The next CES MMA event will be taking place on August 12 and the card will be headlined by three title fights including Andre Soukhamthath defending the CES MMA bantamweight tite against Kin Moy.
The other two title fights on the CES MMA 37 card will both be vacant title fights in the featherweight and heavyweight divisions as Matt Bessette will face Pedro Gonzalez for the featherweight title and Greg Rebello meets Ashley Gooch for the heavyweight title.
CES MMA 37 will come from the Twin River Casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island and the main card will be shown live on AXS TV on August 12 beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
Soukhamthath (10-3) won the vacant CES MMA bantamweight title earlier this year with a flying knee knockout against Kody Nordy at CES MMA 33. This will be his second fight against Moy, who defeated him by decision in early 2014 at CES MMA 21.
“I’ve always been a good fighter, but I’ve improved so much since my first fight with Kin,” Soukhamthath stated in the CES MMA press release announcing this event. “I’m on a whole ‘nother level right now, mentally and physically, and it’s going to be really hard for anyone to stop me. There’s no way I’m leaving Twin River Casino without that belt around my waist.”
Moy (8-2) has won back to back fights and both of those fights came in Bellator. Both of those wins came by submission in the third round and his most recent win came in October at Bellator 144 as he used a rear-naked choke to defeat Walter Smith-Cotito.
“I’ve never been able to claim a title, and I’ve been in this sport for a long time. But now to have the opportunity, especially with an organization like CES MMA, is an honor and an opportunity I couldn’t turn down,” said Moy. “I’m going to keep this fight standing up, apply my pressure, hopefully leave with the championship and be the CES MMA champion for a long time.”
Bessette (19-7) is currently on a four fight winning streak and three of those four wins have come by submission in the opening round. His most recent win came earlier this month at CES MMA 36 as he stopped Ran Weathers with a guillotine choke with ten seconds left in the first round.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Pedro — but I’m coming in there to take his head off,” Bessette stated. “Fighting for this title is an amazing opportunity and I’m super pumped to do everything I can to have my hand raised and walk away with my world championship.”
Gonzalez (11-5) is also on a four fight winning streak and is coming off a submission win in April against Andres Jeudi at CES MMA 35. During his winning streak, all of the wins have come by submission and ten of his eleven victories are by submission.
“I know Matt has been dying to strike with someone and he’s been knocking some people out,” Gonzalez stated. “He knows I’m going to stand and bang with him — we’ll see what happens. It’s going to be amazing to have that belt wrapped around my waist. This is the biggest fight of my career — the stakes have never been higher — and I’m just ready to go.”
Rebello (20-6) will enter this event on a four fight winning streak and is 7-2 in his last nine fights. His last three wins have come by TKO/KO and the most recent victory came against Keith Bell at CES MMA 33 in March.
“Ashley is going to have a great game plan and I can’t get wreck less out there, but he’s never fought anyone like me,” Rebello said. “I’m expecting another highlight-reel finish and the championship belt that I’ve been working towards for years.”
Gooch (9-4) won his CES MMA debut in January as he defeated Josh Diekmann by submission in the first round. It was his seventh straight victory and eight of his nine victories have come by stoppage.
“Greg isn’t a decision fighter and neither am I. But he’s never fought anyone of my caliber,” said Gooch. “The people of New England were so great when I made my debut at CES. I’m going to return the favor by putting on a show, winning this title — and holding it for a long time.”
More information on CES MMA 37 will be released in the coming weeks and the current fight card is below.
Andre Soukhamthath (10-3) vs. Kin Moy (8-2)
Matt Bessette (19-7) vs. Pedro Gonzalez (11-5)
Greg Rebello (20-6) vs. Ashley Gooch (9-4)