Cage Warriors 188 is just days away, and anticipation is rising as Europe’s Leading MMA Organisation returns to the Emerald Isle for the first time in twelve months.
The stars will be out in force as Dublin’s iconic RDS once again plays host to the action, and with titles on the line, national pride at stake and some of the nation’s hottest up-and-comers ready to shatter the glass ceiling, what better time to take a look back at some of their greatest hits?
James Sheehan
CW 187 marks a big night for Dublin’s James Sheehan. Not only is the local favourite headlining his second consecutive Cage Warriors event, he’s doing so after a year on the shelf, and in the very same venue where he first captured welterweight gold.
It was a bout that enshrined itself among the promotion’s all-time greats, and with good reason. Fellow challenger Daniel Konrad had clear intentions of upsetting the applecart, and only a true championship performance from ‘Jimbo Slice’ turned him back.
Justin Burlinson
The other half of CW 187’s main even must feel like he’s in Groundhog Day. Second time challenging for a Cage Warriors world title, and once again, its against an Irishman on home soil.
While his epic against Rhys McKee didn’t go his way, Burlo recently returned to Cage Warriors with another show-stealing performance, this time against Sweden’s Theodor Berggren.
The rugged Brit once again had to show his mettle weathering a storm against the surging prospect before securing a third-round submission finish.
Paddy McCorry
Touted by many as the next big thing in the Cage Warriors middleweight division, it’s been quite the few years for Paddy McCorry in (and out of) the Famous Yellow Gloves.
With a reputation for securing viral finishes whenever he steps in the cage, 2025 could well be the year that the West Belfast man moves firmly into title contention.
If he can replicate the performance that took out veteran Tye Palmer in London last year, it’ll be another massive step towards the gold for one of Ireland’s most promising prospects.
Solomon Simon
When you’ve amassed as much high-level amateur experience as Soloman Simon has, its no surprise that you look a step or two ahead of the game when hitting the pro ranks.
The King has turned in a series of flawless performances since making CW his home in 2023, and on Saturday night, he’ll have the chance to strap a rocket to his featherweight title run as he faces a former world title challenger.
Could we see another buzzer beater KO, the likes of which saw of Walter Cogliandro with just six seconds to spare?
Chasen Blair
Chasen Blair dared to be great with his appearence on Dana White’s Contender Series just weeks after his slick submission of Florian Pirtea last September.
And while it didn’t go his way on the night, it sure captured the attention of the UFC brass.
With another crack of the whip surely just a win away, Blair will be looking to put his considerable tool kit on display at the RDS, reminding the division that whether its a big squeeze, a torqued limb or a blistering KO, he’s one of the most dangerous men on the roster.
Ger Harris
One of Ireland’s finest both in the cage and on the mic, its always a treat to see (or hear) the incomparable Ger Harris in action.
And while he came out on the wrong side of an agonisingly close split decision when last we saw him, Harris has been chomping at the bit to get back in the Famous Yellow Gloves.
So while we’re still waiting for GTA 6, we won’t have to wait too long for the GTA Selector to be out in search of another stunning guillotine like the one that put away Gregory Wamytan last year in Dublin.
CW 188 goes down this Saturday night, with the event airing live on UFC Fight Pass and international broadcast partners!