Dear UFC: Sign Manny Bermudez
Dear UFC: Sign Manny Bermudez
FloCombat's Hunter Homistek makes a case for the UFC to sign undefeated prospect Manny Bermudez following his win at Cage Titans 37.
Manny Bermudez wrecks everyone.
The 22-year-old South Shore Sportfighting product made his pro debut in June 2015, and he's snatched souls at a steady clip on his way to a perfect 11-0 record.
With nine first-round finishes, he's not just winning — he's obliterating his opposition. Bermudez slept a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt, Bendy Casimir, in just 72 seconds at Cage Titans 35 this past August. He went 15 minutes with World Series of Fighting (WSOF) and Bellator MMA veteran Saul Almeida in November 2016, besting him for one of his two career decision victories.
He tapped out Tapology's No. 4 bantamweight prospect in the Northeast, Tony Gravely, in the first round at Cage Titans 33 in April 2017.
They've all tested him, and they've all failed.
After his latest victory, a 66-second drubbing of Seth Basler at Cage Titans 37 on Saturday, there's only one place for Bermudez to go: the UFC.
He made that point abundantly clear in his latest post-fight interview.
"It doesn't matter who you put in front of me, I'm going to take them out, and I'm going to take them out quick," Bermudez said. "Fu*k strikers, fu*k grapplers, fu*k wrestlers — I'll beat them all."
Then, Bermudez made his call directly to the UFC brass.
"Dana White, you better sign me up, and you better sign me up quick, because I'm hurting these little guys, and I want to get to the big guys, I want to beat your top 10," he said.
"Dana White, you better sign me up, and you better sign me up quick, because I'm hurtin' these little guys." - Manny Bermudez #CageTitans37
— FloCombat (@FloCombat) January 28, 2018
Your move, @danawhite @seanshelby @MickMaynard2 pic.twitter.com/YARujx3KPg
His ascent reminds me of another bantamweight's climb to the UFC.
Former champion Cody Garbrandt began his pro career at 21, rattling off five straight knockout victories before signing with the big show. Like Bermudez, watching Garbrandt fight at the regional level was borderline unfair. He was untouchable, and he needed only the smallest opening to shut off the lights.
Garbrandt's pre-UFC run also contained some notable names. He was fighting the region's best, including current Bellator fighter and Tapology's No. 1 bantamweight in the Northeast (the only man ranked above Bermudez) Dominic Mazzotta.
While Garbrandt got the call after five victories, Bermudez waits with 11 straight in his back pocket.
The main difference comes down to their styles.
Garbrandt was a feared knockout artist. Bermudez is tapping everyone out.
Manny tied me in knots on the mats when he was 16. I was 22. Kid's a stud.
— Steven Kelliher (@Steven_Kelliher) January 23, 2018
Garbrandt also had the good fortune of training with Team Alpha Male, and he was able to get a boost from team leader Urijah Faber, a UFC and WEC legend, in convincing the matchmakers the young Ohioan was worth their time.
But at a certain point — like, for instance, after 11 straight pro victories — it's necessary. Bermudez is just 22, and he's been facing grown men as soon as he was legally allowed to step into the cage.
Even Cage Titans promoter Michael Polvere knows it's time to let Bermudez go — and that's saying something. He knows Bermudez is a hot ticket to put butts in seats and to draw attention to his organization, but he also knows enough is enough.
"You've grown up in this cage, but no offense, I do not want to see you in here again," Polvere said after Cage Titans 37.
Twenty-two years old. Undefeated in 11 fights. Nine first-round finishes.
It's time.