A rematch, a return, and a coming-out party.
This week has been a busy one for Cage Warriors fans, with several huge fights booked, both within the promotion and for one of its most famous sons, Jack “Tank” Shore. Here are the most notable stories from the last week.
Jack Shore slated for UFC debut in Copenhagen
UFC Copenhagen is quickly becoming a showcase of some of Cage Warriors most impressive alumni. Jack Hermansson, who was Cage Warriors middleweight champion between 2014-2016, headlines the card, while former champion Nicolas Dalby, former title challenger John Phillips, Mark Madsen, and Lina Lansberg all also feature at the event.
In addition to this collection of fighters, Jack Shore, one of the promotion’s most celebrated champions, will make his highly-anticipated UFC debut after signing across the pond in May.
“Tank,” who is based out of Tillery Combat in Wales, will face Nohelin Hernandez who made his UFC debut last month, losing to Marlon Vera via rear-naked-choke, albeit on short-notice.
Shore’s countrymen have struggled to find success in the UFC, with every Welsh fighter carrying a losing record within the promotion. However, given his undefeated record and impressive finish rate, the 24-year-old will be confident he can fly the flag for Welsh MMA.
Jack Shore was on FIRE 🔥
He wastes no time #CW97
First round TKO 🙌 pic.twitter.com/6D2EF29Bp1
— Cage Warriors (@CageWarriors) September 29, 2018
Webb vs. Frederick 2 agreed for November
Earlier in the year, MMA fans were treated to the blockbuster Cage Warriors 106, which featured six title fights, several UFC veterans, and a host of UK talent.
While the outrageously bloody main-event between Nicolas Dalby and Ross Houston captured headlines, the middleweight title fight between champion James Webb and Nathias Frederick provided similar confusion and controversy, after the Birmingham-based Frederick was deducted a point for a spike in round five. Had this not occurred, Frederick would’ve become the promotions 12th champion at 185-pounds, with two judges scoring the bout a draw following the deduction.
Since the fight, both Webb and Frederick have declared that they won the fight, Webb due to the amount of time he controlled his opponent for and Frederick due to the shots he was able to land on the feet.
With all the ingredients for what could be one of the biggest grudge matches in Cage Warriors history, the promotion wasted no time in booking a rematch and on November 22 at Cage Warriors 110, Webb and Frederick will run it back.
Will Team Renegade’s Frederick continue what has been an impressive year for the Birmingham fight team, and pick up his first Cage Warriors win, or will Webb’s wrestling prowess prove too much this time. Don’t miss this one!
Dean Trueman to return in Birmingham
Following his loss to Mads Burnell at Cage Warriors 106, former champion Dean Trueman appeared slightly lost.
He flirted with a move up to 155-pounds to face long-time rival Soren Bak and considered leaving Cage Warriors, either for ONE Championship or RIZIN.
https://twitter.com/DeanTrueman/status/1146060668027539457
However, following Morgan Charriere’s split decision victory over Lewis Monarch, it seemed the stars had aligned for an Anglo-French #1 contender bout and at Cage Warriors 109 in Birmingham, fans will be treated to this clash of featherweight titans.
Charriere, who has previously faced Soren Bak and KSW champion Salahdine Parnasse, has fought in numerous European promotions and while he was unable to capture Cage Warriors gold against Bak, he will be confident he can do so on his second attempt.
It’s also worth noting that after his impressive victory over Trueman, Mads Burnell’s immediate future is uncertain. Following Nicolas Dalby’s move back to the UFC, it seems possible that Burnell could follow suit; if this happens, the victor of Trueman vs. Charriere could find themselves in prime position to seize the title. What a fight this could be.
Mason Jones “can’t wait to take the roof off” in his first main-event bout
Following Jack Shore’s departure from Cage Warriors, several young fighters have been vying to fill the vacancy as the promotions biggest Welsh star.
Competitors like Josh Reed and Oban Elliott have made their claim for the crown, however at the fast-approaching Cage Warriors 108, to take place in Cardiff, Mason Jones will have the honor of headlining the event in his home nation.
Jones has amassed an impressive record of 7-0, just 2-years into his professional career, and will be looking to continue this rise when he faces Aleksi Mantykivi in October.
“The Dragon” recently spoke to ITV Wales and explained just how excited he is to put on a show in front of a home crowd and move one step closer to earning a shot at Jai Herbert’s 155-pound belt.
“I’m really going to enjoy being main-event. I’ve been co-main, but I’ve never a main-event for Cardiff. It’s going to be a new experience, but I can’t wait to take the roof off the place.”
Jones also shared his thoughts on where he sees MMA progressing in the future, not just in Wales and the UK, but in the world.
“I think in a couple of years, the sports just going to go from strength to strength; it’s probably going to be one of the biggest sports in the world.”
Oban Elliott shares impressive heavy-bag session ahead of Cage Warriors 108 bout
Despite only having two professional fights on his record, Oban Elliott has already made waves in Cage Warriors’ lightweight division.
Following his victory over Boulali Skikem in April this year, the Welshman was bullish in his post-fight interview, telling the promotion’s matchmakers “send anyone you want, but don’t send anyone you want back”.
At Cage Warriors 108, Elliott will look to continue this momentum, when he takes on SBG’s Steven Hooper who is 1-2 in his last three fights. While Elliott was initially slated to face Eric Nolan, his opponent has changed for an undisclosed reason.
This change in opponent clearly hasn’t deterred Elliott, who recently shared footage of a heavy-bag training session on social media. In the session, Elliott demonstrates the impressive power that has seen him pick-up numerous plaudits throughout the UK. Expect fireworks when Elliott steps into the cage on October 12.
🥊 New Rocky movie or @ObanElliott_ training session?
🏴 Merthyr Tydfil's own keeping it old school in #CW108 fight camp pic.twitter.com/iy2kBmoOWL
— Cage Warriors (@CageWarriors) August 28, 2019
