Cage Warriors – Europe’s Leading MMA Organisation – is delighted to announce that George Staines has been drafted to compete on Dana White’s Contender Series, where he will headline Week 8 of the 2026 season.
The Englishman will face Loai Abushaar at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada, on September 29, with a coveted UFC contract on the line.
The 26-year-old enters the biggest fight of his career with a perfect 10-0 record, having signed with CW back in July, 2025 on an exclusive multi-fight deal.
Fighting out of Next Generation gym in Liverpool, Staines has been the main training partner of UFC lightweight and former CW featherweight world champion Paddy Pimblett with his orthodox fight style.
Originally hailing from Hull, “Saint” relocated to Merseyside, where he would develop his skills alongside top talent, including Luke Riley, Shem Rock and Adam Cullen.
Now, Staines is riding off a career-best performance against Conor McCarthy last time out in Manchester, where he secured a second-round submission win over the previously undefeated prospect.
Dana White’s Contender Series Week 8 takes place on Tuesday, September 29. The event will be available to watch live on UFC Fight Pass.