CFFC NextGen 3: Berardelli vs Oltmanns Headlines Amateur Title Fights in Atlantic CityCFFC NextGen 3: Berardelli vs Oltmanns Headlines Amateur Title Doubleheader in Atlantic City

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — After two standout events in 2025, the Cage Fury Fighting Championships returns with the first Next Generation card of 2026.

CFFC NextGen 3: Berardelli vs. Oltmanns takes place Saturday, May 2 at the stunning Sound Waves at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City along the historic Atlantic City Boardwalk. The card will spotlight some of the nation’s top rising amateur fighters and feature two championship fights at the top of the lineup.

The promotion’s NextGen series has quickly become known for showcasing elite prospects in an intimate setting that delivers nonstop action and a charged atmosphere.

Main Event: Cade Berardelli vs Max Oltmanns for Inaugural 182-Pound Title

In the night’s headline bout, rising prospect Cade Berardelli (7-1) faces Max Oltmanns (4-2) for the inaugural CFFC 182-pound championship.

The 22-year-old Berardelli, representing Webb MMA & Fitness, has emerged as one of the promotion’s most exciting young athletes. Known as “The Ace of Spades,” he enters the bout with momentum and a reputation for aggressive striking.

Standing across from him will be the rangy and dangerous “Stretch” Oltmanns, who brings a versatile skillset and hopes to capture the historic belt in what could become a defining moment in his career.

Co-Main Event: Undefeated Fighters Clash for Interim 175-Pound Belt

The co-main event features an intriguing showdown between two undefeated prospects.

Giorgi Barliani (4-0) takes on Jack McCaffrey (5-0) for the interim 175-pound championship.

With reigning titleholder James Lledo currently sidelined, the bout presents a major opportunity for both rising fighters to stake their claim as the division’s top contender.

CFFC CEO Rob Haydak Excited for NextGen Return

According to Rob Haydak, the promotion expects another unforgettable night of fights.

“Our first two NextGen events were absolutely incredible and truly some of the most entertaining fights we’ve ever hosted,” Haydak said.
“When you combine our commitment to producing the best events in the sport and the incredible talent of these up-and-coming athletes, and you put it inside a spectacular setting like Sound Waves, you get fast-paced, incredible action from start to finish in a night of entertainment that just can’t be missed.”

Both previous NextGen events sold out, and officials expect the same result for this Atlantic City showcase.

Additional Fights Confirmed for CFFC NextGen 3

Several exciting amateur matchups have already been announced for the card, including:

• Devon Coates (8-2) vs James “Florida Boy” Gavra (5-2)
• David Crow (3-1) vs Mike O’Brien (3-1)
• Rafael Argenas (4-1) vs Kson Young (2-0-1)
• Gavin McQuade (6-2) vs T’Khi Wood-Smith (5-1)
• Cody Harrison (2-0) vs Jerome Nelson (2-0)
• Molly McCormack (2-0) vs Katelyn Ramos (2-0)
• Dilovar Balaev (4-2) vs Mitch White (5-2)

The NextGen series continues to focus on identifying and developing the next wave of MMA talent across the United States.

CFFC’s Unique Support for Amateur Fighters

Unlike most amateur promotions, CFFC provides competitors with extensive support. Fighters competing at NextGen 3 receive assistance with pre-fight medicals, travel, lodging, and other expenses, while coaches are also reimbursed for traditional out-of-pocket costs.

The initiative reflects CFFC’s commitment to helping the sport’s next generation transition from amateur competition to the professional stage.