Some of the biggest names in recent Cage Warriors history are set to take centre stage in Paris this weekend, as the world famous Octagon once again lands in the French capital.
With a 20+ year history as Europe’s Leading MMA Organisation, it should come as no surprise that some of the most talked about athletes on Saturday’s UFC Fight Night: Gane vs Spivac event spent their formative years in the sport wearing the famous yellow gloves.
For Rhys McKee the night will be particularly poignant; the event marks a long-awaited return to the UFC following his initial stint in 2020.
Following a successful CW run that saw him rack up three wins, including a fairy tale welterweight title victory over Justin Burlinson in Belfast and a historic clash with UKMMA legend Jim Wallhead in Dublin, McKee was once again drafted by the world leaders.
In Paris, he’ll face Swiss powerhouse Andre Loosa.
Another man riding the crest of the new wave of Irish MMA that Cage Warriors has been instrumental in developing is Tyrone’s Caolan Loughran.
Undefeated as a professional, the Team Kaobon man comes from a long lineage of fighters from the famed Liverpool gym to reach the highest levels of the sport.
Loughran ran roughshod over the CW bantamweight division, culmulating in an emotionally charged title bout with Dylan Hazan deep in enemy territory.
Having passed that test with flying colours, its no surprise that he’s relishing the role of the bad guy ahead of his bout with France’s Taylor Lapilus on Saturday night.
Finally, a Cage Warriors legend gets to realise his dream, as French superstar Morgan Charriere gets his highly anticipated first run out in the Octagon.
A former featherweight champion known for his incredible fan support, exciting fights and infectious charisma, Charriere is a born superstar.
Despite dropping close and contentious decisions to Jordan Vucenic and Paul Hughes, the Frenchman stayed active, stayed focused and trusted the process, securing his life-long dream of a UFC debut in Paris.
With CW veteran William Gomis also in action, UFC Paris is set to be a phenomenal night of action for CW fans, and living proof that ‘The Draft of European MMA’ is showing no signs of slowing down!