“That positive energy is everything, I like to smile and I like to have a good time. During fight week there will come a lot of negative things. The most important thing is to not let it demotivate you. Doesn’t matter what. And everything is possible in you life when you believe [Yoel Romero voice].”

https://www.instagram.com/p/CqQg-A3DdYV/

I had the pleasure of talking to Da Silva to learn a little bit more of the flyweight prospect hailing from Balingen, Germany.

“I was born in Balingen, Germany. When I was eight years old we moved to Algarve, Portugal. My father is a musician and we lived there for four years. One of the best years of my life. Then we moved back to Germany where I live now in the south part, near Stuttgart. With my 4 younger siblings, my mother, and my dog.”

Prior to MMA Da Silva played soccer at a decently high level. When he was 21 he quit playing due to a lack of motivation for the sport. It later led him to become involved in MMA, the sport he is currently excelling in.

“My little brother stopped playing soccer so I decided to send him to an MMA gym. I would drop him off and pick him up and I would smell the beautiful air in the gym. So I also decided to try it out. After the first session, I got smashed so hard my ego didn’t allow me to quit so I continued with the time training and I fell in love with the sport very quickly.”

I asked Da Silva about his experience the first day he walked into an MMA gym.

“It was very humbling, the first training was a Bjj session. I always thought that I was strong and athletic so I can handle a little wrestling with those guys. After you get submitted fifteen times in three minutes by a little boy you start to think and realize it’s all about technique. I will never forget that day.”

To this day Da Silva trains in Balingen, Germany at Planet Eater. Planet Eater is one of the top gyms based out of Germany and they have a strong group of fighters.

“My head coach is Peter Sobotta, a former UFC fighter and legend here in Germany. He is also my manager and helps me create game plans for my fights. I also have a good friend/coach Dima Götte who helps me in different areas. Holding pads, finding the flow and focus, and a lots of psychological things. My number one pad holder is Carlos Geiser. We have a very good friendship and we flow a lot in the pads. Last year a very good fighter came from Ukraine. His name is Denys Bondar. He is a UFC fighter and a perfect sparring partner for me.”

Outside of MMA, Da Silva also has a career as Personal Trainer. It’s something he’s been doing for two years and it’s become very rewarding for him.

“It was always a big passion for me, to teach and to help people. Also in the days of my soccer time, I taught and coached younger kids I started to help my coach with the boxing classes for beginners. I loved it so I tried to help people with the knowledge I gained from training and fighting. Now I am a personal trainer since two years ago and I want to help people get more confident, healthier, and stronger. It also gives me a lot of positive energy to see how my clients develop in a very short time. You can’t compare that with money.”

Da Silva made his pro debut in 2019 and prior to that, he had a non-documented amateur career. I spoke with Da Silva about his amateur career and what he learned from the only loss he suffered.

“After six months of mostly striking training, I was so excited to fight and also confident to gain experience to step in the ring. My objective was to do a kickboxing or a boxing fight but it was a little difficult to find a fight without an actual boxing pass here in Germany. So I fought in an MMA tournament. I didn’t have any clue about a ground game. I just knew how to brawl and duck under a hook. I lost the first fight of the tournament by a very close decision but my opponent was not able to fight in the final so I got the shot in the final against a very good and experienced grappler. I hit him with some good punches but he was able to take me down without any problem. In the second round, he finished me with a beautiful Armbar from mount. After this experience, I knew I want to do this professionally.
I also started to train with a totally different mindset. It was the beginning of my journey”

Now Shawn Marcos Claudina Da Silva is undefeated as a pro at 4-0. He’s coming off that big win in Cage Warriors so he’s riding a lot of momentum into his future. Da Silva shared some of his goals going forward.

“I want to have at least two good fights with spectacular performances this year. My long-term goal is to do the things I love. To have the independence. Also, to inspire and motivate people. I want to be one of the most entertaining fighters who ever stepped in the octagon.”

Bonus Questions

Q. Where did you get those slick dancing moves?
A. My dancing moves only come when I am in a fighting mood. I learned it in my sparring sessions to confuse my opponents. It helps me to get loose and feel free. Maybe some day I will learn to dance actually.

Q. Do you have anyone in MMA or combat sports in general that inspired you?
A. One of the goats in MMA in my opinion is Demetrious Johnson. His skill set is unbelievable in every area. This guy is a fucking machine. I like his humble style and sportsmanship.

Q. How do you like to celebrate off a win?
A. After all my fights I am very tired. I like to spend time with my amigos chill out, eat something good, and just hang out.

Q. For anyone that’s never watched you fight what would you tell them to expect?
A. Always here for a big show! You always can expect the unexpected when I step into the cage.

Q. Last question. Why do you fight and who do you fight for?
A.  fight because I love the feeling. It’s something very special and you learn so many things about yourself.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CmJasGBDHjB/

The post Shawn Da Silva: “You Always Can Expect the Unexpected When I Step Into the Cage.” appeared first on Cageside Press.

Ndiaye was first introduced to MMA by watching UFC and Pride fights. He began practising in Judo, Kung-Fu, and has a black belt in Taekwondo. Prior to making his MMA debut in 2017 he was a French Pankration champion in 2016.

Jumping straight into MMA following his Pankration title he felt he rushed it a bit which is why he lost his first fight, he told Cageside Press recently.

“When I fought my first MMA fight I was not well structured, I ended up losing. I ended up amassing a record of 12-2 as an amateur. Additionally, I had a lot of competition in grappling, particularly Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Pankration.”

Ndiaye is now 4-0 as a professional. Although he has a nice-looking undefeated record, he hasn’t fought since November of 2019. According to him, COVID-19 was partly the problem, but more so had trouble finding opponents willing to step in the cage with him.

“When I won my first and second professional fights. It gave me a huge desire to one day become a world champion, at whatever cost. From where I was at the beginning of my career I believe that I am more strategic, complete physically and mentally than before.”

Ndiaye has trained at various training facilities mainly crafting in individual disciplines to get the best training. Recently he’s been training out of NRFight Club Paris under head coach Nicolas Renier.

For the biggest fight of his career and a heck of a return to the cage, he’s fighting for the major UK promotion Cage Warriors this Saturday. A key goal that Ndiaya has reached, and he’s ready to make the most of the opportunity.

It was one of my objectives to compete with a promotion such as Cage Warriors, so I am
extremely happy. It is a big opportunity and a springboard to eventually sign to the UFC.
I am grateful to my manager Ajay Chander (EPOK Agency) for making this happen for
me.”

His opponent on the other side of the cage is England’s own Adam Cullen. Cullen is highly-regarded training out of the same camp as Paddy Pimblett and many others in Next Generation MMA Liverpool. Ndiaye, safe to say, is not a fan.

“Adam Cullen is a real clown; he has never faced an opponent like me. This fight will not go to a decision. Adam is weak, so he tries to show the opposite by trash talking on social media.”

The fight footage of Ndiaye online is lacking, so the majority of fans watching Cage Warriors 136 will be seeing him compete for the first time. When talking to Ndiaye about the bout, he promised a big fight and a great show no matter who he’s fighting for all the new fans. Although he’s not well-known at the moment, a win here puts him right on the map.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B_nAMOoC8iC/

He also believes he can land in the UFC relatively soon.

“I fight because it remains a challenge that allows me to surpass myself. In less than three years, I’ll be in the UFC.”

Watch Ndiaye compete this Saturday, April 2, 2022 at Cage Warriors 136 airing exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.

The post Cage Warriors 136: El Hadji Ndiaye Says “Adam Cullen is a Real Clown” appeared first on Cageside Press.

CFFC 106 | US | Thursday

Lightweight, Paris Artis (5-0)

Artis is a highlight-reel finisher holding a few dramatic finishes. He comes out with a high guard chopping with heavy leg kicks and throwing check hooks. Artis has huge power in his hands and kicks with one-shot knockout power. Even on the mat his jiu-jitsu is decent with good scrambling ability and a slick submission attack. I’m not too sold on him but he’s someone you tune in to watch when he’s fighting. Artis fights champ Blake Smith (6-2) for the title.

Cage Warriors 134 | UK | Friday

Featherweight, James Hendin (6-1)

Hendin is a super impressive young man out of England. Hendin is a wrestler who will grind out hard-fought decision wins. He’s always in your face throwing low calf kicks, short powerful punches, and pressing opponents against the cage. Hendin has good wrestling, especially with a beautiful hip-toss he’s hit many times in his career. Hendin has one submission but it’s more of his smothering active ground and pound. Hendin has pressure, technique, and a deep gas tank. He fights Jordan Vucenic (8-1).

Featherweight, Jordan Vucenic (8-1)

Vucenic is mainly a wrestler. He has heavy leg kicks plus good forward pressure, but everything he does on the feet is to get to the takedown. Along with good wrestling, Vucenic has really good top control and really nice fluidity as well. His work rate is impressive with a deep gas tank. Still needs some work on the feet but is scrappy. He defends his title against James Hendin (6-1).

Lightweight, George Hardwick (8-1)

No matter where the fight takes Hardwick he’s going to be comfortable. He’s all about volume on the feet throwing slick combinations to the body and head. Surgical on the inside with his hands and elbows in the clinch he will chop the legs at distance. Hardwick can wrestle as well. He can get takedowns on the legs and from the upper body. His jiu-jitsu is slick. He smoothly takes the back and right away locks in the body triangle. As a pro he’s really good at finding the neck of his opponent. Hardwick fights Lukasz Kopera (10-6).

Middleweight, Will Currie (6-2)

Currie has only lost to one person and it was twice to Christian Leroy Duncan. He is  primarily a grappler with a submission base. As a pro, he’s finished with an RNC, arm-bar, americana, keylock, triangle and an arm-triangle. Wrestling-wise he has good timing on his entries and has a strong body lock. Currie has been very impressive on the mat with that submission base, aggression, and smooth transitions. Only being 23, Currie has a bright future. He fights Patrick Vallee (12-12-2).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fytaxeZqRAU&ab_channel=WorldWideWeb

 Flyweight, Lone’er Kavanagh (2-0)

Kavanagh is a very skilled and intriguing young man. Where he’s best at is unequivocally on the feet. He’s light on his feet, doing a lot of bouncing around. Kavanagh is excessively fast specifically with his movement, hands, and his legs. The Englishman throws a nice lead uppercut, is a well-executed counter striker, and has a good one-two. Kavanagh fights behind his kicks, setting the tone of his fights that way. He’s such a flashy guy and he doesn’t telegraph his strikes at all. Kavanagh is a true 125-er that brings speed, athleticism, explosiveness, and a recurrent rapid pace. He fights Ryan Morgan (1-0).

iKON FC 2 | US | Friday

Middleweight, SD Dumas (5-0)

The first thing you notice when watching Dumas is how often and quickly he lets his kickboxing set the pace. He loves to chop away at the legs and then go high – sometimes to the opposite side. All his work he does with his legs opens up his striking even more. Dumas has really good distance management on the feet, with of course his kicks but his striking as well. He has a stiff jab and strikes really well long, keeping guys at the end of his punches. He fights very patiently picking his spots and it’s a big reason why he can fight as well as he can later in fights. Here is an extensive piece I did on Dumas. He fights Aaron Highbaugh (9-5).

PFL Challenger Series 5 | US | Friday

Lightweight, Bruno Miranda (13-3)

Miranda has extensive experience in Muay Thai and it’s shown throughout his MMA career. You will see Miranda attack with leg kicks early and often throughout his fights. The Brazilian is a banger who will come out throwing bombs the entire bout. He is wild though and that’s resulted in him getting tagged, but he’s tough and his will breaks opponents. Miranda is a striker/kickboxer by trade but he has some decent wrestling to fall back on. he fights Carson Frei (9-4).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETI3azNVfRE&ab_channel=JeffSainlarVisuals

Eternal MMA 64 | Australia | Saturday

Lightweight, Josh Kuhne (3-0)

It’s hard to get a good read on Kuhne because his fights end so quickly. The storm he brings right out of the gate is so heavy his opponents so far couldn’t withstand it. Kunhe has massive power in both his hands and knees. So much is unknown about him but to put on a show is what he’s all about. There is a reason they call him Kamikaze. Kuhne fights Blake Donnelly (5-1).

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: London’s Calling appeared first on Cageside Press.

Elliot (4-1) returns to action for the second time in 2021 this Friday at Cage Warriors 131. He fights out of Shore Mixed Martial Arts, the same gym that produced undefeated top prospect Jack “Tank” Shore. Elliot fights his toughest opponent yet, Madars Fleminas (8-3).

The Welsh fighter has never been to the judge’s scores in his career, including his seven amateur fights. He finishes fights and holds a 100% finish rate; while he wouldn’t give a prediction for the fight, he did say he will have another clip for his highlight reel.

“He’s a great opponent. I’ve said this; he’s a family man which I respect a lot and he is very experienced. He is a formidable opponent; that’s how I would describe him. It is going to be a great test for me and my skills,” Elliot told Cageside Press in an exclusive interview. “It’s a big big fight for me. Everyone is excited about it. I’ve got people in America following me now, which is crazy. It means the world to me. It’s a big fight, and I feel like everything is coming into place for me. I will go out and execute and do what I do best.”

“I’ll go to the toolbox when I need to and deal with him… What I can give you is, it will be one more for the win column, one more for the highlight reel, and one more for the gangster.”

You might have heard that quote before. It is from UFC legend Chael Sonnen, someone that is familiar with Elliot.

I know you are. I’m watching each step you take. https://t.co/gZGbLRZWdW

— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) November 4, 2021

Elliot wants to be the Welsh gangster, paying homage to Sonnen.

Some fighters come into the game and conquer the microphone. Elliot is one of them. The fighter from Wales can cut a promo like the best of them.

He sees himself as ‘box office’ and compared himself to a Quentin Tarantino movie.

“I think I’m box office. How’s that sound? If you haven’t watched me, I’m box office. If you tune in, you’ll get a Quentin Tarantino film. You might tune into a fight, and it’ll be a little bit lull, and you think ‘what the f*ck,’ but then you’ll get guns and bullets. Box office is what I call it, and you’re in for a treat on Friday,” Elliot said.

Watch the rest of the interview with Elliot above. Oban Elliot fights Madars Fleminas at Cage Warriors 131 on December 10, streamed exclusively on UFC Fight Pass.

The post Oban Elliot Says He Is “Box Office,” Will Add Another Name To Highlight Reel At Cage Warriors 131 appeared first on Cageside Press.

Here’s a look at that, and other key prospects in action this week.

Lux Fight League 17 | Mexico | Friday

Lightweight, Francesco Patron Manzo (8-0)

Manzo is only 22-years-old and is a well-rounded young man with tons of potential. He’s a diverse striker that’s still really technical. Manzo is always throwing in volume mixing in kicks and punches. He has an underrated ground game as well as shown in his last fight with a beautiful armbar finish transitioned from the back. He fights former UFC veteran Marco Beltran (16-7).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwwUDvnyC4Q&t=20s

RCC: Intro 16 | Russia | Saturday

Heavyweight, Kirill Kornilov (10-0-1)

Kornilov has a kickboxing background but in his MMA career, it’s the hands that he has got the job done with. He has a really good jab and uses a lot of feints to produce openings for him to exploit. Where he is most effective is when his opponents come forward, catching them as they come in. He’s a dangerous guy off his back foot, so not someone you want to advance on carelessly. His takedown defense isn’t at all where it needs to be however. Even worse, he’s way out of his realm on the mat off his back. Kornilov fights Ednaldo Oliveira (21-8-1).

FEN 36 | Poland | Saturday

Lightweight, Mateusz Rębecki (13-1)

Rebecki is a BJJ black belt and is a two-time gold medalist in ADCC (Poland). He trains out of Berserker Team with fighters like Michal Materla, Tomasz Narkun, and many more established veterans. Rebecki is a bit one-dimensional being solely a grappler but in that area, he’s just so dangerous and that’s on top or bottom. While on a ten-fight win streak at the time he fought them, the combined record of his opponents was 135-46-3. Of thirteen victories he’s finished all but one fight. Seven stoppages by KO/TKO and five by submission. He fights Aigun Akhmedov (22-2).

AMC Fight Nights 105 | Russia | Saturday

Middleweight, Vladimir Mineev (15-1-1)

Mineev has several good wins, the most notable being against former UFC fighter Maiquel Falcão. There have been doubts in the past about his cardio, takedown defense, and head movement, but he has grown into a well-rounded martial artist. The Russian has a dynamic offensive striking attack with excellent output with his hands and kicks, and his wrestling is underrated as well. Mineev fights Magomed Ismailov (17-2-1).

Featherweight, Mukhamed Eminov (17-1)

Eminov is someone I scouted a few years ago and is much better today than he was then. The Russian hasn’t displayed much on the feet but he does have a solid ground game. Eminov is a very technical grappler who transitions through guard beautifully and excels at passing positions as a whole. He also brings a very intelligent submission base with eleven submission wins. He fights Roman Silagadze (4-1-1).

Middleweight, Sharaputdin Magomedov (5-0)

Magomedov is a kickboxer with an extensive background. In MMA that’s what he showcased so far. Even going backwards Magomedov has light footwork and can still land effectively. In the clinch he’s good at landing knees as shown in his last fight. Magomedov has a lot of dexterity in his legs being able to throw head kicks in tight spaces. He can throw with both legs and is hard to read on what he’s going to throw. He’s dangerous at distance and even though his takedown defense does need work, he’s dangerous to close the distance on. Magomedov fights Mikhail Allakhverdian (9-2).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GbyPMAy4Uj8&ab_channel=FIGHTNIGHTSGLOBALTV

Middleweight, David Barkhudaryan (13-3)

Barkhudaryan is mainly a striker and a very dangerous one at that. He has a one-two he loves to throw, chopping powerful leg kicks, and a firing straight jab. Beware of rushing in on him as well as he’s a dangerous counter-striker. Barkhudaryan has lights out power in his hands and can stop the fight at any time. He’s currently on a seven-fight win streak and looking at the peak of his career. He fights Artur Alibulatov (21-4).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4xIEli46UM&ab_channel=FIGHTNIGHTSGLOBALTV

Bellator 268 | US | Saturday

Light heavyweight, Julius Anglickas (10-1)

Anglickas has a strong wrestling base, that being his best weapon for sure. He can wrestle all fight as his cardio has proved to be very good. He also has a dangerous submission attack, holding four submission wins in his career. On the feet, Anglickas bull rushes opponents and beats them up in the clinch. He also throws good leg kicks and a good jab.  He’s got a solid work ethic and eventually breaks your will. He fights the champ Vadim Nemkov (14-2) for the title.

Light heavyweight, Karl Albrektsson (12-3)

Albrektsson has only three losses in his career, all three to stellar fighters in Valentin Moldavsky, Phil Davis, and Jiri Prochazka. He has also beaten good competition such as former UFC fighter Josh Stansbury and Bellator light heavyweight champ Vadim Nemkov. “King” has a background in BJJ and in Sanshou, in which he was the 2014 European champion. His weak point would be on the feet, as he’s often seen fighting too stiff. He excels on the mat though, looking better in each fight. He fights Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov (18-6-1).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIkjRjnY3-U&ab_channel=That%27swhyMMA%21

Lightweight, Nick Browne (11-1)

Browne’s sole loss is to John Gunther, and while that looks… not so good in hindsight, he does have a few good wins. He’s beat opponents like Sidney Outlaw, Troy Lamson, Ben Egli, and Trey Ogden who are all good fighters. Browne doesn’t have much to offer on the feet but strikes well to close the distance to wrestle. He’s a strong grappler being a big submission threat with five submission wins. Taking the back and finishing with the RNC is what he’s best at. He fights Bobby Lee (12-6).

Bantamweight, Jaylon Bates (3-0)

Bates made his pro debut for Bellator and is one of their best and brightest up-and-comers. He’s the full package and besides being a wrestler first his striking is good. He has good hands and good use of his range. Bates is a fantastic wrestler and can wrestle three rounds no problem. Being an aggressive wrestler he can keep taking guys down despite them getting to their feet. Bates has a slick submission game no matter where he’s at. Still not enough has been shown but he looks like the real deal. He fights Raphael Montini (6-4).

Welterweight, Mukhamed Berkhamov (14-1)

Berkhamov is a very solid fighter that can go the distance or finish. He has solid cardio going the distance three times but mainly ending the fight with his striking. He only throws one strike at a time but he is very explosive and is very hard to read as he throws hooks, jabs, leg kicks, and head kicks and his timing is perfect. Berkhamov has solid wrestling as he changes levels great and always gets the takedown. He is very good on top moving well and stays heavy and gets dominant position frequently. He fights Jaleel Willis (15-2).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NutEIBQIztI&ab_channel=MMATROLL

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: Anglickas Moves from Prospect to Title Challenger appeared first on Cageside Press.

Figlak has been in MMA since he was only 15-years-old. He practiced in boxing and judo but MMA is what drew him to combat sports. He began fighting as an amateur in 2013 and fought for five years before turning pro in 2018. He won the Golden Ticket Fight Promotions lightweight title as an amateur. In his second pro fight Figlak won the Raged UK lightweight title.

He made his first big statement in September 2020 when he made his promotional debut for Cage Warriors. He fought Oban Elliott who was 3-0 at the time (and 7-0 as an amateur). Elliott was riding a lot of hype and was mentioned as the future of Cage Warriors possibly. In what was a fun fight Figlak looked much better and stopped Elliott in the third round.

Figlak is well-rounded. He’s knocked opponents out, won via ground and pound, went the distance, and won by submission as an amateur. He brings pressure, volume, and composure every time he competes. Figlak is a fierce striker. The power isn’t necessarily the danger rather it’s the volume and combinations he throws. Figlak is frequently attacking and does so from different angles and always throws something different. He sometimes strays away from it but his bodywork is wonderful. He mixes it into combinations going body-head. Figlak digs the body making the hands drop and then goes to the head.

Figlak does everything right on the feet. He’s technical, throws volume, mixes in kicks and punches, has good footwork, and uses feints. My only knock on his stand-up is he takes damage. I do rate his head movement quite highly but at times it sits a little too long on the centerline. I’ve noticed it’s the jab he has the most issue moving away from. For the most part, Figlak can take a shot and his striking defense is solid overall. Maybe a good boxer with a good jab will give him trouble but it’s nothing I’d worry about.

Though perhaps not as exciting as his stand-up, his ground game is just as good. To get it there Figlak’s wrestling is relentless. Figlak can get takedowns in space, in the clinch, and he seems to have good judo. His wrestling is as good as it is because it’s complemented by his striking. Other than wanting Figlak to be more aggressive passing the guard he’s a solid grappler. A lot of times when he gets takedowns or defends sloppy shots he winds up in side control or half guard. From there he’s easily transitioning to the mount and soon taking the back. The capability is there but he has yet to get a submission in his pro career. Figlak does rain down frequent ground and pound and has heavy top control.

Figlak is without a doubt someone to watch for. I think a lot of him and I believe he has a bright future. A future I see consists of a Cage Warriors title and a UFC contract if that’s what he wants. I have no real concern about what he’s shown so far. He gets hit but nothing major has come of it. He has excellent takedown defense and the times he’s been on his back and pops right back up. Figlak is well-rounded, smart, and has good endurance — enough to be a real threat in the future. He returns at Cage Warriors 129 on October 2.

Unofficial Stats

Knockdowns: 2
Knocked down: 0
Takedowns: 7
Takedowns failed: 4
Taken down: 1
Takedowns defended: 17
Clinch control: 3:30
Controlled in the clinch: 0:42
Ground control: 7:59
Controlled on the ground: 0:21
Guard passes: 0
Transioted to dominant position: 6
Been in a dominant position defensively: 0
Submission attempts: 2
Submissions fought off: 1

Grades

Striking: A
Kickboxing: B
Movement: B
Output/Volume: A+
Aggression: A
Head movement: B-
Speed: B-
Knockout power: B-
Bodywork: B+
Takedown defense: A-
Grappling: B
Grappling defense: A+
Wrestling: B
Clinch: A
Feints/Fakes: B
Endurance: B
IQ: B

The post Before They Are Relevant: Mike Figlak appeared first on Cageside Press.

RFP 83 | Ukraine | Wednesday

Featherweight, Maksim Sischuk (4-1)

Sischuk didn’t start off his career on the right foot. He went 0-2 as an amateur and started off 0-1 as a pro. The 21-year-old is now on a streak, winning his next four. Sischuk has finished all his fights and three in the first round. On the mat is where he is comfortable as his ground and pound is a big weapon. Even off his back he has a dangerous guard with a few subs off his back. On the feet, he does have leg kicks he likes to throw but everything is to close the distance. Not sold on him at all but worth watching for. He fights former UFC/Bellator fighter Richie Smullen (6-2-1).

Cage Warriors 123 | UK | Thursday

Middleweight, Will Currie (5-1)

Currie is primary a grappler with a submission base. As a pro, he’s finished with a RNC, armbar, americana, keylock, and an arm-triangle. Wrestling-wise he has good timing on his entries and has a strong body lock. Currie has been very impressive on the mat with that submission base, aggression, and smooth transitions. Only being 22, Currie has a bright future. He fights Christian Leroy Duncan (3-0).

Middleweight, Christian Leroy Duncan (3-0)

Duncas, undefeated as a pro, had an extensive amateur career mostly for IMMAF. He went 17-6 as an amateur before going pro, where he’s been exceling. All that experience has made Duncan into a well-rounded top prospect out of the UK. Duncan on the feet is known for his diverse tricky style. He’s always throwing flashy spinning attacks but he’s done a good job setting it all up. Both his hands and legs are very dangerous. He’s always throwing something different and is tough to read. Duncan is a solid wrestler and grappler as well. He needs work with takedown defense but can very well hold his own and not to mention he’s a submission threat. Duncan fights Will Currie (5-1) in a rematch.

Flyweight, Aaron Aby (11-3-1)

Aby has had a long journey beating stage three cancer and dealing with cystic fibrosis. Aby has fought a lot of tough guys dating back to 2013 when he made his debut. The Englishman is a good wrestler and a smothering grappler. Aby will give no space while actively landing ground strikes. He’ll also catch a submission once the opening is there. Aby is a smart methodical grappler. He fights Sam Creasey (13-3).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GjC_GuoZOf4

Featherweight, Manny Akpan (3-0)

Akpan didn’t jump out to me until his last fight when he upset top prospect Ben Ellis. Akpan is fine with going to his back and will even pull guard. He does so because he’s dangerous off his back with triangles and armbars. He is exceptional on the clinch with good muay thai including short elbows. He throws a lot of kicks and likes to bring out his flashy style a little more. Not sold on him all the way as he needs to show a bit more. He fights Keir Harvie (3-1).

Cage Warriors 125 | UK | Friday

Lightweight, Agy Sardari (14-2)

Being a Dutch fighter, of course Sardari has good kickboxing. He actually comes from a karate background and is an instructor. Sardari does have solid kicks, a good one-two, and nicely done footwork, moving in with two to three shots and back out. Sardari is well rounded and to me his wrestling and grappling is where he’s best. Sardari has strong wrestling and when he gets it to the mat he moves well on top. Off his back he’s super busy. As the fight goes on he gets better. He’s going to be a tough guy to beat. He fights Joe McColgan (7-3-1).

Welterweight, Jesse Urholin (6-0)

No doubt in the grappling realm Urholin is in his wheelhouse. The Finland native is a BJJ black belt and arguably the best grappler out of the Nordic area. He’s won medals at the IBJJF European Open, ADCC trials, was an ADCC European Champion in 2015 and 2017, and was an ADCC World qualifier those two same years. Urholin is very good in the grappling department, but his ground and pound is also fierce. Which makes Urholin a feared grappler, as if he isn’t putting you out with a submission he will smash you with punches and elbows. To complement his grappling he does have good wrestling usually utilizing takedowns from the clinch. He’s pushing it as a prospect being 32 already though. He fights Aaron Khalid (10-6-1).

Featherweight, Edward Walls (10-5)

Walls may have a .500 record but in his defense, he got back one of his losses and his last two defeats were by split decision. Despite those setbacks, he’s only 25-years-old and very exciting to watch. Walls is electrifying on the feet firing long one-two’s and heavy kicks. He’s very dangerous, explosive, especially with the head kick, which he’s very good at throwing. Walls does have wrestling in his back pocket and is getting better once on the mat. Walls is on a two-fight win streak, looking good in the process. He fights Steve Aimable (15-8).

Welterweight, Justin Burlinson (5-0)

Burlinson may be only 5-0 as a pro but this 24-year-old has a lot of experience as he went 15-1 as an amateur. Burlinson is a well-rounded talent that needs a little sharpening around the edges with takedown defense and at times, his striking. He has knockout power and good striking fundamentals but is better on the ground with effective jiu-jitsu. He’s a big threat with submissions holding thirteen career wins by that method. He fights David Bear (9-1).

Welterweight, David Bear (9-1)

Bear is mainly a grappler with exceptional wrestling. He doesn’t pose much of a threat on the feet beside a good jab and a decent one-two. His level changes on his takedowns could be set up better. Once he closes the distance he’s good at making the adjustments to get the fight down. Bear is a solid grappler. Never stationary in the guard Bear quickly transitions into dominant positions and side control. Bear has five submission wins but his grappling altogether is where he’s best. He fights Justin Burlinson (5-0).

Bantamweight, Nathan Fletcher (5-0)

Fletcher is a young fighter with whom I am very impressed. Combined as a pro and amateur he’s 12-1 with nine finishes. Not much has been seen of his striking especially but it is a bit stiff of what’s been seen. He has a good ground game and is a stellar wrestler though. Fletcher has a strong body lock takedown and on top, he’s a tactical grappler with seamless transitions. Overall such a good grappler and wrestler. He fights Brian Bouland (10-3).

Bantamweight, Dylan Hazan (3-0)

Hazan has a background as a two-time Italian freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling champion. There isn’t a lot of footage in MMA but he obviously has strong wrestling. He seems to have a good understanding of the ground game. Someone to watch for sure. He fights Josh Reed (11-5).

PFL #6 | US | Friday

Lightweight, Kayla Harrison (9-0)

Harrison is a very accomplished grappler who won the gold medal in judo at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and gold at the 2011 and 2015 Pan-American Games. Along with that she is last year’s PFL million-dollar winner. The judo practitioner holds a black belt in her sport and has won two national championships. Harrison has been dominant thus far in her MMA career. Her wrestling and her judo has been on full display and once on top, she’s a nightmare. Harrison is just dominant on top. Her grappling is high level and is both a submission threat and has fight-stopping ground and pound. She’s unstoppable. Harrison fights Cindy Dandois (16-6).

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: Cage Warriors Back with a Triple Header appeared first on Cageside Press.

On Monday, the UFC and Cage Warriors announced that former Cage Warriors featherweight champion Paddy Pimblett (16-3) had inked a deal with the promotion.

At this time, it is not known what division Pimblett will compete at, but it is assumed lightweight, as he has competed at 155 since losing the featherweight title in 2017. His UFC debut has not yet been announced either.

Paddy “The Baddy” has long been a name that has eluded the UFC roster. In 2014, he embarked on a nine-fight win streak that took him to his first featherweight title shot and beyond. The Liverpool fighter would fight Johnny Frachey for the vacant title at Cage Warriors 78 and defeat him via first-round TKO. Two months later, he would defend the title against fellow UFC featherweight Julian Erosa. Pimblett would lose the title to Nad Narimani the following year.

Pimblett would try and become a Cage Warriors double champion – a rare occurrence. He would challenge Soren Bak for the vacant Lightweight Championship but would come up short.

Pimblett is currently riding a two-fight win streak with two first-round finishes. Most recently, he submitted Davide Martinez in the first round at Cage Warriors 122, in effect sealing the deal on his UFC contract.

He is back! A quick flurry gets The Baddy the takedown and RNC for the win 🙌

Paddy Pimblett gets it done in one!

📺 Watch #CW122 live on @UFCFightPass pic.twitter.com/6lfWEcRDjH

— Cage Warriors (@CageWarriors) March 20, 2021

After his fight with Martinez, Pimblett made it clear to the UFC: call him. Well, they did.

The post Cage Warriors Star Paddy Pimblett Signs With UFC appeared first on Cageside Press.

BRAVE CF 48 | Bahrain | Thursday

Middleweight, Nemanja Kovač (13-3)

Fighting out of Novi Sad, Serbia Kovac is someone that always brings it. After losing three consecutive fights in 2018 he’s now on a six-fight win streak. Kovac will constantly come forward landing some powerful hooks. He has heavy leg kicks that he uses to target the legs, body, and head. Kocac does a solid job attacking the body and just breaking guys down. Not sure if he’s high-level yet but is fun to watch. He fights Ahmad Labban (9-4).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXvJgTfQ6L8

Light heavyweight, Murtaza Talha Ali (2-0)

Only 2-0 as a pro, Ali is one of the highest level light heavyweight amateurs in a long time. Ali is a two-time IMMAF world champion which is the biggest accomplishment out there as an amateur. Ali is a good striker and is an excellent wrestler. He’s had no issue closing the distance and powering guys to the mat. Ali has solid ground and pound and can grab the neck at any time. Ali has the blueprint to be the next big thing at light-heavyweight and I think he will. He fights Cameron Meintjies (6-1).

Cage Warriors 120 | UK | Friday

Featherweight, James Hendin (5-0)

Hendin is a super impressive young man out of England. Hendin is a wrestler who will grind out hard-fought decision wins. He’s always in your face throwing low calf kicks, short powerful punches, and pressing opponents against the cage. Hendin has good wrestling especially with a beautiful hip-toss he’s hit many times in his career. Hendin doesn’t have any submissions but has smothering active ground and pound. Hendin has pressure, technique, and a deep gas tank. He fights Paul Hughes (6-1) which is an awesome fight.

Middleweight, Will Currie (5-0)

Currie is a primary grappler with a submission base. As a pro, he’s finished with a RNC, armbar, americana, keylock, and an arm-triangle. Wrestling wise he has good timing on his entries and has a strong body lock. Currie has been very impressive on the mat with that submission base, aggression, and smooth transitions. Only being 22, Currie has a bright future. He fights Christian Leroy Duncan (2-0).

Lightweight, Mike Figlak (4-0)

Poland’s Figlak made his name known when he beat top prospect Oban Elliott five months ago. Figlak is well-rounded and is everything you look for in a young fighter. On the feet, Figlak gets right at it throwing combinations, never throwing single strikes. He’s very accurate with everything thrown and his right hand over the shoulder is his best weapon. If Figlak isn’t impressive enough with his striking his wrestling is just as good if not better. I like Figlak so much I think he’s a future Cage Warriors champion. He fights Steven Hooper (5-3).

Featherweight, Ben Ellis (3-0)

Ellis is only 3-0 and I usually don’t mention uber young (career-wise) fighters in this feature but he’s impressed me a lot. It’s not like he only has three fights, as he had eight amateur fights going undefeated. As an amateur Ellis won the Budo Fighting and Cage Warriors lightweight title. Ellis is an excellent wrestler with solid positional grappler and has damaging ground and pound. He fights Manny Akpan (2-0).

EFC 34 | Russia | Friday

Bantamweight, Sharapudin Magomedov (4-0)

Russian Sharapudin Magomedov is only 4-0 as a pro but has some good experience as he had a 15-1 amateur record. Magomedov has been very dominant thus far in his pro career especially with his ground game. He does have some heavy hands but is a much more dangerous wrestler/grappler. Magomedov is dominant once on top with excellent ground and pound and heavy position control. He fights Renat Khavalov (3-0).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UjEtsk6Wog&t=4s

Featherweight, Busurmankul Abdibait Uulu (12-3-1)

The former M-1 veteran Busurmankul Abdibait Uulu makes his return to the cage after a year and a half layoff. Uulu’s last three fights went to a decision but on the other side has nine stoppages in the first round. He can stand and trade in a brawl, wrestle, and grapple all very well. Uulu has a bombshell of a right hand, heavy kicks, strong wresting, and solid ground and pound. Arguably the best prospect out of Kyrgyzstan. He fights Vladislav Korolevskiy (8-4).

Middleweight, Imam-Shapi Mukhtarov (8-0)

Mukhtarov is an exciting prospect out of Russia with an undefeated record. He’s got a diverse kickboxing style throwing a lot of spinning attacks. He’s always throwing something different and looks very tricky. Mukhtarov has good judo as well and is just as good on the mat with his jiu-jitsu. He fights Magomed Nurov (6-2).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92NWS4UQ6WU&t=165s

Welterweight, Samandar Murodov (5-0)

Muradov the 21-year-old Russian is a top-notch grappler. His wrestling looks good as well. But once on the mat, he’s in full control. Muradov uses his length on the mat controlling the position, winning the scrambles, and his defensive grappling is solid. His jiu-jitsu is very glue-like as he as a strong body-lock and a tight mount. Just a grappler but a dangerous one. He fights Abdurakhman Alimagomedov (10-0).

Cage Warriors 121 | UK | Friday

Lightweight, Agy Sardari (13-2)

Being a Dutch fighter, of course Sardari has good kickboxing. He actually comes from a karate background and is an instructor. Sardari does have solid kicks, a good one-two, and nicely done footwork, moving in with two to three shots and back out. Sardari is well rounded and to me his wrestling and grappling is where he’s best. Sardari has strong wrestling and when he gets it to the mat he moves well on top. Off his back he’s super busy. As the fight goes on he gets better. He’s going to be a tough guy to beat. He fights Donovan Desmae (14-5).

Bantamweight, Jack Cartwright (9-0)

Cartwright has been wrestling since the age of five and has a background as a former ABA boxer. Cartwright just recently began showing his striking; with his power and timing he’s just as good as he is as a grappler. The Brit is a good wrestler and more of an exceptional grappler. He’s got a very dangerous guillotine and d’arce he’s finished with a few times. Cartwright is the real deal and one of my favorite prospects out of the UK. He fights  Sylwester Miller (9-3).

Welterweight, Ian Garry (5-0)

Among all the top prospects from the UK/Ireland, Garry stands out as the future. In his young career, Garry has already proven to be extremely well rounded, fought through adversity, and has already improved greatly. Garry is a dangerous fighter on the feet with a long jab and a flashy kicking arsenal. He likes to stay standing but does have an underrated ground game as well. He fights former UFC fighter Rostem Akman (6-2).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS6QKYf9_HI&t=2s

The post Weekly MMA Prospect Report: Lots of Talent Around the Globe appeared first on Cageside Press.

“My family has a massive part in the person I am today as I get my drive and determination from my parents. From their upbringing and what they had to deal with in their marriage raising me and my siblings, it’s pushed me to be the selfish type of person I am today, Garry told Cageside Press in a recent interview. The Irish prospect, who has been fighting for Cage Warriors, is currently awaiting his next assignment. “Knowing that I have to look after myself first cause nobody else will. If I don’t push myself to the ultimate limit I’m not gonna succeed. If I’m not in this all the way I’m not in it at all”

Garry is a rising welterweight prospect with a 3-0 professional record. A strong amateur career preceded that, and two of his three pro wins have been finishes. But for Garry, it’s all about the competition.

“The reason I do this [fight] is because I absolutely love it. I love the competition, I love testing myself and my skills, I love competing, and I love going in there [cage] with somebody and putting it to the test,” he explained. “I work harder than anyone. I work my ass off to prove people wrong or right to show the people that put their faith in me. I may not be the biggest and may not be the strongest but I am one of the most efficient.”

“I will say this. When you look at everything I’ve got it all. I can talk, I can sing, hell I can dance, I can do whatever you want me to do,” he continued, showing another important factor in modern fighting — personality. “Anything you say I can’t do, I will do. I’m a winner and I will find a way to win and that’s why I succeed. I can’t lose, I can’t fail, I hate it. There is just that drive inside me that pushes me to be the fighter I am, the person I am and that has a lot to do with my family. I’ve got to credit that to my mom and my dad.”

Garry is an extremely confident young fighter who is set in his goals. Just a young man set to prove people wrong and to prove others right. Going back to the fact that Garry is still only 3-0 and very young at 22-years-old — so he still has quite a way to go. But his target is locked.

“What the future holds for me is what I decide. If I want to make something happen I’m gonna make it happen. When I said I’ll go pro before the age of 23 I did. When I say I’ll sign with the UFC before the age of 25 I will. I’m 22 right now and I’m gonna sign to the UFC in the next two years and I know that. I have a massive year ahead of me and whoever Cage Warrior puts in front of me I’m gonna mow through them. People are gonna see the hard work, the dedication, the passion I have for this sport. People say it’s all about the sport and it’s not. It’s all about me and that’s all I care about the most. This sport is amazing but it’s about how this sport makes me feel.”

Being with the top promotion out of the UK in Cage Warriors, Garry does indeed have a clear path to the UFC if everything works to his plan. To this date, Cage Warriors has sent ninety-five fighters to the UFC.

“There is this demon inside of me that just loves to this [fighting]. It lives for this competition and I know I’m gonna do everything I say I’m gonna do” he said. “I know I’m gonna win the Cage Warriors world title. I may not even get the chance to, the UFC may come and scoop me up and that’s fine. I know I’m gonna make it to the UFC and anything that happens from there on in is a bonus. Obviously, I want that Cage Warrior belt, I want that UFC belt, I want to be one of the best that’s ever lived.”

“That”s why I’m with Cage Warriors I wanna do everything the right way. I wanna get there and be the best me I can be when I sign to the UFC,” Garry continued. “There’s nothing special there is no secret formula no secret ingredient. I’m just a 22-year-old driven kid with a dream. People can try to talk shit to me and drive me offline but I’ll tell you know, none of it’s gonna work. I’m too focused, I’m too selfish, I only think about my self because I know what I got to do.”

Although most successful Cage Warriors fighters go to the UFC some don’t. Mauro Cerilli went to ONE Championship, Karl Moore went to Bellator as did Soren Bak and Nathan Greyson.

“There is no way I’m picking Bellator over the UFC. I’m in this to be the best. I don’t really care about being paid,” exclaimed Garry. “If Bellator comes to me with an offer that’s great that’s fine but I don’t really care. For me the only reason I would go to that level is if I can’t make it to the UFC or for some reason I’m not good enough to make it to the UFC. My mind is purely focused on making it to the UFC and that’s what I will do. That’s why I’m with Cage Warriors — if I didn’t wanna go to the UFC I probably would have signed with Bellator already before Cage Warriors. Cage Warriors is the proving land to the UFC, they have proven time and time again with 95 people to the UFC. I’m hoping I’m gonna be number 100.”

“I don’t care about money, money doesn’t drive me fame doesn’t drive me. I’m not a materialistic person as I’d like a nice car, that’s about it because I like driving. Success and happiness is what drives me and happiness will come the success. The harder I work the better I become. The better I become the more success I’ll have. The more success I have the happier I will be. I’m just a 22-year-old kid living his dream and that’s why I succeed.”

The post Cage Warriors Prospect Ian Garry: A Driven 22-year-old Kid With a Dream appeared first on Cageside Press.