UFC Fight Pass. 23-year-old Torres (professional record 2-0) takes his place in the co-main event where he challenges for the vacant Interim Flyweight Championship, against Florida’s own Abdiel Velazquez. Torres became the first 0-0 professional to join the ranks of Titan FC following his global dominance and a second consecutive IMMAF World Championship in 2015, marking the conclusion of his tremendous Amateur run. Holding an unprecedented 25-1 Amateur record, and often competing as the smaller man at 135lbs, it’s no secret that the experience gained from “Shorty’s” Amateur exploits has enabled him to waste little time in establishing himself as a notable professional. Torres made history as the first man to win back-to-back IMMAF World titles in 2014 and 2015, in addition to the UMMAF National Championships where victory saw him qualify for IMMAF’s world stage. Representing his home town of Cicero, Illinois, the Combat Do and Team USA alumni was invited to join the growing stable of Bahrain’s KHK MMA team alongside the likes of Frankie Edgar, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and IMMAF featherweight champion Frans Mlambo. Prior to his second professional bout, Torres made his way to the world famous Jackson-Winkeljohn MMA Academy in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he trained with top standouts of MMA’s lighter weight divisions such as John Dodson, Damacio Page, and Sergio Pettis. Torres spoke to CombatPress.com ahead of Firday’s championship bout: “I started my training camp in Chicago,” he explained. “I went to Johny Hendricks’ camp, getting my diet right and trained down there for two weeks. Then I went to Las Vegas for a week. Now, I am out training with Cub Swanson, who is a great training partner when it comes to preparing for Velasquez because they have a similar style.” Torres spoke to IMMAF.org in January where he discussed the move to team with popular nutritionist Lou Giordano, whose expert knowledge helped to perfect his nutritional preparations with a healthy weight management lifestyle, reducing the need for taxing weight cuts as he made it down to 135lbs, and now to 125lbs. Torres shared insight with CombatPress.com of a five-year plan to become a top UFC contender: “I feel like I handle myself really well,” he explained. “Before I even turned pro, I helped some of the flyweights in the UFC prepare. “I hope, after this fight, I get a call to fight in the UFC,” he declared. “But I’m only 23 years old, so I am still young. If I get called, I get called. If not, no worries. Inevitably I will get called. “In five years, I want to be a top UFC contender.”]]>
The eve of Jose Torres' first professional championship bout
