Cage Warriors returns on Friday, March 3rd to kick off the 2023 world tour from the sold out Sycuan Casino Resort.
Headlining the card is one of the most storied lighter-weight fighters of the last decade; grappling specialist Wilson Reis (26-12).
The BJJ black belt is currently enjoying a career resurgence in the famous yellow gloves, and will ride a two-fight winning streak into Friday’s main event.
Reis last saw action at CW 148 on New Years’ Eve, displaying veteran savvy to outwork Finnish prospect Tuomas Gronvall over three rounds as part of the Team Europe vs Team USA series.
Stepping up on just over a week’s notice to replace originally scheduled opponent Ricky Camp, is fellow veteran Johnny ‘Cupcakes’ Campbell (22-14, 1NC).
Having been stopped just five times in 37 bouts, Campbell has all the tools to force a fifteen minute battle of attrition.
A proven finisher with nine TKOs and seven submissions to his name, should ‘Cupcakes’ be able to stop Reis on Friday night, it would be a phenomenal string to his bow.
The bout was originally scheduled to take place at CW 126 in the summer of 2021, before an injury to Reis forced his withdrawal.
The pair have made no secret of their animosity for each since, a factor that will no doubt add some considerable spice to the affair.
In the evening’s co-main event, San Diego’s Jamey Lynch (5-3) meets Georgii ‘The Assyrian Assassin’ Eivas (7-5).
Both bring similar runs of form into the contest; Eivas has been victorious in six of his last eight, while Lynch has won four of his previous six.
Fan-favourite Damon ‘The Nomad’ Wilson (5-1) returns to action stateside following his first European appearance on New Year’s Eve 2022.
The 29-year-old took part in a ‘fight of the night’ worthy punch-out against Swedish wrecking machine Tobias Harila, giving a strong account of himself before ultimately coming up short in the second round.
Wilson will be looking to get back on the winning track against Shawn ‘The Brutal Noodle’ Johnson (3-3).
A well regarded amateur who compiled a 6-1 record before making his way to the professional ranks, Johnson will be looking to establish a measure of consistency against Wilson, as he aims to record consecutive victories for the first time in seven pro bouts.
In featherweight action, Factory X’s John De Jesus (15-10) will seek to continue the momentum from his decision victory over Brandon Laroco as he faces surging prospect Robert Hernandez (5-1).
Hernandez has won five on the bounce, but will be facing arguably his sternest challenge to date in the form of 11-year veteran De Jesus.
Fight Syndicate’s undefeated prospect Alberto ‘Relentless’ Romo (4-0) will look to maintain his stunning run of form against La Mesa, CA’s rugged scrapper Alex ‘The Ice Cream Man’ Trinidad (5-4).
A pair of experienced former amateurs meet in the evening’s opening bout, as promotional newcomer ‘Nature Boy’ Jake Perry (1-1) collides with two-fight CW veteran Joshua Nakagawa (2-2), who’ll be in search of his first victory in the yellow gloves.
All the action from CW 149 will air live on UFC Fight Pass and international broadcast partners from 7pm local time (10pm ET, 3am UK, 4am CEST).