Cage Warriors, the most prominent regional MMA promotion in the United Kingdom, returns to action on Saturday for Cage Warriors 156, which emanates from Vale Sports Arena in Cardiff, Wales.
The main event will invoke a classic striker vs. grappler matchup when UFC veteran Darren Stewart takes on former Cage Warriors middleweight champion Matt Bonner with a shot at middleweight glory potentially hanging in the balance.
Fight fans can catch Cage Warriors 156 streaming live on UFC Fight Pass with the preliminary portion of the show beginning at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT.
Main Event — Bonner vs. Stewart
As previously mentioned, a middleweight title shot could be at stake for whichever 185-pounder is able to get his hand raised on Saturday. Bonner is among the longest-tenured fighters in the Cage Warriors promotion and is not only a former middleweight champion but also a former 170-pound title challenger. Though 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 outings thanks, in large part, to a grappling centric approach. Bonner is not afraid to stand in the pocket and trade, but his killer instinct on the ground is his greatest weapon, and one he is eager to employ. In spite of this, his last two victories have come by way of stoppage due to strikes.
☝️ 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘 𝗦𝗟𝗘𝗘𝗣!@MMABrad48 uncovers #CW156 Cardiff in his preview ahead of fight night ⤵️
— Cage Warriors (@CageWarriors) June 30, 2023
Standing and trading with “The Dentist” Stewart, however, might not be a recipe for success, though Bonner has never been finished in 23 fights. Stewart is a powerful striker throws everything with significantly above-average power. However, he goes to decision a fair amount for someone with his skillset, in large part because his offensive and defensive wrestling, or lack thereof. When fights extend past the first round, Stewart is known to mix in his wrestling to win minutes and bank control time while creating opportunities to set up some ground and pound. On the flipside, his takedown defense has long been the biggest hole in his game, and one Bonner is perfectly capable of exploiting – if he can take Stewart’s best shots.
Rest of the Card
The co-main event will see talented Scottish prospect Reece McEwan match against Leonardo de Oliveira at 135 pounds. McEwan could line up as a potential future opponent for Irish bantamweight champion Caolan Loughran, but a win on Saturday won’t come easy as de Oliveira is no slouch, whatsoever. The BJJ black belt recently went the distance with former Cage Warriors champion Samir Faddine and will look to give the Scottish standout a grappling lesson on Saturday evening.
Also on the main card, Ghassan Abdenabi is set to take on Andrew Clamp at light heavyweight. These two were supposed to face off earlier in the year, but will finally get to square off in what should be another intriguing striker vs. grappler matchup. Jack Eglin is also set for action against local favorite Rory Evans in the bantamweight division. Both fighters have faced adversity in their young careers but will look to steal the show in front of a partisan crowd for Evans. Dan Kneil will open the main card against Jimmy Quinn in a third main-card bantamweight showdown. Quinn is making his professional debut after winning an amateur title for Cage Warriors South East.
With matchups subject to change as always, be sure to stay locked in to MMA Sucka for up-to-the-minute news and updates.
Cage Warriors 156 Results
Main Card
Darren Stewart def. Matt Bonner via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Reece McEwan def. Leonardo de Oliveira via TKO (strikes) at 3:32 of Round 2
Andrew Clamp def. Ghassan Abdenabi via Submission (RNC) at 2:48 of Round 1
Jack Eglin def. Rory Evans via TKO (strikes) at 2:33 of Round 2
Jimmy Quinn def. Dan Kneil via Knockout (Right Hook) at :10 of Round 1
Preliminary Card
Scott Pedersen def. Yohan Salvador via Submission (RNC) at 2:15 of Round 1
Milad Ahady def. Marcondes Bastos via TKO (punches) at 1:10 of Round 1
Stephanie Evans def. Małgorzata Tkocz via Technical Submission (RNC) at 4:59 of Round 1
El Hadji Ndiaye def. Marin Vetrila via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
