A middleweight title fight has been added to Cage Warriors’ return to Newcastle, with ‘The Huyton Hammer’ Mick Stanton set to make the second defence of his 185lb strap against surging Italian contender Dario ‘Neanderthal’ Bellandi. 

The bout will feature on the main card of CW 164 on Saturday, November 25th at the Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle, England. 

The event will be CW’s first in the city since 2014.

Defending champion Stanton (12-7) is currently enjoying a career renaissance, going unbeaten in his last six bouts at middleweight. 

He captured gold in a highly entertaining five-round mat war against top prospect Will Currie in March, before defending his title against old rival James Webb in a knock-down, drag-out brawl in July. 

Rendoki Dojo’s Belandi (6-1) is currently riding a four fight winning-streak in the division, including three finishes. 

The ground specialist has stoppage wins over Joan Arastey, Justin Barry and Daniel Karlsson in the famous yellow gloves, and most recently out-pointed fellow contender Naglis Kanišauskas in July. 

“We’re returning to Newcastle for the first time in nine years, and we’re bringing some huge fights with us!” said CW President Graham Boylan. 

“The champion Mick Stanton is currently turning in some of the best performances of his career and a genuine threat wherever the fight goes.” 

“He’s going up against one of the toughest and most talented up-and-comers on the roster in Dario Bellandi.”

“We’re going to see a real battle of youth versus experience on November 25th!”

Also added to the CW 164 card today are a pair of thrilling bantamweight bouts pitting Jack Eglin against Enrico di Gangi and Aidan Stephen making his 135lb opposite Daan Duijs.

Full fight card and ticket details are available via CageWarriors.com.