Massive Underdog Wins Belt: CFFC 135 Results Shake Up the Bantamweight Division!
In a night of stunning action and unforgettable moments, Cage Fury Fighting Championship (CFFC) 135 delivered a main event upset that will be talked about for years. Joey “El Cazador” Ruquet representing Futures MMA and Silverback Fight Team, entering the fight as a massive +700 underdog, defied all odds to win the vacant CFFC bantamweight championship. The event, held on this past Saturday, at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida, demonstrated once again the unpredictable and thrilling nature of MMA, where grit, heart, and preparation can upset the steepest odds.
A Clash of Styles: Ruquet vs. Shaykhaev
The headliner of CFFC 135 was a highly anticipated clash between Joey Ruquet’s high-level striking and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu versus Khuseyn Shaykhaev’s renowned Russian Wrestling. Shaykhaev, undefeated at 12-0, was the favorite to win, despite missing weight and being disqualified from claiming the title. The fight was more than just a battle for the belt—it was a classic clash of styles: Ruquet’s precision striking and Black Belt Brazilian Jiu Jitsu versus Shaykhaev’s elite wrestling and ground and pound.
In a shocking turn of events, Ruquet’s strategy of staying on his feet and preventing takedowns, and and scrambling back to his feet quickly when he did hit the mat, paid off. The outcome wasn’t just a testament to Ruquet’s physical abilities but also his tactical intelligence. By utilizing quick sprawls to neutralize Shaykhaev’s takedown attempts and firing off clean, calculated strikes, Ruquet gained the upper hand early. His devastating calf kicks and jabs chipped away at Shaykhaev’s endurance and movement, setting the tone for a well-thought out fight plan.
Joey Ruquet: The Underdog Rises
For Joey Ruquet, this win is a defining moment in his career. Entering the bout with a respectable but underappreciated 10-4 record, Ruquet was riding a three-fight win streak. However, most pundits believed that Shaykhaev’s undefeated record and strong wrestling background would overwhelm Ruquet. What they didn’t account for was Ruquet’s unwavering determination, sharpened skills, and strategic preparation.
Ruquet showcased near-flawless takedown defense, sprawls, and cage awareness to avoid Shaykhaev’s wrestling pressure. When he was taken down he was able to work his way back to his feet quickly without sustaining any damage. Ruquet’s sharp striking and fight IQ was key to his success. His use of calf kicks, jabs and head movement was particularly effective, taking away Shaykhaev’s ability to shoot effectively and making him swing wildly. The biggest take away was how Ruquet was able remained calm under pressure. Even when Shaykhaev closed in and attempted grappling exchanges, Ruquet stayed focused, controlling the pace and momentum of the fight.
Ruquet’s well-rounded skill set and mental fortitude proved to be the key factors in his stunning victory. The victory has catapulted him into the spotlight as a rising force in the bantamweight division.
Khuseyn Shaykhaev: The Beaten Favorite
Khuseyn Shaykhaev entered the fight with a perfect 12-0 record and a reputation as one of the most feared grapplers in the division. Despite missing weight and being ineligible for the belt, Shaykhaev was still expected to win the fight and maintain his unbeaten streak. His wrestling background had made him a dominant force in every fight up to this point, and many expected him to impose his will on Ruquet as well.
However, Shaykhaev faced unexpected challenges. Ruquet’s relentless striking and improved wrestling defense forced Shaykhaev to fight outside his comfort zone. While Shaykhaev had moments of success, particularly in the last rounds where he managed to clinch and attempt submissions, including a very slick Suloev Stretch he couldn’t capitalize on those moments to turn the tide. For the first time in his career, Shaykhaev found himself unable to dominate his opponent, and the frustration visibly showed.
This loss, his first as a professional, not only puts a dent in his undefeated record but also serves as a wake-up call. Shaykhaev’s debut on the U.S. stage didn’t go as planned, but many expect him to rebound and evolve from this setback.
CFFC 135 Results: Beyond the Main Event
While the bantamweight title fight between Ruquet and Shaykhaev stole the show, the rest of CFFC 135 featured an array of compelling matchups. Here are some of the notable results from the event:
Perry Stargel outlasted Hugh Pulley in a hard-fought battle, winning by unanimous decision. Stargel’s pace and superior striking carried him through the fight, earning him the victory on the scorecards.
Blake Smith narrowly edged Donald Bush in a highly competitive bout that went the distance. Smith’s technical striking and defense secured him the win on points.
Kendly St. Louis earned a split decision win over Collin Lubberts in a closely contested fight. The back-and-forth nature of the bout kept fans on the edge of their seats, with St. Louis doing just enough to edge out the victory.
For a full list of results from CFFC 135, visit the official CFFC website.
The Road Ahead: What’s Next for Joey Ruquet?
Now that Joey Ruquet is the CFFC bantamweight champion, the question on everyone’s mind is, what’s next for the newly crowned champion? After the fight, Ruquet wasted no time in expressing his ambitions to take his career to the next level. In a post-fight interview, he directly addressed UFC President Dana White, stating:
“I’ve got nothing else to prove. Give me a shot, and I’ll show I belong in the UFC.”
Ruquet’s callout was bold but justified. With the CFFC belt around his waist, he now finds himself as one of the hottest prospects in the bantamweight division. His victory over Shaykhaev, an undefeated fighter with a fearsome reputation, has significantly boosted his stock, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get the attention of top MMA promotions like the UFC, ONE FC or Bellator.
As for Shaykhaev, he will need to regroup and address the holes in his game. While his grappling remains world-class, this loss exposed some vulnerabilities in his striking and game planning. If Shaykhaev can make the necessary adjustments, there’s no doubt he can make a strong comeback.
A Night to Remember at CFFC 135
CFFC 135 will be remembered for Joey Ruquet’s incredible performance and for delivering one of the biggest upsets in recent MMA history. His victory over Khuseyn Shaykhaev is a testament to the unpredictable nature of the sport and serves as a reminder that anything can happen when two fighters step into the cage. Ruquet’s rise to the top is a story of perseverance, skill, and heart—qualities that define a true champion.
For more in-depth analysis and updates on Joey Ruquet’s next move, as well as other events from CFFC 135, stay tuned to CFFC.