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JEFF CURRAN WINS AT XFO 34, EYES WEC RETURN
Monday, December 07, 2009 - by Al Yu - MMAWeekly.com
(Photo courtesy of Thomas Michael Rozdzynski – ThruMyEye.com)
Former WEC title contender Jeff Curran compiled back-to-back wins with a unanimous decision over Tomohiko Hori at XFO 34 this past weekend. A stable mate of Takeya Mizugaki, the man who last defeated Curran in the WEC, Hori proved to be a formidable opponent for the “Big Frog.”
“Hori was definitely tough,” revealed Curran. “I knew he would be, but he surprisingly was much more difficult than I thought he would be; I never expected him to be easy.”
Also fighting on the card was Jeff’s cousin, Patrick Curran. The Tapout featured fighter stepped up in weight class to take on last second replacement Travis Perzynski. Unfortunately for him, the size difference of his opponent took its toll and the younger Curran succumbed to a rear naked choke in the second round.
“Pat's fight at 145 fell through, so we had to fill the spot. The only person we had available at a good record was Travis Perzynski, who has had successful bouts at 170 pounds and 155 pounds. So we took the chance,” commented Jeff. “Travis is the number one ranked MMA fighter in Minnesota, and it was a great test for Pat. Pat won the first round, I guess, but the size difference was very apparent as the second round progressed. Pat needs to stay at 145 and dominate that division. I don't consider this a setback for him because it was out of his weight class.”
With consecutive wins under his belt, Jeff hopes to make a return to the WEC.
“I am meeting with WEC in person mid-December to discuss my potential return to the WEC. I know they want me back eventually so hopefully now is as good as time as ever. I feel very optimistic about them re-signing me to a new deal. But until it’s set in ink, I won't get my hopes up.”
In the event that a deal cannot be made with the WEC, Curran is still optimistic about his future and intends to consider all opportunities that come his way.
“If I don't fight for WEC, I will definitely be hitting up the Asian market again. Japan for sure, and China would be awesome. I would love to fight there.
“I want to thank all my fans for their unconditional support over the years and for sticking by me through all the high and low points of my career. Look forward to seeing a lot more wins on my record in 2010."
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