On Saturday, November 2nd, the Italian MMA renaissance continues, as the nation’s gladiators face elite opposition from Europe and beyond.
Tickets for Cage Warriors 179: Rome are available here!
When Cage Warriors first touched down on the republic’s soil in October 2022, fans enjoyed a night of unforgettable action culminating in an Italian title win.
Across three subsequent events, the bar has only been raised.
With our return to Rome just weeks away, it’s high time to take a look back at some of the slickest submissions, craziest KOs and biggest bangers to have taken place when Europe’s Leading MMA Organisation has taken the Famous Yellow Gloves onto Italian soil!
Emanuele Tetti: Moves Like a Flyweight, Hits Like A Heavy
Blistering knockouts aren’t the first thing you’d usually associate with the flyweight division.
Speed? Yes. Stamina? Of course. Technique? Absolutely…but there’s always an exception to prove the rule.
In Cage Warriors’ case that exception is Rome’s Emanuele ‘Wolverine’ Tetti, a sublime technician who packs a punch way heavier than an athlete of his size has any right to.
Tetti put the 125lbs division on notice on his CW debut, where he earned a sub 70 second finish and a nomination for 2023’s ‘KO of the Year’ to boot.
Giuseppe Mastrogiacomo Puts the Italian Fans on Notice
If there’s one thing Cage Warriors has built its reputation on over the years, its platforming generation after generation of emerging talent.
It’s all well and good traveling the world to put on show, but to build a movement, fans need to feel a connection.
For two decades, CW has shone the spotlight on future stars from various regions, and at CW 162 those in attendance were treated to a first look at a man who could very well take the same path.
Giuseppe Mastrogiacomo was (and remains) unbeaten going into the contest and showed the world exactly why when he uncorked a pitch-perfect combination on countryman Valentino Riva.
Baris Adiguzel Scores One of the Most Savage KOs of All Time
Sometimes words don’t do a thing justice.
Sometimes, the sheer visceral thrill can only be conveyed via visual medium.
With that in mind, allow us to present – in all its shocking glory – the 2023 UFC Fight Pass KO of the Year, as Baris ‘The Problem’ Adiguzel showed the world exactly how he got that nickname.
Carlo Pedersoli Jr Returns in Style
There’s always something special about a comeback.
It had been four and a half years since Rome’s Carlo Pedersoli Jr had last strapped on the Famous Yellow Gloves of Cage Warriors; a fateful night in Gothenberg.
He’d walked into enemy territory and come away a winner, defeating Nic Dalby in a three round thriller.
At CW 144 though, he was finally able to enjoy the adulation of an adoring home crowd.
Not about to disappoint them, Pedersoli picked up one of his biggest wins to date, submitting Madars Fleminas to bring the Fiera Roma to its feet.
Michele Martignoni Brings Home the Gold
Picture the scene: Cage Warriors – Europe’s Leading MMA Organisation – lands in Italy for the very first time.
You’re in the main event and not only that, you’re playing the role of a significant underdog in a world title fight, against a wrecking ball of a champion known for crushing finishes.
Pressure’s on, right?
Not for Michele Martignoni, or at least not so you’d know it.
Surviving Dom Wooding’s trademark early onslaught, the Italian seemed to soak up every last drop of the incredible atmosphere and ride it all the way to a game-changing victory for Italian MMA.
The Cage Warriors Italy era had begun.
