Max Quinones credits Brandon Moreno for transformative work ahead of CFFC 144: 'Life-changing experience'

Quinones says opportunity "literally changed my whole trajectory" and will be evident at Friday's event on UFC FIGHT PASS.

There was a time not all that long ago that Max Quinones seemed destined to fight for the CFFC flyweight title. A couple of unfortunate setbacks have slowed his progress toward that goal, but "The Candyman" says a recent transformative encounter now has him again ready to reach those previously expected heights.

An invitation to California's SilvaBack Training Center and a chance to work alongside former UFC champions Brandon Moreno and Alexa Grasso brought things into perspective for Quinones.

"Life-changing experience," Quinones said. "Life-changing experience, and it's something I definitely needed. It was definitely that confidence booster that definitely just put everything in perspective how, like, world-class level athletes conduct business, handled themselves, and things like that – and it's not too far off from what I'm doing now as far as like the regimen, scheduling, and things like that, so I know I'm on the right track."

Quinones opened his career at 4-0 under the CFFC banner, with three of those wins coming by stoppage. However a decision loss to Israel Galvan in a No. 1 contender fight, as well as a frustrating submission setback at the hands of Gustavo Villamil, forced Quinones to evaluate his progress following his red-hot start.

Fortunately, Quinones was equipped to make an honest assessment and scknowledge the places he needed to improve to get back to winning ways.

"It honestly just fuels that fire to everything," Quinones said. "The motivation has been on the highest it's ever been.

"I've dealt with this as an amateur, as well. I went 5-0 and then lost two back-to-back, and it was literally the same scenario. Like, I got caught in one submission when I was working the guy, then I took the 'L' that that stung a little bit harder.

"My ideology, like, a loss is large, no matter how you put it. Whether you get caught or whether you get worked, you ultimately still have to deal with those things, dissect it, see what you can course correct, and then go back in the training room guns blazing like Tommy Cruise and Jack Reacher."

Quinones has done exactly that in his year away from the CFFC cage, and now he returns to the promotion ready to make another impact.

This Friday, Quinones (5-3 MMA, 5-2 CFFC) faces a familiar foe in Shamel Findley (6-3-1 MMA, 2-2 CFFC), as the two crossed paths on the amateur scene seven years ago. They'll renew that rivalry at CFFC 144, which streams live on UFC FIGHT PASS from Tampa's Florida State Fairgrounds.

Quinones was victorious the first time around, and while much has changed in the interim, he believes he can repeat the performance.

"The first fight definitely went my way, like all three rounds," Quinones said. "I'm not taking anything from Shamel. We've both gotten better, but I just think my level is just higher, and I'm going to show that's the case on July 18.

"I just know I'm a better fighter in all aspects. Like, my hands were trash back then. I want to show my hands, feet, everything. My wrestling, everything's on point, and that's something I've been really working on – just getting back to my roots, and like, I'm going to take this fight wherever it needs to go. If I get taken down, I'm getting the f-ck back up because that's literally all I've been training, you know what I mean? We're not getting held down no more. We're getting the f-ck up, and we're going to do some damage."

Friday's contest is a key crossroads in Quinones' career. At 29 years old, it's time to make his push to the sport's highest levels – a spot that seemed all but guaranteed just two year ago.

"The Candyman" knows it, as well, and he takes inspiration from not only those training sessions with UFC greats, but also specifically the path of Moreno, who famously was released from the UFC before earning his way back to the promotion and claiming gold.

Quinones sees similar rise in his future.

"I'm just grateful that he invited me out to help and man, like words can't begin to describe how grateful I am for that because it literally changed my whole trajectory, and that going into this fight is something that is going to be showcased. You are going to see it.

"I appreciate all my sponsors. Bartow Ford, Signature Medicare Solutions, Candyman, Cooks, of course – my meal prep service – Drip Doctor, Omega Gamma Delta, DSG Site Services, No Limit Technology. I'm extremely grateful for everyone that's been backing me. Even though I'm on a deficit right now, don't count me out."