As one of the building blocks of European MMA, Cage Warriors has been instrumental in the growth of the sport in Europe over the course of more than two decades.
While the promotion has played a key role in the development of the sport across the entire European region, it’s particular impact on certain territories has been monumental, with the spotlight being shone on Ireland, Wales, Scandinavia, the North West of England and more.
Alongside broadcast partners MOLA, Cage Warriors is now turning that spotlight onto Italy.
The nation had already provided CW with champions Ivan Musardo, Mauro Cerillli and Stefano Paterno, so it was only fitting when the promotion touched down on Italian soil for the first time last year, that another home fighter would compete for a world title.
That man was Michele Martignoni, who captured the bantamweight title in dramatic fashion against Dom Wooding after five thrilling rounds.
It was a banner night for Italian MMA, with the home nation victorious in numbers.
Since that historical debut, CW has returned to host two more successful events in the Eternal City of Rome, with local talent featuring predominantly.
The likes of Martignoni, Dylan Hazan, Dario Bellandi, Michael Pagani, Carlo Pedersoli, Gianluca Scottoli, Jasmine Favero and Emanuele Zaccaria have all shone on one of the biggest stages in Mixed Martial Arts.
September will mark the launch of Cage Warriors Academy: Italy, with the hunt for the CW stars of tomorrow getting underway, giving the nation’s amateurs a clear path to CW, and beyond.
On October 28th, Cage Warriors will return to Rome for CW 162.
With the Cage Warriors leading the charge, one thing is for certain; Italy has truly entered ‘The Draft’ of MMA!