George Hardwick returned to winning ways in emphatic fashion, stopping his opponent with a TKO in front of a roaring Newcastle crowd at Cage Warriors 193.
The former lightweight champion made a statement both inside and outside the cage, walking out to a High School Musical classic before delivering a homecoming performance to remember.
In the co-main event, another George celebrated victory as Staines dominated Willian Batista across three rounds, earning a unanimous decision in his Cage Warriors debut.
Elsewhere, veteran Andrew Fisher marked his return to the promotion after a decade away with a triumphant homecoming. Backed by a wild reception, he outpointed Orlando Prins to cap off an emotional night.
Matt Figlak also reminded the division of his power, ending a two-year layoff with a brutal knockout of Tom Crosby. The finish put him firmly in contention for the £5,000 That Prize Guy Performance of the Night bonus that was available.
Michael Blair joined him in the mix after pulling off a dramatic comeback victory. In a bloody war, the Scot rallied to unleash vicious ground-and-pound and secure a stoppage win that had the crowd on their feet.
But it was Elton Armindo who ultimately claimed the £5,000 prize. His slick performance over fan favourite Reece McEwan added his place in the bantamweight ranks with yet another contender to the stacked division.
On the prelims, Sam Kelly produced one of the evening’s most emotional moments. After back-to-back setbacks, he rebounded with a beautiful kimura submission to set his career back on track.
The night also saw Cage Warriors’ first wins for Jake McHugh, Fraser Paterson, Ieuan Mackenzie, Giada Ghizzo, and Alexis Tsarmantidis, each leaving their mark on a card packed with drama and heart.
FIGHT RESULTS
Main Card
George Hardwick defeated Nonato Junior via TKO (punches) 1:29 of round 2
George Staines defeated Willian Batista via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26) after 3 rounds
Andrew Fisher defeated Orlando Wilson Prins via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) after 3 rounds
Matt Figlak defeated Tom Crosby via TKO (punches) after 1.59 of round 1
Elton Armindo defeated Reece McEwan via KO (punch – body shot) after 1:42 of round 2
Michael Blair defeated Grant Ogborne via TKO (punches) after 4:21 of round 2
PRELIMS
Sam Kelly defeated Giovanni Fernandez via Submission (kimura) after 2:43 of round 1
Jake McHugh defeated Connor Patterson via Unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) after 3 rounds
Ieuan Mackenzie defeated Keir Harvie via Submission (Guillotine choke) after 4:29 of round 1
Fraser Paterson defeated Geoff Pavey via TKO (Ground and pound) after 3:54 of round 1
Giada Ghizzo defeated Lexi Rook via TKO (Body kick followed by punches) after 1:00 of round 2
Alexis Tsarmantidis defeated Matthew Elliott via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) after 3 rounds