Joe Lowry plans to hit his opponent no matter what.
In the lead up to Mike Pope’s first title defense against Lowry (5-0 MMA, 5-0 CFFC) at Cage Fury Fighting Championships 65, Pope (7-2 MMA, 2-1 CFFC) told NJ MMA News that some people criticized him for ducking Lowry in the past.
Pope denied the claims and said the only reason he did not face Lowry at CFFC 63 Feb. 18, 2017 is because he wanted to be with his family.
“I don’t know where this whole ‘Mike was ducking Lowry’ came from, who ever put that out is completely wrong,” Pope told NJ MMA News May 8, 2017. “If you go back to social media, I said I was taking the Borgata card off, my kids deserved to have me over the holidays.”
Instead of facing Pope at CFFC 63, Lowry made the most of his opportunity to fight by finishing Daisuke Yamaji via TKO in the second round. It is the reason he earned a shot against the champion.
For Lowry, he is not interested who said what before the fight.
“About (Mike) Pope being scared,” Lowry said. “I don’t care if he is or if he isn’t, he is gonna get hit regardless.”
Lowry never shies away from a fight, remaining undefeated throughout his career. Lowry’s win over Yamaji capped a successful 2016 campaign, but the year kicked off when he faced current Ring of Combat Lightweight Champion Bradley Desir July 9, 2016.
In a gritty performance at CFFC 59, Lowry earned a unanimous decision against Desir. Lowry’s last two victories showcase the type of fighter he is, hardworking and durable.
After a hard fought bout against Yamaji, Lowry finished with a cut under his right eye. Most importantly, his hand raised in the air.
A Philadelphia, Pennsylvania native, Lowry exemplifies the persona of being a ‘Philly fighter,’ bringing a ‘Rocky esque’ attitude to the cage.
It is something that separates Philadelphia fighters from anyone else according to Lowry.
“What makes us different is that we aren’t afraid to get bloody,” Lowry said. “That’s what we love as long as were bleeding for something worth fighting for.”
After Pope won his strap by putting away Mike Wilkins via a first-round guillotine choke at CFFC 62 on Dec. 17, 2017, he posed with title at famous Rocky steps in front of the Philadelphia Art Museum.
A win here, Lowry could take an identical photo in his hometown.
“Were just a tough town that loves to fight,” Lowry said. “We have each others backs when somebody comes to our neighborhood.”
By NJ MMA News