Cage Warriors Fighting Championship return to the Echo Arena in Liverpool for the first time since CWFC 68, back in May, 2014. The good news this time is that EVERYBODY MADE WEIGHT!
A steak contrast to the previous visit, which saw multiple fighters coming in heavy, resulting in the introduction of a 60% purse deduction to those who failed to hit their required marks going forward.
Successful weight cuts aside, there are a number of reasons to tune in to CWFC 78 tomorrow.
Hometown Heroes Return
Paddy Pimblett might just be the next big thing at featherweight, but you already know that. The thing is, the people of Liverpool have known this for some time.
Pimblett returns to the scene of his infamous flying triangle victory over Conrad Hayes at CWFC 68 – a sweet submission that put the Scouse sensation on the map. This time he has the title in his sights and Johnny Frachey in his way. If ‘The Baddy’ walks away with the belt at the end of the night, you can expect fireworks in the Echo Arena (hopefully not literally), and in the post-fight interview.
Teammate Chris Fishgold already has a belt of his own, now he gets the opportunity to defend it in front of his people. Is the UFC on the horizon for the lightweight champ? Our man John King asked the question:
Leeroy 2.0
Another fighter who competed on the last CWFC excursion to Liverpool is UK MMA middleweight, Leeroy Barnes. You may have heard of him…
Never one to shy away from the public, Leeroy has always said what he thinks – good or bad. His mission to rebuild himself from the fighter that went 0-5 under the Cage Warriors banner has seen him refocus and dedicate himself to his career in MMA.
Defeating a former title contender in Victor Cheng – even given his prolonged absence from the sport – is no mean feat. If Leeroy can win this, it will arguably be his biggest victory to date. Can he pull it off? He certainly thinks so.
Loose Cannon Commentary
Occasional contributor to The Sprawl, and probably our second favourite man in the booth tomorrow*, Mr Brad Wharton will be there to call the shots.
Expect puns, expect witty bants, expect top drawer one liners (or is that top shelf?).
*We’re unsure of who will be joining Brad on the mic tomorrow night, but we’re certain they’ll edge him for the top spot.
DOORS Open to the public – 5:00pm
FIRST BOUT Amateur – 6:20pm (subject to change)
TELEVISED Main card – 9:00pm* (UK time)
*The main card will start on BT Sport via the red button at 9pm and revert to the main channel at 9.15pm.
Main Card
Main Event – CWFC lightweight world title: Chris Fishgold (c) (15-1-1) vs. Jason Ponet (16-10-1-1nc)
Vacant CWFC featherweight world title: Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett (11-1-0) vs. Johnny Frachey (18-10-0)
Lightweight: Tim “The Experiment” Wilde (8-2-0) vs. Mickael “Ragnar” Lebout (14-6-1-1nc)
Welterweight: Ali Arish (21-5) vs. Mohsen Bahari (8-3)
Middleweight: Leeroy Barnes (15-15-0-1nc) vs. Victor Cheng (10-2-0)
Professional preliminary card
Catchweight (160lbs): Jordan Miller (16-15) vs. Ellis Hampson (5-3-1)
Welterweight: James Lewis (5-2) vs. Dez Parker (7-5)
Welterweight: Alexandre Roumette (4-6) vs. Dylan Mcloughlin (2-0)
Catchweight (130lbs): Sam Halliday (4-3) vs. Sam Creasey (6-0)
Cage Warriors 78 takes place at the Echo Arena, Liverpool.
