Local star to make UFC debut
(Long Island, NY., May 25, 2017) – It was a special day for Jared “Flash” Gordon in February as he defended his CFFC featherweight belt and reportedly had been offered a UFC contract from UFC president Dana White.
While that dream hit a speed bump in what was supposed to his UFC debut on May 13 on UFC 211, Gordon now will make his UFC debut on June 25 in Oklahoma City on the UFC Fight Night 112 card. Gordon will take on Mike Quinones (8-1), who will also be making his UFC debut.
Hours before Gordon was scheduled to fight Quinones, the New York native came down with a bad case of food poisoning and had to be taken off the UFC 211 card.
After defeating Bill Algeo via unanimous decision, on February 18th, in front of a packed house at the Borgata Hotel Spa and Casino at the CFFC 63 card, the 28-year-old, who grew up on Long Island, met a lifelong dream that finally came through.
Dana White, who was in attendance for his hit YouTube show, “Dana White: Lookin’ for a Fight," was eager to find up-and-coming talent on the regional circuit.
With a gutsy and dominate performance, Gordon (12-1) officially signed a contract with the UFC organization and will make his debut in front of friends and family at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Gordon, who went to The Wheatley High School in Old Westbury, on Long Island, had been patiently waiting for this opportunity his whole life, but he treated it like any other fight.
“I felt a little sloppy at times, but I dominated all four rounds and made Algeo break in the first round. I did get caught in the first, but recovered well and took over,” said Gordon.
Gordon, who fights out of Astoria and trains out of Renzo Gracie Academy, didn’t let the usual nerves take over.
“I had a lot of nerves leading up to the fight, like I always do, "Gordon said. “ I was going in there like just like any other fight, with one thing on my mind, to win.”
With Dana White in attendance and Gordon so close to obtaining his dream, he couldn’t help but mention how big of a deal it was.
“Signing with the UFC is a huge dream of mine, and I seem to have accomplished it,” said Gordon. “I am very excited to make my debut, but I knew I was going to make it, it wasn’t if, it was when.”
He looks back on his time when he lived on Long Island and admits it has helped him transform into the person he is today.
“A lot of my friends are still there (Long Island), and it molded me into the person I am now,” said “Flash."
With the way his MMA career has gone thus far, Gordon’s confidence is humble yet confident.
“I’m coming to finish this fight,” said Gordon. “I know it’s my time."
MMA Long Island Magazine is published by MMA New York Media Corporation. For more information please visit www.mmalongislandmagazine.com or call (516) 318-2418.
Photo credit: CFFCMMA/MDphotoandlink
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