Aaron Jeffery was putting a lot of pressure on himself heading into his CFFC 93 fight against Collin Huckbody for the middleweight title.
Jeffery was looking to become the champ of a major regional promotion against a game opponent in Huckbody who got a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS), but turned it down as he felt he needed more time. Throughout the fight, the London, Ont., native used his grappling to control the fight and win a clear-cut decision.
Although he didn’t get the stoppage win, Jeffrey is pleased with his performance given all the hurdles he overcame to even make it to fight night.
“It was amazing, man. It was a super stressful fight camp with all the COVID restrictions and them trying to shut down the gym and us having to run underground practices,” Jeffrey said to MMA Empire.
“I had a couple of injuries, a battle with shingles. If I would’ve lost the fight, it would’ve seemed like nothing was worth it and I would’ve contemplated retirement. It was super important for me to come home with the belt. The title and fight had more eyes on it as well, as most of CFFC’s champions have gone on to the UFC.”
After the win, many began to say Jeffrey, 28, will be UFC-bound. However, the Canadian says it is hard right now due to the pandemic and the Las Vegas-based promotion only signing fighters on short notice.
With that, it makes it difficult for Jeffrey to obtain a work visa to get into the United States and fight.
“I hope so, I’m hearing things that the UFC roster is full and they aren’t signing new guys unless it is short notice. The short notice makes it difficult because of the work visa,” Jeffrey explained.
“If the UFC doesn’t sign me, I technically don’t have an employer to get me a work visa, and in a short notice fight, it’s very difficult to get a visa on a couple of weeks’ notice.”
Ultimately, in the end, whether it is UFC or not, Jeffrey knows his next fight will be in a big promotion. He knows he has put in his time on the regional scene and it is time to start making real money as a fighter.
“My manager is in talks with some of the matchmakers and we will see what is next. I feel like I shouldn’t have to go the Contender Series avenue again, if it is my only way to the UFC, then maybe,” Jeffrey said.
“But, we will see what other big promotions like Bellator or ONE Championship are saying. I’ve been fighting on the regional scene for what feels like forever so it is time to make some real money.”
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