Exclusive Post-Fight Interview: Kenny Champion
Deep inside the walls of Plymouth Memorial Hall in the historic town of Plymouth, MA, 15 bouts and five title fights graced fans of the New England mixed martial arts. Beginning the main card of Cage Titans 40 was the first title fight of the night, Aaron Hughes vs. Kenny Champion for the vacant amateur featherweight title. The only vacant title put on the line at CTFC 40.
Quick Fight Breakdown
Hughes and Champion battled for five rounds. The opening round featured the most striking exchanges of any other. Both landed in the opening stanza, yet, Champion edged Hughes as he connected with more volume. Towards the end of the opening round, Hughes began to shoot for takedowns. Unfortunately for him, the takedowns failed to materialize.
This pattern continued throughout the fight. In rounds 2-4, Champion managed to get Hughes to the mat. On the mat, Hughes pinned Champion in the lockdown. From there Champion accepted the top position and found opportunities to strike when he could. The fifth round was largely the same, yet in the final moments of the fight, Hughes got Champions back. He nearly sunk in a rear-naked choke attempt before Champion reversed the position. Seconds later the amateur title bout concluded.
“I really wanted to adapt to every situation in the cage, whether it was standing up or went to the ground. But, I noticed when we got to the ground, I was a little bit stronger so I held position and tried to get a few strikes in there.”
Back to the Gym
Kenny Champion of Golden Falcon Gym earned the unanimous decision victory. His performance improves him to 4-3. He is also now the second active Golden Falcon Gym champion on the Cage Titans roster. Champion joins teammate and pro lightweight title holder, Dan Dubuque.
The future is bright for the newest amateur featherweight champion. For now, nothing is set in stone. His plan sees him back at the gym continuing to grow as a martial artist.
