Former CFFC NextGen champion Luke Fernandez plans to catch the eye with a spectacular showing at CFFC 120 in Atlantic City.
The event, which takes place at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on Friday, June 16, will feature the return of the former amateur champ, who made a successful start to his professional career at CFFC 117 in March.
Fernandez defeated Derik Overstreet via first-round TKO to get his career off and running as he made an impressive start to life as a pro.
“It kind of went exactly how we thought it would,” Fernandez told CFFC.tv.
“I knew certain things that he was good at to watch for, like the clinch against the cage and stuff, but I work a lot of cage wrestling, so I wasn’t too worried about it. I knew it would end up there, probably, but I was just happy that we were able to get it to our feet and just let the hands go. I wish I could have thrown hands a little cleaner, but I got excited once I caught him a few times and kind of just tried to put an exclamation point on the finish.”
Fernandez isn’t resting on his laurels after that victory. He had originally planned to step back for some R&R, but was soon given the opportunity to make a quick turnaround and compete on June 16. It was a chance he couldn’t pass up.
“I really wanted to take time off, but Dante (Rivera, his coach) told me right away that there’s rumors of a June card and stuff like that, so I was back the following Monday in the gym and kind of just went back to work,” Fernandez said.
“I allowed myself to have like a night or two to hang out with some friends, but other than that, it was straight back to business. I wanted to be on the last card that was in Atlantic City, but there was a health issue, so this time, I definitely needed to be on it.”
Fernandez will take on fellow 1-0 pro Jesse Romans in a light heavyweight matchup as the opening bout of the main card.
“I give him all the respect for taking the fight,” Fernandez said.
“There was a little bit of time where we didn’t know if we’re going to get an opponent, so he stepped in, and we’re very fortunate for that. I respect that. Game-wise, I mean, I would say he’s got some similarities to my last opponent. I would say just a little less clean, but I don’t take anyone lightly.
“I figured that he’s probably grown since his last fight, and I prepared like I’m going for a world title, myself, so I just focused on getting better. Obviously, I watch film and stuff, so I’ve got some things I’m looking at and working towards, but I’m more concerned about my game and making sure that I’m at the peak for the right time, and then I’ll just get the job done for sure.”
Fernandez may only be 1-0 as a professional, but he has his sights set on the very top of the sport. But for now, he’s just looking to cut his teeth as a pro, establish himself and put himself in line for a possible title shot at 205 pounds.
“There’s always talk as to what could possibly happen next, but right now, I’m focused on June 16,” Fernandez said.
“I mean, there’s no one holding a CFFC belt at light heavyweight, so if that was in the near future, that would be cool. Otherwise, it’s just going to be June 16, trying to get on a UFC Fight Pass highlight again. That’s really the goal.
“Just prepare for fireworks on June 16. I’m excited for the home crowd, and I’m planning to put on a show.”
