Cage Warriorsthe UK’s most prominent regional mixed martial arts promotion, returns to action on Saturday for Cage Warriors 156, which kicks off from the Vale Sports Arena in Cardiff, Wales.
The main event will call for a classic striker vs. wrestler match when a UFC veteran Darren Stewart Take on former Middleweight Champion Cage Warriors Matt Bonner With a shot at middleweight glory potentially hanging in the balance.
Fighting fans can watch Cage Warriors 156 during a live broadcast UFC Fight Pass With the initial segment of the show starting at 1pm EST / 10am PT.
Main Event – Bonner vs. Stewart
As mentioned earlier, a middleweight title shot could be at stake for any 185-pound capable of holding his hand on Saturday. Bonner is among the longest-running fighters in the Cage Warriors promotion and is not only a former middleweight champion but also a former 170-pound contender. Although his record (14-8-1) suggests a great deal of adversity in his career, Bonner has turned things around with eight wins in his last 10 matches thanks, in large part, to a central approach. Bonner isn’t afraid to stand in the pocket and trade, but his down-to-earth killer instinct is his greatest weapon, and one he’s eager to use. Despite this, his last two victories have come by way of stoppages for strikes.
☝️ 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗘𝗣!@MMABrad48 reveal #CW156 Cardiff at his preview before fight night ⤵️
– CageWarriors June 30, 2023
However, standing up and trading with “The Dentist” Stewart may not be a recipe for success, even though Bonner has never finished in a 23 fight. Stewart is a powerful striker who throws everything with above average power. However, he goes for deciding a fair amount for someone with his skill set, due in large part to his offensive and defensive wrestling, or lack thereof. When fights extend beyond the first round, Stewart has been known to mix his wrestling to win minutes and control time in the bank while creating opportunities to set up some ground and pound. On the other hand, his takedown defense has always been the biggest hole in his game, and one Bonner is perfectly capable of exploiting it – if he can land Stewart’s best shots.
The rest of the card
The co-main event will feature talented Scottish prospects Rhys McEwan match vs Leonardo de Oliveira At 135 pounds. McEwan could be lined up as a possible future contender for the Irish Bantamweight Champion Kyle LoughranBut winning on Saturday won’t be easy because De Oliveira is no slouch. A BJJ black belt has recently gone the distance with the former Cage Warriors Champion Samir Faden And he will be looking to give the Scottish standout a tough lesson on Saturday night.
Also on the main card, Ghassan Abdenabi He was appointed to take over Andrew Clamp in light heavyweight. These two were supposed to face off earlier in the year, but they will finally be facing off with what should be an intriguing striker versus wrestler. Jack Eglin He was also set to work against local favourites Rory Evans in the bantamweight division. Both fighters have faced adversity in their young careers, but will be looking to steal the show in front of Evans’ partisan crowd. and knell The key card will open against Jimmy Quinn In the third main bantamweight bout of the card. Quinn is making his professional debut after winning an amateur title for Cage Warriors South East.
As matches are subject to change as always, be sure to stay tuned to MMA Sucka for the latest news and updates.
Cage Warriors 156 results
key card
Darren Stewart def. Matt Bonner via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Rhys McEwan def. Leonardo de Oliveira via TKO (knockouts) at 3:32 of the second round
Andrew Clamp def. Ghassan Abdel Nabi via submission (RNC) at 2:48 in the first round
Jack Eglin Dave. Rory Evans via TKO (knockouts) at 2:33 of the second round
Jimmy Quinn Def. Dan Kneil via Knockout (Right Hook) at :10 of the first round
The initial card