For eight years, UFC middleweight Tim “The Barbarian” Boetsch (20-11 MMA, 11-10 UFC) has coached Jordan “F4J” Morales (6-2 MMA, 0-0 PACF).
Morales trains out of Barbarian Combat Sports in Sunbary, Pennsylvania. The 27-year-old will fight for the vacant PA Cage Fight bantamweight title at PACF 28 against Chris Piriz inside the Woodland’s Inn and Resort in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania April 15, 2017.
Eight bouts into his career, Morales is inspired by his coach and hopes to follow Boetsch into the UFC.
“It impacted my career a lot because I see what it takes to make it to the UFC.” Morales said. “I see the hard work and dedication, not just in the gym but as far as family to. It takes a lot and I’ve learned so much and still learning.”
Morales wants to make the same walk to the octagon that his coach has made 21 times throughout his career. With two stints with the UFC, Boetsch only lost one time outside of the promotion, competing against high level competition most of his career.
In his last bout, “F4J” captured the World Cagefighting Championships featherweight strap by defeating Ethan Goss by unanimous decision at WCC 17 Aug. 13, 2016. With the win, the re-entered the win column after losing a unanimous decision to fellow bantamweight Ricky Bandejas at CFFC 58 May 21, 2016.
With his upcoming bout against Piriz, Morales is hoping a win could be the start of his run to the UFC.
“I think the UFC doors could open, but it’s all on me and how I perform. My mind is on winning impressively,” Morales said. “The UFC likes fights, good fights, either a war or a knockout and that’s what I’m going to deliver.”
Piriz comes into the bout after losing a second-round TKO to Ahsan Abdullah at CFFC 62 Dec. 17, 2016. The fight snapped a two-fight win streak against Sergio da Silva and`Patrick White under the CFFC banner in 2016.
“Piriz has a good record,” Morales said. “Whenever you face someone with a winning record it’s always a great look for your career.”
Morales currently ranks as the No. 15 bantamweight in Pennsylvania. His possible journey to the UFC continues when he competes for the PACF belt.
For Morales, his expectations for his career stretch far beyond winning his second professional title.
“It’s nice and looks good to stack up these belts, but my main focus is to have a UFC belt strapped around my waist one day,” Morales said. “As far as ranking in my eyes and my family I’m always on top and I’ll keep proving that by winning.”
By NJ MMA News Staff