CFFC 150 hits Philadelphia loaded with bad intentions. This card is stacked with finishers, title fights, and undefeated prospects who don’t get paid by the hour. From global talent chasing UFC dreams to rising Americans defending their ground on home soil, expect relentless pressure, early violence, and performances that demand attention.
Busurman Zhumagul
4-0-0, Welterweight, Kyrgyzstan
If you’re into insane measurables and quick finishes, look no further than Busurman “Bushido” Zhumagul. Born in Kyrgyzstan and fighting out of New Jersey, Zhumagul stands a staggering 6’4″ in the Welterweight division. Since making his amateur debut back in March 2023, it’s been a quick rise for Zhumagul to the top of the CFFC ranks. Now he attempts his first challenge for the title against 7-2 American Daniel Morrison.
Feared for good reason, Zhumagul has finished every professional fight in the first round; most notably at CFFC 142, knocking out Dean Sherry in Round 1 with a disgusting clinch knee. “Bushido” is a massive threat on the feet, mixing up targets, landing nasty elbows in the pocket, and throwing whipping low leg kicks; though his elite tools become apparent when Zhumagul takes the fight to the ground. Whether it’s singles or doubles, “Bushido” has seamless timing on his entries, quickly using his length to wrap the opposition up like a blanket. Zhumagul’s strength on the squeeze of his submissions looks almost effortless, forcing opponents to tap in a matter of seconds once Busurman applies his chokes.
It’ll be an uphill battle for Daniel Morrison this Saturday in the Main Event of CFFC 150. Expect Busurman Zhumagul to find another round one finish, becoming the Welterweight champion, with the UFC on the horizon.
Nikita Leshukov
8-0-0, Lightweight, France
Born in Moldova and representing France, Nikita “The Gorilla” Leshukov makes his United States debut after bouncing around various promotions across Europe. Leshukov found a home at France’s King of Fighters, going on a three-fight win streak, capturing the KOF Lightweight title to close out a successful run on the European regional scene. Now, Leshukov’s goal for a UFC contract is clear as the undefeated fighter arrives in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to compete for a vacant championship after Angel Alvarez missed weight in his win over incumbent champion Jesse Roberts.
“The Gorilla” has a deep bag of tricks and is well-rounded across all facets of the game. Leshukov’s eight victories come across four knockouts, two submissions, and two decisions. Opponents facing Leshukov will have to pick their poison: entertaining the lightweight on the feet feels like a mistake, the 5’11” striker throws a beautiful spinning kick, putting the lights out of his first two professional opponents in the first round. On the ground, Leshukov is a similar force, landing powerful double leg takedowns and outmuscling opponents into dominant position. He often finds nasty ground and pound finishes via elbows and punches.
Leshnukov will enter enemy territory, fighting the streaking American and former IMMAF Champion and LFA Veteran, William Starks. This bout should serve as a measuring stick for how bright Leshukov’s star will shine.
Arisa Matsuda
7-0-0, Strawweight, Japan
No stranger to adversity, Japanese Strawweight Arisa Matsuda has been defying all odds since starting her mixed martial arts career. Most recently, Matsuda entered the biggest stage of her career, coming in as a significant underdog on this past season of RTU and ultimately scoring a split decision victory; though Matsuda’s story runs much deeper than inside the cage. Before making her debut in mixed martial arts, Matsuda had a successful five-year baseball career. Playing for Kyoto Flora as an outfielder from 2013-2017, batting an impressive .274 with only 31 strikeouts over 478 at-bats.
Following an early retirement from baseball, Matsuda has made a seamless transition over to mixed martial arts, holding an undefeated record over six professional fights. On her feet, Matsuda is a treat for any MMA fan to watch; she’s got excellent boxing and movement, most of the time holding a speed advantage against her opponents. While her grappling is still developing, Matsuda is an absolute crusher in top position, finishing two opponents by ground and pound during her time at DEEP. There’s a slight concern when watching Matsuda, most glaring in her split decision victory against Machi Fukuda, struggling to get off the side of the cage against a chain wrestling opponent. Though most recently, Matsuda looked much improved in her fight with Xiaocan Feng, using her offensive grappling to control the pace and scoring with ground control and strikes from dominant position.
For Arisa Matsuda, every fight is the biggest fight of her life, and this time, she’ll be getting the best opponent of her life in the 8-1-0 Ayan Tursyn. This bout likely should’ve been a Contender Series fight and will absolutely be a super high-level WMMA fight with high stakes on the line.
Damien Anderson
4-0-0, Bantamweight, United States
One of the best MMA prospects in the United States right now, Damien “Demon Hands” Anderson takes the octagon searching to extend his undefeated record. Fighting out of Dallas, Texas, the former Fury FC bantamweight holds all four professional victories by finish, three of which by submission. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been a significant background of Anderson’s career, competing with high-level grapplers like Andrew Tackett, Richard Alarcon, and Joao Gabriel Sousa.
Anderson’s grappling has been a serious skillset to lean on in his young career, though BJJ is only one weapon in the young American’s arsenal. Anderson wears his nickname well as “Demon Hands,” and looks to be a natural striker. When on the feet, Damien Anderson does an excellent job of managing his distance, fighting behind a mean one-two, keeping his head off the line with quick in-and-out footwork. Most notably, Anderson put his hands on display against professional 4-0-0 boxer, Marcelo Reyes, outstriking the decorated Reyes before finding a rear-naked choke submission in the second round.
Anderson also features on our collective top 25 prospect rankings, coming in at #23. This Saturday, Anderson takes on 4-1 Hondo Gutierrez in his CFFC debut, an explosive prospect with all wins by round one finish, in what should be an exciting arms race.