At Cage Fury Fighting Championships 65, Joe Lowry made quick work of Mike Pope in front of a hometown crowd at 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Saturday, May 20. 2016.
Lowry finished the former champion with a first-round knockout to win the first professional title of his career.
The 27-year-old still remains undefeated inside the CFFC cage, fighting all six of his bouts for the promotion.
The lightweight made his way to the cage in front of his home crowd, making the same walk that fighters like UFC Lightweights Paul Felder and Darrel Horcher made throughout their careers.
Even though the crowd supported Lowry as he faced Pope, who hailed from Jacksonville, Florida, he tried to stay calm.
“It is a adrenaline rush, but I need to control that adrenaline rush,” Pope said. “I love it though, having my family and fans there. I get pumped up in there, but I try to stay patient and stay focused.”
Staying patient was not a problem for Lowry in this bout as he caught the champion early in the opening round. He is the third fighter to finish Pope inside the cage.
The only other opponent who finished Pope by TKO/KO is Joe Holt who earned the victory at Gladiators of the Cage 21 June 4, 2016.
Coming into the bout, Pope ranked as the No. 10 lightweight in Pennsylvania according to Tapology. After the bout came to a close and Lowry had the belt wrapped around his waist, he told Pope to keep his head up.
“I don’t want to take anything from him, he is great fighter,” Lowry said. “He got here, he won the belt and I respect every opponent I go up against.”
As Lowry made his way backstage with his strap, the lightweight’s mind focused on the future and possibility of making the UFC roster one day. A pro fighter since Feb. 22, 2014, Lowry is still young in his career.
With six straight wins and a CFFC title, Lowry is well on his way to achieving his goal.
“UFC is the big show now,” Lowry said. “I want to get on there and show what I got. I want to fight the top guys, win belts and make money while doing it.”
By Connor Northrup