Written by Dane McGuire, IMMAF U.S. Correspondent Chicago’s José Torres is quite simply one of the best examples of the benefit of IMMAF experience. Torres entered into MMA’s professional ranks with Titan Fighting Championships in 2016 after winning a number of regional titles, two U.S (UMMAF) national titles in 2014-15, two gold medals at the IMMAF World Championships during that same two-year run, and after compiling a 25-1 amatuer record. The bantamweight (135-pounds) fighter now also fights at flyweight (125-pounds) for Titan FC, where he is currently a two-division champion with a perfect 7-0 professional record (4 KO/TKOs, 2 submissions). Torres improved to 7-0 at Titan FC 48 over the weekend with a first-round knockout of flyweight title challenger Alberto Orellano for his fourth overall successful title defense between the two weight classes.
The Florida-based organization, which is featured on the UFC’s Fight Pass streaming service, have sent many an alum to the UFC. This was supposed to be the case for ‘Shorty’ in 2017, but he required time to heal from a broken hand and torn MCL. Per a previous article, Torres revealed to The MMA Circus: “Sadly, I had a four-month layoff, so even though the UFC called me four times, I couldn’t take the opportunity that I believe I deserve. Now I really want to prove to myself, not just the UFC, that I’m back 100% and a much more improved ‘Shorty’. I’m excited to show why I’m the ‘champ-champ’ and why I deserve to be in the UFC.” The injuries healed and Torres put away his latest challenger in just under four minutes of a scheduled 25-minute bout. The timing now seems right for a hometown UFC debut. The UFC have hosted events in the Chicago area dating back to 2008’s UFC 90: Silva vs. Côté held in the village of Rosemont, Illinois at the Allstate Arena. The world leader in MMA has since made Chicago proper’s United Center venue an almost annual stop: UFC on Fox: Evans vs. Davis (2012,) Johnson vs. Dodson (2013,) Henderson vs. Thompson (2014,) Dillashaw vs. Barao 2 (2015,) Holm vs. Shevchenko (2016.) However, the event set for June 9, 2018 at the United Center will be the first pay-per-view for the city in just under a decade. Torres reacted via Twitter: “Hold on, did I just hear the @UFC is coming to my home city Chicago?!?! I haven’t fought there in over 5 years! Let me give my crowd what they want!!! Chi Town stand up and show this Shorty your support.” The U.S. MMA Federation (UMMAF) that Torres competed for is based in the city of St. Louis, Missouri, a rival city of Chicago in team sports. St. Louis is also scheduled to have its first-ever pay-per-view at a date to be determined according to UFC president Dana White following a successful event held on January 14. Torres shared his thoughts on his UMMAF-IMMAF experience with IMMAF.org last year, saying: “I have shown the MMA world from coaches, veterans and newcomers that the longer you stay amateur, the more you will be respected and better compete as a pro. I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the UMMAF and IMMAF and because of that, I thank them to the fullest and am happy to be an ambassador for this great sport!” ]]>Unreal combo from @ShortyTorres125!!! The champ remains on top! #TitanFC48pic.twitter.com/CuymtI7gMI
— UFC Fight Pass (@UFCFightPass) February 17, 2018
