The Victrix Scorpio is a fine example of an Italian sniper; a bolt action rifle specifically designed to operate in rough conditions. When loaded with the Italian army’s favoured .338 Lapua Magnum rounds, it’s capable of turning a human head into something resembling the innards of a shattered watermelon at ranges of up to two miles.
Cage Warriors is lucky enough to have its very own Italian sniper. He’s also an expert at turning human heads into bloody pulp, but you won’t find him hanging back, miles away from the action. Our sniper thrives in the thick of it, on the front line where the fighting is at its most fierce.
Our Sniper is Michael Pagani.
Like the Victrix Scorpio, Pagani has pleanty of experience operating in less than ideal conditions. So much so in fact, that in the space of just three Cage Warriors fights, its become his calling card.
Bloodying-up current #1 contender James Power on his debut was just the start. Pagani went on to meet UFC lightweight and CW legend Mason ‘The Dragon’ Jones punch for punch in a claret-splattered war that went down as one of the most nail biting in the promotion’s history.
And then there was his last outing; another slugfest against the brutal knockout artist Konstantinos Ntelis, in which the deck was stacked against him.
It was an agonising situation. With his opponent stepping onto the scales close to 9lbs over the contracted weight. Many would have walked away, but Pagani, knowing that he had promised a show for the legions of Italian fans there to support him, showed true warrior spirit and shook hands on the bout regardless.
Ultimately, he came out on the wrong side of a razorblade-thin split decision. In the moment, he was sure that he’d prevailed; one of the judges agreed with him.
But how does he feel now, three months removed in the cold light of day?
“Reviewed with a cool head…Yes, I think this result is mine and leaving aside all the weight issues that have been there (Ntelis missed weight by close to 9lbs), I don’t give a shit about that. What can I tell you, that I’m not too happy about my performance? It can certainly be done better, but we are here to improve every day and I can’t wait to have a new opponent to show what Michael Pagani can do!”
A response as blunt and power as one of his trademark punches. Pagani has taken the view that what’s done is done, and all that matters is what happens next, and how you use what you’ve taken away. It’s a solid – and mature – approach from a 26 year old man.
“You know brother, you always hear that from defeats, you grow. Defeats are good for you to grow…but until you experience it, it’s hard to understand. Fortunately I can say that really taking the defeat, by analysing and welcoming it, a lot can be drawn out. So we are working on what we think needs improvement and we can’t wait to get back in the cage.”
Pagani isn’t the only one keenly anticipating his return to the cage. The lightweight division is on fire at the moment; the status quo blasted wide open by Samuel Silva and an old foe of the Sniper’s is now stepping into the title picture via competing for an interim belt.
“I just saw that James Power had the chance for the interim title and he certainly is a good fighter in the division like many other guys. I think I’m one of the lightweights with more potential in this division and therefore always at the forefront.”
“I do not know if Power wins…the only defeat he has is against me so it could be an interesting situation and I wish him the best. He’s a good guy and a good father, so good luck!
Interesting indeed. Should Power emerge from CW 191 with interim gold strapped around his waist and Pagani manage to string some wins together while the Englishman settles things with Silva later in the year, a rematch for the gold over five rounds would be a mouth-watering prospect.
So with a reputation for hunting big game in the Famous Yellow Gloves, who would be Pagani’s ideal Cage Warriors opponent?
“You know, I fought against Mason Jones, the big name of the promotion…so now I can’t tell you another opponent. To be challenged, I’m ready for any name the promotion puts in front of me.”
Since speaking to CageWarriors.com, the shape of that challenge has been revealed.
UK MMA veteran and former Cage Warriors prospect Tim Wilde, one of the most consistently exciting fighters on the circuit, will be strapping on the Famous Yellow Gloves for the first time in eight years; Pagani will welcome him home.
Its another fight that screams chaos. The Sniper will once again put his sheer will, grit and determination up against an opponent who, on paper at least, could drown him with experience.
It’s this fearless attitude that has gained the him a cult following long beyond Italian shores.
The target is in his sights; all he has to do is take the shot.