Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC) returns to Florida, at the luxurious Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa for the "CFFC 119: Beard vs. Ellis" on Thursday, April 20, 7 p.m.

Following three sold-out shows at the venue in 2022, CFFC 119 marks the promotion's first visit to "The Sunshine State" in 2023.

In the night's main event, reigning middleweight champion Donovan "The Highlight Reel" Beard (7-2) returns to the cage to put his title on the line against promotional newcomer Gregg "The Greatest" Ellis (7-4). Additional featured matchups include Collin Luberts (6-2) vs. Hugh "The Wolverine" Pulley (8-6), Brandon Lopez (5-5) vs. Tommy "Hot Sauce" Majeski (3-3), and Tyler "The Killer Turtle" Keating (1-1) vs. "Iron" Will Rentz (1-1).

Presale tickets will be available beginning Wednesday, March 1, at 10 a.m. with an exclusive code. Tickets priced starting at $60 will be available Friday, March 3, at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster or seminolehardrocktampa.com. 

The event streams live on UFC FIGHT PASS.

xcited to be returning to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, where we've had an incredible run of high-energy, spectacular events," CFFC CEO Rob Haydak said. "Florida has proven itself as one of the most talent-rich areas in the country for top-level athletes looking to make it to MMA's highest level, and the crowds that come out to support them on that journey have been absolutely fantastic. CFFC 119 will be no different, so get your tickets early and come see the best this sport has to offer."

Beard claimed the middleweight title this past July with a shocking submission win over previously undefeated former NextGen champ Miles Lee. That performance earned Beard an invitation to Dana White's Contender Series, and now he returns to CFFC seeking the first defense of his belt. Meanwhile, Ellis comes to the CFFC cage on the strength of a three-fight winning streak, a run that includes a February win over three-time CFFC veteran Earl Small.

Additional bouts will be added shortly.

Professional wrestling superstar and two-time UFC veteran CM Punk calls the action at CFFC 119 alongside MixedMartialArts.com editor-in-chief John Morgan on UFC FIGHT PASS.

Stay tuned to CFFC.tv for future announcements regarding CFFC 119.

About Cage Fury Fighting Championships

Considered one of the best developmental mixed martial arts organizations in the industry, Cage Fury Fighting Championships (CFFC) hosts events across the United States with an emphasis on cultivating the best and brightest talent in the sport. CFFC events are broadcast live on UFC FIGHT PASS, the leading digital subscription service for fight fans. Founded in 2006, CFFC has served as home to a variety of UFC stars, including Anthony Smith, Jimmie Rivera, Aljamain Sterling, Kimbo Slice, Paul Felder, Jim Miller, Nick Catone, Lyman Good, Katlyn Chookagian, Shane Burgos and Jared Gordon,among others. Led by its respected President Rob Haydak, CFFC’s executive team consists of sports and entertainment industry executives who have worked for some of the most prestigious brands in the world.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa

Owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa is one of the largest and most successful casinos in the world offering award-winning gaming, hospitality, and entertainment. The casino offers nearly 5,000 of the hottest slot machines, 179 table games, a state-of-the-art Poker Room featuring 46 tables and a smoke-free Mezzanine Level Casino. The 800-room hotel is AAA Four Diamond rated and proudly offers 12 restaurants, including upscale dining venues Council Oak Steaks & Seafood, The Rez Grill, and Cipresso. Amenities include the 1,500-seat Hard Rock Event Center, which hosts some of the nation's hottest entertainers and must-see concerts; a 60,000-square-foot pool deck area with three pools and 19 cabanas; as well as the luxurious Rock Spa® & Salon. The resort is located off I-4 at North Orient Road and Hillsborough Avenue, about 10 minutes east of downtown Tampa. For more information, please call 866-502-PLAY or visit us online and via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Hard Rock®:

Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in over 70 countries spanning 260 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. HRI also launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world’s largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 86,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. In 2022, Hard Rock Hotels was honored as the number one brand in Outstanding Guest Satisfaction for the second year in a row among Upper Upscale Hotels in J.D. Power’s North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Study. This designation is the fourth consecutive year the iconic brand has been among top brands in this category. HRI is the first privately-owned gaming company designated U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal for the second year. Hard Rock was also honored as one of Forbes’ Best Employers for Women, Diversity and New Grads and a Top Large Employer in the Travel & Leisure, Gaming, and Entertainment Industry. In 2021, Hard Rock Hotels & Casinos received first place ranking in the Casino Gaming Executive Satisfaction Survey conducted by Bristol Associates Inc. and Spectrum Gaming Group for six of the last seven years. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.

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