Matt Bessette meets Ryan Dela Cruz at CES 64 for the vacant CES MMA Lightweight World Title

Hartford, Conn.: CES 64: Bessette vs Cruz will take place on Firday, September 17, 2021, at Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford, Conn. The event airs live on UFC Fight Pass at 8 pm ET.
In the main event, CES veteran Matt “The Mangler” Bessette (24-10) fighting out of Hartford, Connecticut had an opponent change due to his original opponent Bruce Boyington not able to fight due to him stating he had to follow COVID-19 protocols. Stepping in to take on Matt will be Ryan Dela Cruz (12-7) fighting out of Hawaii and he will be making his CES MMA debut. They will be fighting for the vacant CES MMA Lightweight World Title.
Bessette is a two-time CES featherweight champion, having vacated the title upon signing with the UFC in 2018 and later he wins it back at CES 60. Bessette has competed for CES, the UFC, and Bellator among other promotions. Dela Cruz has fought 10 times for the Hawaiian Promotion Destiny MMA. He did win his only fight under the Bellator MMA banner defeating Spencer Higa by split decision at Bellator 213.
CES 64 Fight Card (so far):
- Matt Bessette vs. Ryan Dela Cruz (155 lbs)
- Josh Smith vs. Jay Perrin (135 lbs)
- Harris Bonfiglio vs. Kyle Lindner (135 lbs)
- Alexandra Ballou vs. Gabriella Gulfin (135 lbs)

Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Executive Writer, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a passion for Combat Sports and also a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s also a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.