CFFC Spotlight: Champion Greg Soto

Atlantic City, NJ – When Greg Soto defends his CFFC welterweight title this Saturday, April 14^th, 2012 at the Borgata Hotel Casino and Spa, he will go in with the utmost confidence.   The son of a decorated war veteran, Soto disposed of former CFFC champion, Chip Pollard in December of 2011 via a triangle choke in the second round.  Soto will defend his title for the first time and had a chance to reflect on how he got to this point in his career.

“I started wrestling and doing judo at seven years old,” said Soto.  “Then I began training with Kurt Pellegrino at age 15, but I didn't get serious about BJJ until 18.  Around that time, I started training MMA and fighting.   I hold a brown belt in BJJ, and 15 years of wrestling.  I've trained in Thailand and plan on going back to further my knowledge of Muay Thai.”

Although Soto is a UFC veteran, he feels his toughest fight happened before he got to the big stage.  “Fighting Ray Steinbeiss in North Dakota was really difficult,” recalled Soto.  “We fought on an Indian reservation in the middle of nowhere.  The travel was hard on my body and the weight cut was really difficult because of the facilities.  I had a terrible training camp, but I came out on top and getting the “W” is all that matters.”

Right now, Soto has a target on his back as he holds the CFFC welterweight title.  “It means that I'm the most elite fighter at my weight on the east coast, I welcome all challengers,” said Soto.  “CFFC is an outstanding organization and I'm proud to be their champion.”

The one person standing in front of him is his former teammate, George Sullivan.  When talking about his opponent on Saturday night, he didn’t go into their past relationship.  “He's a big strong guy and a kickboxer,” said Soto of Sullivan.  “But it’s nothing I haven't dealt with before.  I’ll take the center of the ring, dictate where the fight goes, the pace, and finish by any means at my disposal.”

If all goes as he plans, Soto retains his title and will see if he can take the next step in his career. 
“I’ll get back to my rightful spot in the UFC fighting at the international level,” said Soto.  “I've been there before, I've proven I belong by winning and I will return.”

Here is the full card:*

CFFC Welterweight Title:

Greg Soto vs. George Sullivan

CFFC Flyweight Title:

Sean Santella vs. Tuan Pham

CFFC Bantamweight Title:

Aljamain Sterling vs. Casey Johnson

Main Card:

Evan Chmielski vs. Artur Rofi
Kyle Cerminara vs. Jeremy Shifflett

Erik Purcell vs. Daniel Holmes
Raphael Chavez vs. Brian Kelleher
Mike Medrano vs. Matt Nice
Ozzy Dugulubgov vs. Brian Nielson
Michael Wilcox vs. Shedrick Goodridge
Anthony Craparo vs. Travis Wynn

Jonavin Webb vs. Robert Gittens
*Card subject to change.