Getting Dirty Before Thirty -- a Chat with Chris Foster of CES

By Nicola Faraone

When the cage door shuts, Meriden native Chris Foster turns into his other persona, “Cassius” -- a name given to him by Connecticut MMA veteran “The Savage” Randy Roe. 

Roe have Foster the nickname after seeing how well Foster moved around the boxing ring (the reference being to Cassius Clay who later in his career became known as Muhammad Ali -- considered to be one of the best fighters of the "sweet science").

Foster, who is 28 years old, has been involved in MMA for over 10 years.  Sporting a record of 10-4, he first became involved in the sport after speaking with his boxing coach, Jason Bennet.  Foster also wrestled in high school and this made the transition to MMA smoother than it is for many. While attending WCSU in Danbury, CT, the final piece to his MMA puzzle would be completed. 

Training with seasoned Muay Thai practitioner, Rob Cipriano, Foster was then introduced to world class BJJ black belt, Danilo Cherman.  Over the course of ten years Foster has learned a lot -- even from his losses. 

“First and foremost, to never leave the fight in the hands of the judges," he said. He has also learned to push the pace of the fight and dictate where he wants the fight to go, he said. 

Foster is excited for his upcoming bout against fellow 145-pound fighter Calvin Kattar on September 23 at Foxwoods Resort Casino during the next CES event (his third with that organization).

Foster said his weight cut has been easier than last time around, when he fought on the Bellator undercard in April at Mohegan Sun Arena.  He also stated that he is in much better shape and does not feel “heavy” like he did for his last fight. 

Besides training at The Cage and with team DCNU for his next fight, Foster has added the help of fellow Bellator veteran Andrew Calandrelli of UMMA.  Foster, a BJJ blue belt, feels he is more comfortable than he has ever been, should the fight go to the ground. 

He advised fans to make no mistake about it -- when he steps in the cage this month, Foster is looking for the big KO. Foster is not only looking for the win, but looking to impress at the same time.  He hopes that showcasing his talent in his home state will lead to getting a call by the major promotions. 

The knock of opportunity from the UFC, Bellator, or WSOF could be a loud one and coming soon. Foster is listening for that knocking by getting dirty before he turns 30, he said. 

Chris, who is represented by Prime Elite Management (a division of the Massachusetts-based Prime Athletics Corporation), thanked his coaches, teammates, and his gyms. He also expressed gratitude to Sean Rockwell, Sean Manna, Chris Fitzgerald, Mark Vanaman and his management's partners --   Northeast Financial Strategies (NFS.net), Nguyen Sound (NguyenSound.com) and Primed and Ready Meals (PrimedAndReadyMeals.com). 

He is currently sponsored by Feel Fresh Hair Studio, Nardelli’s of Wallingford, CT and Mister B’s Jerky Company.