This Friday Night: DJ Fuentes vs Javier Obregon

STFC 25

STFC Featherweight Championship – DJ Fuentes vs Javier Obregon

Danny Salinas vs Jorge Cortez

Javier Rendon vs Joel Castillo

Abram Torres vs Donnie Bell

Clemente Menguito vs David Salazar

Jose Serna vs Derek Perkins

Joey Soto vs Emanuel Garza

Roman Hernandez vs George Powery

Eduardo Bustillos vs Manny Soria

The last time we saw DJ Fuentes (8-7) in the STFC was way back in the Summer of 2011. Fuentes, the reigning STFC featherweight champion, successfully defended his title against Randy Villarreal at STFC 16 (August 12, 2011). A few months later, he fought against Nick “The Ghost” Gonzalez in what was generally considered the fight of the night at UWF 1 (November 26, 2011).

After being away for so long, Fuentes was set to return to the organization against Brownsville’s Luis Vega. Unfortunately, a rib injury forced Vega out of the bout. Travis Lutter BJJ’s Javier Obregon got the call and will now fight DJ Fuentes for the STFC featherweight crown.

This fight with Obregon will be Fuentes’ forth title fight inside the promotion. His first clash for the title was against James King at STFC 4 (November 1, 2008). After five rounds, Fuentes was awarded the championship via unanimous decision (50-45, 49-46, 48-47). In his next STFC fight, Fuentes suffered a non-title submission loss to Adam Schinder at STFC 9 (November 13, 2009).

He bounced back in a title defense at STFC 11 (May 28, 2010) against current UFC star Erik “Goyito” Perez. Fuentes showcased both his striking and submission skills in the fight against Goyito. He badly hurt Goyito at one point with his striking but it was an armbar from the bottom that forced the Monterrey sensation to tap out. At the time, that was solid and fine win for Fuentes. In hindsight, it’s the best win of Fuentes’ career. His third title fight was against the aforementioned Villarreal at STFC 16.

The biggest fight of Obregon’s career was a Bellator prelim against Hunter Tucker at Bellator 86 (January 24, 2013). After losing to Tucker, Obregon got back in the winning column by defeating Douglas Frey on March 2, 2013.

It’s been a long journey for Fuentes and it’s great to see him return after being away for so long. This fight against Obregon will give us an idea of what he still brings to the table. For Obregon, a win over Fuentes insures future STFC dates and the first championship of his MMA career

STFC 25 will take place on May 24, 2013 at the McAllen Convention Center. Tickets are available from your favorite STFC fighters and at http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0C004A8F8AC777D5#!.

Eduardo Martinez is a regional music aficionado, combat sports enthusiast and chronicler of the local music scene. He is the writer for the Pharr From Heaven, the Regional Ramblings column in the Festiva (The Monitor newspaper) and The Gotch Special blogs. He can be reached at ragingnoodles@hotmail.com.