Issue 166
April 2018
The first defense of Ricky Bandejas’ Cage Fury Fighting Championships bantamweight title against Nick Mamalis was a breakout display for one of New Jersey’s best young talents. He imposed his game plan early, survived some adversity in the second round, then stepped on the gas as the fight moved into the championship rounds.
RÉSUMÉ
From: Brick, New Jersey,
Division: 135lb,
Team: Nick Catone MMA & Fitness,
Record: 12-3-0.
A crisp left hook and right cross landed flush in the fourth to floor the Bellator veteran in round four and elevate Bandejas’ record to 10-1. It was a convincing win that could be the final piece of the puzzle before making the next step.
If there was one thing missing from his career slate so far, it was an emphatic win over someone with experience. Now he has it, the matchmaking team at the highest level may look more closely at bringing him into the Octagon.
“It definitely helps, especially if you can get the finish,” says Bandejas. “He’s been fighting around, against a lot of guys who were in the UFC, so a win over someone like that will definitely enhance your résumé.
“It definitely feels good that you can go to the later rounds and instead of getting tired you’re able to come up and get the finish. When the punches landed, it didn’t feel like much, but when he went down, it felt good to get the win over someone with over 40 fights.
His background is also another big reason why heads are likely to be turned by the 26-year-old.
Not only has he earned his stripes in one of the best platforms for new talent in the Northeastern United States, he hones his craft under the tutelage of Nick Catone, who runs one of the most respected gyms in New Jersey.
Bandejas is confident that the guidance of the Ricardo Almeida BJJ black belt and five-year UFC veteran is a key reason behind his progression so far, and why he’s on the right track to make it to the Octagon, too. ‘The Jersey Devil’ also started out fighting in Atlantic City shows before making it to the top tier.
“It definitely helps,” says Bandejas.
“He’s been around the sport for a very long time and had his fair share of UFC fights, so he knows what it takes to get there. I just follow his guidelines and see if I can get to the big show.”
There’s also the list of elite athletes who have passed through the gym. Having men like Frankie Edgar, Eddie Alvarez and Edson Barboza around on the mat has given Bandejas even more of a boost to keep his head down and put in the work required to continue to develop, fulfil his potential and reach the heights expected of him.
“It means a lot,” he says. “They’re in the top tier of the UFC. Seeing what they do, taking notes on what they do, seeing how hard they work, it motivates you to keep working, so definitely a big plus for my career.”
While Bandejas doesn’t want to sell himself short by aiming to go anywhere else after CFFC other than the Octagon, he maintains his title success is “just another step” in his journey to compete amongst the best in the world. He has his feet firmly on the ground and doesn’t automatically assume he has the right to compete with them yet.
However, he does believe he’s ready and is prepared to jump at the right opportunity. And that could be the UFC’s first visit to Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall in almost four years for UFC Fight Night 128.
“It’s in AC where I’ve had all my fights. I’m from the same town, so it’ll be crazy if I don’t get on there!”
Once he is there, the man from Brick believes it won’t take him long before he walks amidst the planet’s elite fighters. Within 12 months, he reckons he can make his mark and rise rapidly.
“I would love to be in the UFC top 15,” he says, confidently. “In one year, yes! Once I get in…”
MORE TO WATCH:
SENZO IKEDA
Born: Japan,
Division: 125lb.
Not your usual prospect, as the flyweight King of Pancrase is at an advanced age for MMA, but one of the elder statesmen of Saitama’s FREEDOM@OZ gym deserves some love after his heroic five-round war of a title defense against Yuya Wakamatsu at Pancrase 293. He wants a UFC spot and deserves it for that alone.
LOMA LOOKBOONMEE
Born: Thailand,
Division: 105lb.
She may only have one pro MMA fight, but this young woman has come to the cage off the back of more than 300 Muay Thai bouts. She incorporated those striking skills in the cage beautifully at Invicta 27 and showed off tidy grappling too, honed with the team at Tiger Muay Thai – home to Valentina Shevchenko.
ANTHONY HERNANDEZ
Born: USA,
Division: 185lb.
Another middleweight title winner in the Legacy Fighting Alliance who seems destined for the Octagon. The previous two champions (Eryk Anders and Markus Perez) made an immediate jump into the UFC. At just 6-0 with one LFA fight, ‘Fluffy’ may gain a bit more experience before he makes the move.
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