Cage Warriors – Europe’s Leading MMA Organisation – has today confirmed a blockbuster main event for its next edition of CW: Unplugged.
In a five-round main event, current 170lb champion James Sheehan will defend the title against previous champion Giannis Bachar, on Friday, September 20th, in Manchester, UK.
Dublin’s Sheehan (8-3) captured CW gold earlier this year in his home city, securing a submission over Daniel Konrad in the championship rounds following a back-and-forth war.
The Team Ryano man also boasts impressive victories over the likes of Omiel Brown, Olli Santalahti and Jamie Richardson, and has been the distance with current UFC stars Oban Elliott and Ian Machado Garry.
Greece’s Bachar burst onto the Cage Warriors scene in May of 2023, defeating UFC veteran Carlo Pedersoli Jr in enemy territory at CW 154 in Rome.
The win earned him a shot at the vacant title against Omiel Brown, who he stopped against the run of play in stunning fashion at 163.
The knockout artist returns to the promotion after vacating his belt to compete on the 32nd series of The Ultimate Fighter, and currently rides an eight fight winning streak in professional MMA contests.
“We’re kicking off a huge weekend of MMA in Manchester with another edition of our critically acclaimed Unplugged series…” said CW President Graham Boylan, “…so it’s only right that our first announcement is a serious title fight for the exclusively invited audience.”
“James Sheehan fought his way to the top of the division and has already been in one ‘Fight of the Year’ contender against Daniel Konrad.”
“He’s likely to find himself in another one when he faces Giannis Bachar at Unplugged; the former champion is back on a mission to regain the belt he never lost in the cage.”
“We’re bringing a weekend of big fights to Manchester this September, and it all starts with this incredible welterweight title bout!”
CW Unplugged: Manchester takes place in front of a specially invited audience at Manchester’s BEC Arena, one night before CW 178 welcomes a full house in the same venue on Saturday, September 21st.
The entire event will air live on UFC Fight Pass and international broadcast partners.
Tickets for CW 178 will be on sale soon.