As promised by Cage Warriors President Graham Boylan back in August, the promotion returns stateside this Sunday for their second event at Humphreys by the Bay, San Diego. After a successful event the first time around, Boylan is looking to make this a regular occurrence, as he hopes to hold six events a year in California.
Four fighters who competed on Cage Warriors 126, return to fight in the promotion for a second time on Sunday. The rest will be newcomers getting their first taste of one of Europe’s biggest promotions. Let’s preview the nine fights Cage Warriors has in store for us.
Main Card Preview
Main Event: Spike Carlyle vs. JJ Ambrose
An unexpected main event was announced only five days prior to the event, with JJ Ambrose‘s original opponent, Kyle Driscoll withdrawing through injury. The replacement probably came as a shock to Cage Warriors fans, with former UFC fighter Spike Carlyle stepping up for the big occasion. The bout will be at a catchweight of 165lbs.
Carlyle fought at 170lbs for the first time in his professional career in his last fight, where he submitted Gil Guardado in California’s own Ballys Fight Night back in June. “The Alpha Ginger” was previously a featherweight in his UFC days, but he made the step up to lightweight in his LFA victory over Batsumberel Dagvadorj after his UFC release.
JJ Ambrose will make the 43rd walk of his professional career on Sunday night, as he’s enjoyed travelling the world since he started back in 2005. Ambrose has fought the majority of his career in several American promotions including spells in Bellator. In recent years, he’s fought in the likes of Japan, Australia, Guam, and Kuwait, competing in well-known promotions Pancrase and Hex Fight Series.
The fight may be short notice, but we are expecting a war between the pair. The two grapplers will be looking to outdo each other on the ground, with Ambrose on the hunt for his 21st career submission.
Co-Main Event: Jordan Bailey vs. Max Rohskopf
Max Rohskopf will be putting on the yellow gloves for a second time, after a dominating finish over Jeff Creighton inside round one at Cage Warriors 126. Whilst Rohskopf was in the cage two months ago, it’s been over three years for Jordan Bailey.
Rohskopf will be remembered for something he’d rather forget when he was forced to retire from his UFC debut against Austin Hubbard after round two. He was released from the promotion after his first career loss, but he put on a show in his return at Cage Warriors.
Bailey is a menace on the ground, and he was on a hot streak with a 5-1 record with a win inside Bellator before he hit a slump and lost three out of his last four fights before his three-year hiatus.
Markus Perez vs. Zac Pauga
At the start of the year, Markus Perez was competing within the UFC, fighting to save his contract. Unfortunately for him, he lost his third fight in a row, and he was released from the promotion. He comes up against one of the hottest prospects on the scene at the minute, Zac Pauga.
Perez earned his contract in the UFC, submitting the likes of Ian Heinisch at LFA 22 to become the middleweight champion. Undefeated at the time, Perez was another Brazilian talent that found his way to the UFC. His three years in the promotion didn’t go to plan though, with only two wins in his seven fights. He steps up to light heavyweight for the first time in his career.
Pauga overcame the wrath of Terrance Jean-Jacques in the first round at Cage Warriors 126, to outclass his opponent in the final two rounds with the heavy power he possesses in his hands. Pauga sits undefeated with four wins in the last 16 months back when he started his professional career. This fight easily could’ve been the main event, it’s one you won’t want to miss.
Jose Hernandez vs. Josh Wang-Kim
Ring rust won’t play a part for these two on Sunday night, with Jose Hernandez and Josh Wang-Kim back in action after competing in June and July.
Hernandez has fought the majority of his fights in Washington’s own Cagesport, where he has built a record of four wins and three losses. He brings more experience to the table with seven fights compared to Kim’s three. Five of his fights have gone the distance, so he’s going to have to work hard to stop the wrath of Kim inside the first.
Kim is one half of “The Twin Dragons” with his twin brother John also an MMA fighter with a record of 1-0. Kim is currently on a ridiculous streak of 11 wins across the amateur and pro ranks. The San Diego fighter will have all the support from his home crowd, as he looks to put on a show with another first-round finish to keep up his undefeated record.
Emilio Williams vs. Devin Goodale
The welterweight war at Cage Warriors 130 between Emilio Williams and Devin Goodale could be brutal. The pair are making their promotional debuts and jumped at the opportunity to make it happen.
Williams is a fighter who likes to put on a show. He holds a record of 5-3, and all five wins have come via knockout. Two of those finishes came in 16 and 17 seconds inside the first round, so don’t expect him to start slow.
Goodale is undefeated with a well-round skillset. He hasn’t appeared in the cage since April, when you may recall a viral video of his detached finger against Khetag Pliev at Cage Fury 94.
Prelims
Another undefeated fighter who will make his promotional debut is Richie Miranda who faces James Lynch. On his return to the cage, Lynch was came back with a win after five years of being out of the sport at Cage Warriors 126.
Damon Wilson produced a stunning knockout with his first punch of the second-round over John Buttner at Cage Warriors 126. He returns to face Theodore Macuka, who was knocked out by Cody Law in the second fight of his career only three months ago at Bellator 262.
33-year-old Justin Barry makes his professional debut on Sunday, he takes on Alan Benson, who found his first victory inside the cage slightly over two years ago at Bellator 226.
Opening the card will be Cesar Gonzalez against Tyler Escoto. Gonzalez looks to get rid of his negative record with a win, as it currently stands at 3-4. Escoto makes his professional debut, after an impressive amateur career, where he’s won his last five fights.
Which fight are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments section below!
Featured Image courtesy of CageWarriors Official Twitter
