Championship Fighting Alliance 12 Date: October 12, 2013 Arena: BankUnited Center City: Coral Gables, FL Featherweight bout: Torrance Taylor (+125) vs Yosdenis Cedeno (-165) Fight Breakdown: CFA 12 will feature a scrap for the promotions vacant lightweight title when Ohio’s Torrance Taylor faces off against the Cuban Yosdenis Cedeno. Taylor is currently the slight underdog heading into this bout at +125 ($100 to win $125), while Yosdenis is a small favorite at -165 ($165 to win $100) at Several Bookmakerss. TORRANCE TAYLOR (13-7-1 MMA, 0-0 CFA) is making his promotional debut with a titleshot and he plans to make the most of it. Riding a five fight win streak that includes three TKO finishes, Taylor will be looking to make a statement against Cedeno, as he tries to make it six in a row. He doesn’t hold any victories over anyone noteworthy in his recent streak, and Cedeno will be his toughest test in a while. He is a strong and effective unorthodox striker who throws power behind every limb; kicks, knees, elbows, punches, you name it, he delivers. His kicks are very solid and he has some decent boxing skills. He works takedowns well and does damage in the ground and pound. Training out of the Rising Dragon Fight Team in Cleveland, OH, Taylor is well-conditioned and will be ready for a five round war against the Cuban. YOSDENIS CEDENO (8-2 MMA, 4-0 CFA) is riding an impressive five fight win streak that includes three knockout finishes, and the last four of said victories have come inside the CFA cage. Cedeno is a very tough fighter with a good chin and solid striking defense. He moves well on the feet, uses good footwork, and has decent takedown defense. When taken down, he is good at quickly finding his way back up to his feet. He is not a very aggressive fighter. He looks for his opportunities, rather than being wild and careless. He throws power and it’s fun to watch him fight, but he does not care if his fight is boring, as long as his hand gets raised. This will be the first five round fight of his professional mixed martial arts career, and I think he will be at a cardio disadvantage heading into it. Fight Prediction: This will be a fun fight to watch, for however long it lasts. I expect it to mostly take place on the feet, with both fighters having their moments, but Cedeno ultimately getting the W. Gabe’s Pick: Yosdenis Cedeno by TKO (strikes, 4:31 round 1) Gabe’s Recommended Play: Yosdenis Cedeno -165, small to moderate.
