We’re just over a week away from one of the most intriguing title bouts on the CW calendar; a mouth watering clash between the bantamweight division’s heir apparent Shirzad Qadrian, and the new kid on the block, Elton Armindo. Cage Warriors 196 goes down at London’s indigo at the O2 on Saturday, November 15th, and for Shirzad Qadrian, it can’t come quickly enough.
Tickets for CW 196 are availible here!
After securing his #1 contender status – and a $50,000 cheque – by winning the 2024 PrizeFighter tournament, Shirzad has been waiting patiently for his opportunity to come around, and with multiple training camps in Dagestan under his belt, its fair to say that he’s been making the most of it.
“I think I’m in my best shape right now. I’ve been here three, nearly four weeks…the training is amazing! We train so hard, two, three times a day. I’m still fresh and ready to fight, I could even come back tomorrow and be ready to fight! I don’t need to wait until 15th of November; my weight is good, I’m in my best shape and the camp was amazing!”
It may have taken a little longer than planned for Qadrian to see his name slotted in for the championship opportunity, but the wait has only made his desire to win stronger.
“When I was waiting…everyone knows I’ve been the number 1 contender for a year; it’s a long time I’ve waited for the title fight. I told my coaches: This is about our legacy, I’m going to bring that belt to Dagestan soon! I know I’m ready, I know I’m going to win this fight.”
All that remains is the matter of his opponent, recent CW addition Elton Armindo. The newcomer stormed onto the scene just months ago with a violent stoppage of former title challenger Reece McEwan on his debut in the Famous Yellow Gloves. And while Shirzad is grateful that he’s taken the fight, he was quick to point out who’s house Armindo is stepping into.
“I have so much respect for this guy, because he has the heart, he accepted the fight. When I speak to my manager, he spoke to (CW matchmaker) Ian Dean and even he couldn’t make a fight for me. Everyone wants to talk, nobody wants to take the fight, because I beat all the top five. I’m not like this guy, just having one fight in Cage Warriors and getting a title fight…I beat all the tough guys in this division, and now I’m here!”
With just the one CW fight to scout, you’d be forgiven for thinking that it would be difficult to get a read on a new face in the division. Qadrian noted that the pair were just two steps removed from having a common opponent.
“When the fight happened I was watching online, I was in Dagestan with my coaches for analysis and stuff like that. With all respect to Reece McEwan, he’s not hungry anymore. But this guy, I have a lot of respect for him. His striking is very good, he can throw. His hand is like every hand. Reece McEwan, even when he fought Cameron Else, Cameron Else was dominating him so bad…and everyone knows what happened between me and Cameron.”
When an elite level grappler and an flashy striker go head-to-head, there shouldn’t be too many surprises when it comes to gameplans on the night. Armindo was clear that he respected Shirzad’s credentials, but very much encouraged a ‘wait and see’ approach as to how the bout would actually go down.
In the PrizeFighter winner’s eyes though, he may have bitten off more than he can chew.
“Brother, I’m a heavy wrestler. I’m a two-time freestyle champion, I’m training at the best gym in Dagestan…in the world! I’m a heavy grappler with heavy ground ‘n’ pound and my striking is so much better now. I don’t think this fight is gonna take five rounds, I think it’s going to be a quick result.”
Undefeated and just 23 years of age, Armindo admitted that he’s typically laid back going into fights, and suggested that the pressure was on Qadrian’s shoulders. Shirzad was quick to warn his opponent not to underestimate ‘The Lion’ on November 15th.
“This guy, he’s a young guy. Young and hungry. He forgets that I’m young too, but I have more experience, in amateur and in pro too. I have lots more fights, I’ve faced lots of crazy guys in this division. I watch his record, I watch who he’s fighting…brother, listen…playing with fire and playing with a lion is not a good idea. It’s a very bad idea. I know he’s taking the opportunity, thinking about the belt, all this stuff, yes, it looks nice. But first you have to watch who you’re going to be facing inside the cage.”
“Because everyone knows when I step in the cage, even the referee is not safe!”
After waiting a year to cash in his #1 contender chit, investing his time and money into world class training camps in Dagestan and manifesting the victory for both himself and his team, Shirzad Qadrian has never been more ready to fulfil his championship destiny.
On November 15th, he gets his chance.
Cage Warriors 196 will air live on UFC Fight Pass and international broadcast partners. Tickets are availible here.