do everything I can to have my hand raised and walk away with my world championship,” said Bessette, who’s finished his past four opponents.
Standing in his way is a fighter who needs no introduction. Gonzalez, an East Coast wrecking machine, needs no added incentive than fighting for the CES MMA World Featherweight Championship.
“I know Matt has been dying to strike with someone and he’s been knocking some people out. He knows I’m going to stand and bang with him -- we’ll see what happens,” stated Gonzalez, a winner of four straight who moonlights as a professional kickboxer. “It’s going to be amazing to have that belt wrapped around my waist. This is the biggest fight of my career -- the stakes have never been higher -- and I’m just ready to go.”
In the opening co-main event, #Providence knockout artist, Greg “Ribz” Rebello clashes with #Arizona’s Ashley “Gio” Gooch for the vacant CES MMA World Heavyweight Championship belt.
“Ribz,” riding high on back-to-back, jaw-dropping knockouts under the CES MMA banner, said the cage doors can’t lock soon enough at Twin River Casino.
“Ashley is going to have a great game plan and I can’t get wreckless out there, but he’s never fought anyone like me. I’m expecting another highlight-reel finish and the championship belt that I’ve been working towards for years” said the heavy fisted Rebello, a victor in four straight outings.
Entering the cage with seven straight stoppages, Gooch looks to continue his warpath in the heavyweight division.
“Greg isn’t a decision fighter and neither am I. But he’s never fought anyone of my caliber,” states Gooch, who trains out of Arizona’s MMA Lab and is a training partner of former UFC Lightweight Champion Benson Henderson. “The people of New England were so great when I made my debut at CES. I’m going to return the favor by putting on a show, winning this title -- and holding it for a long time.”