Mike McCaffrey well prepared for pro debut at Art of War 43 on Aug 16

Interview with Mike McCaffrey below:

I was in my usual spot at the commentary table at Art of War Cage Fighting 18, when a young, energetic Michael McCaffrey made his first walk to the cage as an amateur mixed martial artist cage fighter.  He took down a hard-fought decision and was now on his way to what I perceive, will be a successful fighting career.  The athleticism and skill were there.  It was just a matter of “Money Mac” finding his way and harnessing all of that energy and mastering the craft with more patience and knowledge.

Mike has made his way to Team Taino, who is led by Eddy Torres as he has built a nice facility in a convenient spot on the Black Horse Pike in Haddon Township that has super easy access to many in the region looking for a quality place to train.  They are an affiliate of Marquez Mixed Martial Arts in Philadelphia. Current UFC fighters Andre Petroski and Patrick Sabatini can be found on the mats and in the ring at Taino on a regular basis imparting their knowledge and teaching others.  McCaffrey is there soaking it up and putting in that work on a regular basis.

Team Taino…Eddy Torres

I stopped into the growing spot to check in with Mike and his coaches.  Eddy tells me that he feels Mike’s overall talent has been somewhat limited in the amateur ruleset and that now is the time to go pro after a successful 6-2 amateur MMA career and 6 kick-boxing bouts.  Eddy says that Money Mac’s arsenal is way more varied than people have seen and he’s excited for Mike to show it off on August 16th at Live Casino, which is located about 5 or 6 miles from the gym.

Money Mac

We asked McCaffrey what the biggest difference in him from 2021 is until now and his pro debut in 2025.  He tells MyMMANews…

“My maturity.  I’ve really grown up and grown into a man.  Back then I was chaotic, blowing with the wind.  Now I’m more disciplined, structured.  I have the right people around me.”

You can click on the link to the video above see our full interview.  Mike will be taking on another pro debut fighter in Justin Lopez.  Lopez is out of New York with a wrestling background and was 3-1 as an amateur with all 4 contests going the distance.

Art of War Cage Fighting 43 is sold out and if you can’t manage to find a ticket, it will be available via PPV stream at the Starfund.app.

More than 15 years experience in the PA/NJ regional MMA circuit. Commentator/post fight interviews/pre-fight show host @ Art of War Cage Fighting and Ring of Combat
The story of the fighter is what Bob loves about the sport. From the lowest level, to the highest, he only cares about the two warriors who do battle once the cage doors close. Everything else is secondary. Without their blood, sweat, and tears, he would not be here enjoying every minute.

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