Jose “Shorty” Torres ruled the world for over two years as an Amateur Bantamweight, boasting back-two-back IMMAF World Championship triumphs in 2014 and 2015, in addition to National UMMAF Championships and countless regional titles.
Now, Torres continues his pursuit of professional success when he features in the co-main event of Titan FC 40 this Friday, August 5, at the BankUnited Center in Coral Gables, Florida.
Like none before him, Torres has emulated a pathway similar to that of a world or Olympic level boxer, boasting a 25-1 record – almost unheard of in Amateur MMA – that has earned him vast experience and notoriety, thus opening the door towards greater opportunity with less delay.
In just his third professional bout Torres (professional record 2-0) will face off against Abdiel Velazquez (7-2) for the Titan FC Interim World Flyweight Championship, following the absence of current champion Tim Elliot who has departed to feature on the UFC’s Ultimate Fighter Season 24.
Torres took swift victory in his pro debut, with a first round submission over Travis Taylor; snatching the win at just 2:09 into the opening round through a fearsome standing guillotine choke, the same technique used to clinch his second IMMAF World Championship. Torres followed up most recently against American Top Team product Reynaldo Duarte, a Brazilian veteran of 17 pro bouts, who Torres dispatched of via a dominant Unanimous Decision win.
The 24-year-old holds additional accolades as an All-American wrestler in junior college, plus titles in kickboxing and Thai boxing. Since turning pro he has trained with the likes of Frankie Edgar at KHK MMA and the host of top ranked professionals at Jackson-Wink MMA in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Having showcased exciting speed and rounded abilities, with a charming personality, Torres has all the tools required to see through his five year plan of making it to the upper tier of the UFC and at 23-years-old, time is on his side.
Streaming live on UFC Fight Pass, Titan FC 40 is headlined by Gesias “JZ” Cavalcante vs. Freddy Assuncao, who face off for the Titan FC Light-Heavyweight World Championship.
