Travis Lizotte "Full Contact Writer"
A star was born tonight in Park City, Kansas as 26 year old Wrenthan, Massachusetts native Fabio "Water Buffalo" Cherant (7-1) stood toe to toe with combat sports veteran Myron Dennis (18-8) and picked him apart for the better part of their 25 minute Light-Heavyweight title bout at LFA 99. Cherant had all the answers to Dennis' striking game, counterstriking the former Glory Kickboxer as well as outpointing him in grappling exchanges en route to a decisive Unanimous Decision victory on all three judges scorecards. Cherant looked excellent landing the majority of significant strikes, while bloodying up the always tough Dennis as damage continued to pile up round by round it became imminent that Friday night belonged to the young Cherant.
In his post fight interview with UFC veteran and LFA Commentator Alan Jouban, Cherant explained that winning this fight "means so much more (than just the Belt)" as Cherant had to battle through some tough adversity in the weeks leading up to his first career title fight, Fabio's mother passed away just three short weeks ago. Fabio wore his emotions on his sleeve as the LFA Light-Heavyweight belt was strapped around his waist he collapsed in the center of the LFA Octagon overcome by the gravity of the moment.
With the biggest win of his career under his shiny new LFA belt, Cherant made no bones about his intent to crack the UFC roster sooner, rather than later. Now 7-1 and riding an impressive three fight winning streak and with a belt from the top regional promotion in the country; Cherant has built himself a solid resume and could very well have put himself back on top of UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby's call list. We reached out to Cherant's coach Loco Lobo; Lee Gresh following the fight to get an idea of how proud he was of Fabio's performance to which he replied "Very Much (proud of Cherant) but we have work to do...."
Regardless of the work still to be done, Cherant showed that he is really maturing as a Mixed Martial Artist over his last couple bouts and I would not be surprised if tonight's performance earned him a shot with the UFC. Whether that shot comes from being signed outright, or returning for another appearance on the Contender Series, I believe that Cherant will indeed make his UFC debut in 2021 and very well may be one of the brightest stars coming from this "new crop" of New England Fighters. Congratulations to the New LFA Light-Heavyweight World Champion, New England's own; Fabio "Water Buffalo" Cherant!
Comentários