ATT welterweight prospect Joe Ray notches first round sub at Champions Fighting Alliance in Florida

After delaying their bid for an April event, Florida mixed martial arts promotion Champions Fighting Alliance made its debut with a seven fight card in Miami. Top 20 welterweight prospect Joe Ray (5-1) stepped into the co-main event slot versus fellow local John Kelly (5-1). A three star 170 pound prospect Ray moved up to the middleweight division for a five round title fight with Kelly.

A product of American Top Team, Ray outgunned Kelly with his strikes in the early going. Known for his Muay Thai offensive skills Ray kept the fight on the feet until Kelly initiated a takedown. On top Kelly was able to offer up a brief flurry of punches before Ray was able to reverse the position.

Ray rolled into a slick armbar attempt that Kelly was unable to break from. The tap out inside the first round was the third such victory of Ray's pro career. At 5'11 the 26 year old has the ability to compete in both the middle and welterweight divisions. With perhaps more long term prospects at 170, Ray will need to look for the right balance on who he fights in 2011 and at what weight he fills most comfortable at.

At the top of the CFA card was local Sunshine state sparkplug Luis Palomino (16-6) who captured the CFA featherweight title with a submission win over Pete Grimes (10-7).

Palomino is best known for the high level of competition he has faced, including wins over Jarrod Card and Jorge Masvidal. Now settled in at 145 pounds Palomino is a fighter that can headline any local event in Florida and present match-up problems to both prospects and UFC vets alike.

Champions Fighting Alliance results
Miami, FL

Jayson Jones def. Jesus Talavera by Submission Rear Naked Choke 2:40 R1
Yoislandy Izquierdo def. Alejandro Gomez by Unanimous Decision
Tim Papp def. Oscar Delgado by DQ (Illegal Knee Strike) R1
Cristiano Souza def. Alex Rojas by Submission Guillotine Choke 3:19 R2
Valdir Arraujo def. Ken Jackson by TKO (Punches) 1:51 R1
Joe Ray def. John Kelly by Submission Armbar R1
Luis Palomino def. Peter Grimes by Submission Armbar 4:59 R4