The former Cage Fury Fighting Championships Featherweight Champion Jared Gordon (12-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) will make his UFC debut against Michael “El Capo” Quinones (8-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC) at UFC 211 inside the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas May 13, 2017.
On march 15, 2017, Gordon signed with the UFC. It all started when UFC President Dana White attended CFFC 63 to film an episode for his UFC Fight Pass show “Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight,” Feb. 18, 2017.
After defeating Bill Algeo by unanimous decision to defend his title at CFFC strap, Gordon shook hands with White Feb. 18, 2017.
The UFC is the promotion where Gordon knows he should be fighting for.
“It’s a bit surreal, but I know I belong in the UFC. That’s why Dana called me flat after the Algeo fight and when he signed me,” Gordon said. “I already knew it was going to happen.”
Gordon won his CFFC belt by knocking out Anthony Morrison via head kick in the opening round of their CFFC 59 main event July 9, 2016. In his next bout, the Brooklyn, New York native stepped up to lightweight on late notice, meeting Dawond Pickney at CFFC 60 Aug. 8, 2016.
The champion submitted Pickney by a second-round rear-naked choke.
The 28-year-old’s last defeat came May 9, 2015. The doctor stopped the fight after Gordon suffered a cut above his eye against Jeff Lentz.
Lentz went on to earn the third-round TKO stoppage, handing Gordon his first and only professional defeat.
As of February, Gordon ranked as the No. 15 featherweight outside of the UFC according to MMA Sun. What seemed as a likely possibility last month, is now a reality.
“It was great to hear that come from Dana. I must have got a point across,” Gordon said. “It feels good, I have ‘accomplished’ a part of my goal.”
His opponent is making his UFC debut as well. Quinones is riding a five-fight win streak, finishing four of those bouts.
Quinones only defeat came by unanimous decision against Brandon Girtz at Balltor MMA 180 Nov. 9, 2012.
At the end of the day, Gordon is looking forward to his first test inside the octagon.
“I know I’m going to blow through the competition early,” Gordon said. “I have a lot to learn, but I know its my time.
