The Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC) has established itself as a legitimate pathway to the UFC in recent years, and both Jasmine Jasudavicius and Elise Reed are aware of that opportunity.
Canadian fighter Jasudavicius (4-0) is aiming to extend her perfect record and claim her inaugural professional championship when she squares off against American competitor Reed (1-0) for the CFFC strawweight championship at CFFC 83, taking place Thursday evening in Philadelphia, PA.
At 31 years old, Jasudavicius has made it clear that capturing the championship belt is her sole focus, along with pondering the possibilities that could follow a successful title run through CFFC.
"My focus is entirely on the championship right now," Jasudavicius told MMA Empire. "All I can think about is that belt. I'm eager to step into the cage, put on a show, and execute my game plan."
"Earning that belt would be a tremendous achievement. I've noticed that the last two women who competed for this title ended up signing with the UFC, and I'm crossing my fingers that same path opens up for me."
Following an extensive amateur background, 27-year-old Reed stepped into professional competition with Bellator MMA in October, and now faces a chance to capture a championship in merely her second pro bout.
Reed expressed excitement about the chance and emphasized her intent to seize the moment the way she did during her amateur days.
"Obviously it's a massive opportunity, that's a given," Reed explained in a conversation with MMA Empire. "My coach and I began this journey together in 2013, and we've come so far since then. Both of us share a mentality — when an opportunity comes our way, we intend to make the most of it."
"Facing someone with her resume, especially for a title shot, it's genuinely difficult to turn down. This is a real go-big-or-go-home scenario."
Jasudavicius feeling at home
This marks Jasudavicius's consecutive appearance fighting under the CFFC banner, following her victory over Gabriella Gulfin earlier this year at CFFC 81.
According to Jasudavicius, her prior experience with CFFC provides her with added familiarity and a sense of comfort that she views as an edge.
"Since I've competed there before, it feels like a second home to me," Jasudavicius shared. "I know how they operate behind the scenes, and I believe that knowledge works in my favor."
"Even though it's not technically my hometown, I already feel like I belong there."
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced numerous gyms worldwide to make substantial adjustments to their operations, leaving many athletes scrambling to adapt their preparation methods.
However, Jasudavicius reported that she successfully maintained her training regimen throughout the pandemic alongside a select group of sparring partners, describing the circumstances as surprisingly beneficial.
"I'm incredibly grateful to have such a tight-knit crew that I've been able to train with consistently throughout all of this," Jasudavicius noted. "There are just four of us who have stayed connected, and they're fantastic training partners."
"I've actually found a way to make the best of the COVID situation. I've had the luxury of concentrating on my personal weaknesses and turning them into strengths. We don't have set drills focused on team-specific strategies; instead, I can dedicate myself to refining my individual approach, which has genuinely worked out in my favor."
Similar to numerous competitors globally since the onset of COVID-19, this will mark Jasudavicius's maiden experience fighting in front of an empty arena.
She admitted curiosity about how the atmosphere will feel and acknowledged the distinctive challenge it brings to her performance.
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