With the first half of March’s mayhem in the bag following a trip to Rome and another addition of Unplugged, the action moved to Manchester and London for CW 185 and 186. Thankfully the month ended just as it started, with a cavalcade of cool finishes, crazy brawls and memorable moments.
Manchester
After a night of Unplugged action, the curtain was pulled back and the doors opened to the general public as a sell-out crowd packed into the BEC Arena to witness a bit of CW history. The delights were plentiful; not only did fans get to witness Luke Riley strap on the Famous Yellow Gloves for the very last time, they were also treated to some show-stealing performances from the next generation of CW stars.
Luke Riley Finished the Story
If that truly was the last time, then it couldn’t have gone any better for Luke Riley. Widely regarded as one of the fastest rising stars in European MMA, Riley had made the BEC Arena his fortress in recent years following a series of barnstorming performances.
He didn’t get things all his own way in CW 185’s main event against grappling standout Tariel Abassov, but it was exactly the test he needed and one he passed with flying colours.
Another signature finish, another incredible atmosphere and a call out to the UFC brass that now surely can’t be ignored.
Teddy Stringer Did it Again
Teddy Stringer is fast becoming what those ‘in the know’ call a canโt miss prospect. For now, at least, it seems like he can’t put a foot wrong whenever those Famous Yellow Gloves are strapped on.
From one of the UK’s best ever amateurs to a surging, undefeated professional, the Chesterfield man rises to every occasion and his outing against Antonio Sheldon in Manchester was no exception.
The speed at which Stringer was able to choke out one of the UK circuit’s most notoriously unfinishable competitors is just another indicator of what the true believers have known for years.
Jack Humphries Ripped Through Another Opponent
While his fans were busy bringing the noise outside the cage, Jack the Ripper was busy giving them something to cheer about on the inside.
The young MMA Fight Academy man’s match-up with fellow undefeated prospect Nick Beukema was one of the most even tilts on the card, but Humphries’ power, technique and tenacity made it look anything but.
London
Four shows, three cities, thirteen days…and all roads led to London. Cage Warriors once against kicked off the biggest weekend of MMA in the UK with a card of absolute thrillers, with jaw-dropping KOs, crazy comebacks and shocking surprises the order of the day.
Yannick Bahati Broke Records
If you haven’t seen it by now, you’ve likely been living under a rock. There’s not much more that can be said about Yannick Bahati’s record-breaking 4 second KO of Charles Joyner; it was over before it had started.
Was it a little naughty? That’s a matter of opinion. Will people be talking about it for some time regardless? Almost certainly.
Regardless of the hoo-haa, one thing is for certain; the ‘Black Mamba’ has put the division on notice.
Ollie Sarwa Understood the Assignment
As a great man once said, he’s “the man of the hour, the man with the power, too sweet to be Sarwa.”
Or at least, words to that effect.
The man with the best nickname in Cage Warriors returned to action in CW 186’s main card opener, and came out like a man who fully understood the assignment.
Ollie Sarwa lit up the indigo with another blistering first round KO; another step up in competition now surely beckons.
Mim Grubb Debuts in Style
A talented amateur making her professional debut against something of a known quantity in Rhi Rhi Hudson, you’d have been forgiven for thinking that the odds were stacked against Mim Grubb.
The Lion’s Den fighter didn’t get the memo though.
Not that it was all smooth sailing; Grubb caught one of Hudson’s trademark power shots early and looked like the simple act of surviving the first round would be a victory in itself.
But with a minute and change on the clock, the script had been well and truly flipped; it was Hudson hanging on for dear life as Grubb locked in a sublime fight ending rear naked choke.
You can catch up with all the CW action from March on UFC Fight Pass! Want to be part of the action yourself? Tickets for all announced events are available here!