In an unfortunate development, interim lightweight world title challenger Ieuan Davies has been forced out of his bout with James Power at this month’s Cage Warriors 191 event in Manchester. Stepping in to take Davies’ place against the Englishman is Finland’s Omar ‘The Takeover’ Tugarev.
Cage Warriors officials received news of Davies’ withdrawal last week, and immediately began work on securing a suitable replacement.
As a result, Tugarev is set to receive the opportunity of a lifetime on June 28th at the BEC Arena.
The Team KF man is undefeated as a professional, compiling a 7-0 record with six finishes, having already appeared on some high-level, international events in the formative years of his career.
Prior to turning pro, ‘The Takeover’ put together an impressive 13-5 amateur ledger, competing at a number of IMMAF tournaments.
In 2022 he captured gold at the IMMAF European Championships in Italy, defeating four opponents across five days.
“I wish Ieuan Davies a full and fast recovery…” said CW President Graham Boylan. “However, one man’s misfortune becomes another’s opportunity.”
“Tugarev is one of the European circuit’s best kept secrets and training under coach Chris Fields, he’s going to know exactly what it means to win a Cage Warriors World Championship, and what that can do for his career.”
“James Power wont be taking him lightly; he’s had the title in his sights for some time and isn’t about to let a change in opponent affect the outcome.”
“We’ve got a pair of finishing machines going at it on June 28th, in what has the potential to be the fight of the summer!”
Power vs Tugarev joins the previously announced bantamweight world title rematch between Liam Gittins and Alessandro Giordano at the top of the CW 191 bill. Also announced for the blockbuster card are a trio of thrilling encounters featuring the stars of CW’s lightweight division, as Michael Pagani takes on Tim Wilde, Adam Cullen faces Lukas Cruz, and Teddy Stringer meets Torpal Merjoev.
A full fight card can be found here. Tickets for the event, which airs live on UFC Fight Pass, are available here.