Cervantes Steps in for Injured Gonzalez, Faces Bessette at CES MMA 37

An injury to Pedro Gonzalez has forced him off the CES MMA 37 card next month. As a result, Stephen Cervantes will fill in and take on Matt Bessette for the promotion’s vacant featherweight belt, which is one of three title fights on the card.

CES MMA 37 will be headlined by bantamweight champ Andre Soukhamthath defending against Kin Moy in a highly-anticipated rematch. Soukhamthath is coming off a sensational flying knee knockout in March is looking to not only retain his belt, but avenge a decision loss to Moy more than two years ago.

“I’ve always been a good fighter, but I’ve improved so much since my first fight with Kin,” Soukhamthath stated. “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.”

“I’ve never been able to claim a title, and I’ve been in this sport for a long time,” countered Moy. “But now to have the opportunity, especially with an organization like CES MMA, is an honor and an opportunity I couldn’t turn down. 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.”

The Bessette-Cervantes bout will serve as the evening’s co-feature while the vacant heavyweight title will find an owner when Greg Rebello knuckles up with Ashley Gooch.

Other bouts on the marquee will be a middleweight showdown between Pat McCrohan and Ruslan Melikov; a 135-pound scrap featuring Marquis Brewster and Timothy Wheeler; and Mak Kelleher will oppose Dylan Lockard in a featherweight matchup. Rounding out the main card will be a lightweight struggle between Devin Carrier and Connor Barry.

The Twin River Casino in Lincoln, R.I. will serve as the host location for CES MMA 37 on Aug. 12. AXS TV will televise the action live starting at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.