Ivan Buchinger released, Warburton vs Ray to headline Cage Warriors 69 for vacant lightweight title

Cage Warriors 69 announced

The Cage Warriors lightweight world title will be at stake when Curt Warburton (13-4) and Stevie Ray (14-5) clash at Cage Warriors 69 at The Forum in London, England, on Saturday, June 7, 2014.

Cage Warriors officials can confirm that previous champion Ivan Buchinger has been released from his contract with the promotion, leaving a vacancy at the summit of the 155lbs division.

The bout will mark the second time that Warburton and Ray will have met, with their previous encounter - which took place in March, 2013 - ending in a unanimous-decision triumph for Warburton.

“I can’t wait to be stepping back into that cage, with the opportunity of walking back out as the new Cage Warriors champion,” said Warburton, a native of Newcastle, England.

Warburton signed to compete exclusively for Cage Warriors Fighting Championship last year and made a successful debut for the promotion at CWFC 62 courtesy of a first-round submission of Wesley Murch.

The 33-year-old has put together a 6-1 record since his departure from the UFC following a defeat to Joe Lauzon in June 2011.

Ray, on the other hand, will be looking to regain the belt he relinquished to Ivan Buchinger after their epic encounter in the main event at CWFC 63 in Dublin last New Year’s Eve.

The 23-year-old Scotsman had been crowned champion back in October after emerging victorious from the four-man CWFC lightweight title tournament thanks to wins over Jason Ball and Sean Carter at CWFC 60.

Ray said: “I’m looking forward to getting back in the win column, avenging my loss to Curt and getting my title back in London where I won it last October.”

Meanwhile, Ivan Buchinger and Cage Warriors Fighting Championship have parted company as a result of the fighter’s refusal to honour the terms of his contract, as explained by Cage Warriors Fighting Championship CEO Graham Boylan.

“Despite having competed for us on six occasions, Ivan claimed that he didn’t understand his contract and decided that he no longer wanted to fight for us under the terms that he had agreed. But it’s company policy not to be held to ransom by any fighter, so we were happy to let him go,” said Boylan.

“We have an incredibly stacked lightweight division, as evidenced by the meeting of Curt Warburton and Stevie Ray for the belt on June 7, so losing one fighter from that division is merely a drop in the ocean. Nevertheless, I thank Ivan for his contribution and wish him the best for his future.”

Tickets for CWFC 69, featuring Curt Warburton versus Stevie Ray for the CWFC lightweight world title, will go on sale shortly.

UFC 167 Pro Picks: Twitter Weighs In

UFC 167 Pro Picks: Twitter Weighs In
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Everyone from fans to fighter are buzzing for tonight's 20 year anniversary UFC show - UFC 167, and there seems to be a mixed bag of predictions coming out from MMA's elite - GSP or Hendricks, Sonnen or Evans - who you got?

The pros take to twitter and weigh in:

Really looking forward to the fights today.Im going with gsp, sonnen, lawler, koscheck, cerrone. Who you got?
— dean amasinger (@deanamasinger) November 16, 2013

Got my coffee on the ready for tonight. Staying up to watch UFC 167! My picks - GSP, Sonnen, McDonald, Koscheck and Cerrone.
— Brendan Loughnane (@Brendan264) November 16, 2013

My #UFC167 picks: Hendricks (but don't count GSP out), Sonnen, Lawler(I hope), Woodley, Elliott, Cerrone, Leites, Ebersole, Perez.
— Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) November 16, 2013

Going to try pull an all nighter to watch the fights!! Who u got winning? My picks Kos,McDonald,Sugar,GSP
— Ross Pearson (@RossTheRealDeal) November 16, 2013

@DanHazlehurst GSP, lawyer , rashad
— curt warburton (@curtwarburton) November 16, 2013

Gsp has gota stay away from JH and try control him for 25mins, JH has 25mind to land one punch, I'm goin Hendricks
— Brett Bassett (@Brettbass_MMA) November 16, 2013

@fraz1001 chael and gsp
— Robert Whiteford (@Flyinjudoka) November 16, 2013

@JamesH3aton I think GSP mate
— Davey Grant (@DaveyGrantMMA) November 16, 2013

@CarolinePearce @GeorgesStPierre @JohnyHendricks @ufc @btsport @btsportufc I can't see Gsp getting beat but Hendricks is his biggest threat
— STORMIN NORMAN PARKE (@norman_parke) November 16, 2013

@Mmanarchy GSP, Lawler, Woodley, Evans are my picks mate, not necessarily who I want to win but who I think will.
— Jack Mason (@JackStoneMason) November 16, 2013

@RichieKinsella Big Rig Hendricks - sonnen - and Robbie Lawler :-D why not ha
— Paul Redmond (@RedserMma) November 16, 2013

Think Gsp tonight, (peds will b the diff) wants sonnen but going Evans, McDonald and kos
— rob sinclair (@robc4sinclair) November 16, 2013

“@Garyhop: @bisping who's going to win Hendricks or GSP? #votebisping”Hendricks
— michael (@bisping) November 16, 2013

"@CaptainPlanck: @KelvinGastelum who do you have for this fight? I'm guessing you have sonnen but for the GSP fight"GSP
— Kelvin Gastelum (@KelvinGastelum) November 16, 2013

@TheMMaRanter GSP ,Evans,MacDonald,Woodley,Elliott.

— Mauro Ranallo (@mauroranallo) November 16, 2013

Curt Warburton vs Wesley Murch Added to Cage Warriors 62

Curt Warburton vs Wesley Murch Added to Cage Warriors 62
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Photo: Little Red Creative

Curt Warburton will begin his Cage Warriors career against fellow promotional newcomer Wesley Murch in a 160lb catchweight bout at Cage Warriors 62, at the Metro Arena in Newcastle, England on the 7th of December.

Currently fourth in the UK's lightweight rankings, Warburton (12-4) fought 3 times for the UFC between 2010 and 2011 earning a 1-2 record, before signing for Bamma where he went on to win the promotions lightweight title defeating current CWFC champ Stevie Ray.  

“I’m looking forward to making my Cage Warriors debut against a tough opponent. Wesley is on a bit of a win-streak at the moment but that will end in Newcastle on December 7,” said Warburton.

His opponent, Wesley Murch (13-6) enters the bout with Warburton on the back of a 4 fight win streak. 

Murch, who today signed a 5 fight exclusive deal with Cage Warriors is 9-2 in his last 11 fight; the 30 year old has also taken 12 of his 13 professional wins inside the distance.

He said: “It’s great to be joining Cage Warriors and getting the chance to compete against the top lightweights out there. Curt is an example of that. He’s a great fighter and beating him will prove that I’m among the best in Europe.”

Cage Warriors 62 is headline by Flyweight Champion Neil Seery taking on UFC vet Ulysses Gomez, tickets are on sale now HERE  

Curt Warburton Signs for Cage Warriors, Makes Debut at Cage Warriors 62

Curt Warburton Signs for Cage Warriors, Makes Debut at Cage Warriors 62
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Photo: Little Red Creative

Cage Warriors have today confirmed the addition of former Bamma British Lightweight Champion Curt Warburton, on a five-fight exclusive contract.

A veteran of the European scene, Warburton (12-4) began his professional career in 2007, putting together A 6-1 record in local North East shows including a victory over  TUF 9 winner Ross Pearson, before joining his former opponent in The UFC.

Following an unsuccessful spell in The UFC, where he compiled a 1-2 record, Warburton returned to the UK scene under contract with Bamma where went on to win the promotions British Lightweight Title, earning the belt with a victory over current Cage Warriors Lightweight Champion, Stevie Ray.

“Cage Warriors is growing all the time and joining them is the right move for my career,” said Warburton.

“This deal guarantees me five fights over the next 18 months and the opportunity to fight at home and around the world against some of the best lightweights on the planet. I’d like to thank my management - Elite MMA Agency - and Cage Warriors for making this possible.”

Following his most recent fight against Mansour Barnaoui at Bamma 13, Warburton opted against renewing his contract with the promotion, and according to Cage Warriors CEO Graham Boylan, Waburton instructed his management team to pursue a deal with Cage Warriors:

“I’m very pleased to have Curt Warburton on the Cage Warriors roster." Said Boylan. "He’s shown his ambition by making an upward move like this and I think he’ll be rewarded for that as, in my opinion, his best years are still ahead.”

Curt Warburton will make his Cage Warriors debut at Cage Warriors 62, which takes place December 7th, at the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle, UK. Warburton's opponent is expected to be announced within the next few days.
 

Curt Warburton Released from Bamma Contract

Curt Warburton Released from Bamma Contract
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Former British Lightweight Champion Curt Warburton has been released from his Bamma contract.

A veteran of the European scene, Warburton (12-4) joined Bamma following a stint in The UFC where he complied a record of 1-2 before being released from the promotion.

Debuting at Bamma 8, Warburton defeated Welsh fighter Tim Newman by unanimous decision, which he followed up with another decision victory over Lee Wieczorek at Bamma 10 to earn a shot at the vacant Bamma British Lightweight Title against Stevie Ray - now the current Cage Warriors Lightweight Champion, which he also went on to win by unanimous decision.

Following Rob Sinclair vacating the the Bamma Lightweight world title to join Bellator, Warburton also vacated his British title and agreed to fight French fighter Mansour Barnaoui, at Bamma 13 for the Lightweight World title; Barnaoui defeated Warburton by first round TKO.

Reasons for Warburton's release have been withheld by Bamma however BAMMA’s director, Ashley Bothwell did take time to "wish Curt all the best in his future endeavours " in a press release sent earlier this morning.

Warburton leaves Bamma with 3-1 record under the promotion.

Pro Picks: UK MMA Cream of the Crop Weigh In on Pendred vs Mills

Pro Picks: UK MMA Finest Weigh In on Pendred vs Mills
By Chris Houten - @kingdomMMAChris 

On Saturday night Cathal Pendred will attempt to defend his Welterweight belt against Che Mills at The Helix, Dublin Ireland in possibly the biggest fight on the European MMA scene this year.

For weeks I have been debating who's going to win the fight, when I convince myself the striking of Mills will prevail, I can't help but remind myself of Pendreds wrestling skills. Over and over, I have decided then changed my mind again, to the point where you could confuse me for the summer weather in Britain.

So I decided to catch up with some of finest fighters in Britain, from Bamma Champions, to a Cage Warriors Champion, to a couple guys in the UFC and more, to see who they think will win on Saturday.

We surveyed 18 of the finest UK fighters..... and our surveys said:

Paul 'Semtex' Daley:
"I thinks it's a very interesting fight between to great UK fighters, both very powerful and athletic. In my opinion Pendred will win this fight with takedowns, dominance in the clinch and ground control."

Pick: Cathal Pendred

John Maguire:
"I Think Che Mills by TKO in the later rounds!"

Pick: Che Mills

Bradley Scott

"I don't think Pendred will be able to get Che down, he's a nightmare. Che will stay by the fence on purpose because he's strong defending takedowns. Pendred's no where near as Good a Riddle at wrestling. Che defo gonna win this."

Pick: Che Mills

Colin 'Freakshow' Fletcher:
"I'm going with Che! It's hard to adjust to the way the UFC do things I do think we saw the best of him in the UFC."

Pick: Che Mills

Jim Alers:
"I have my money in Pendred. I feel that he has what it take to beat anyone in the 170lbs division and have him grinding out a decision."

Pick: Cathal Pendred

Rob Sinclair:
"I'm going with Che Mills."

Pick Che Mills

James Brum:
"I will definitely be tuning in to watch this fight. Both Pendred and Mills are very talented and dangerous fighters. I'm a big fan of Pendred so my money is on him. I believe he will be victorious and the Champion will retain his title."

Pick: Cathal Pendred

Leeroy Barnes:
"I'm going with Mills."

Pick: Che Mills

Danny Roberts:
"The fight between Mills and Pendred will be a good fight. Mills good stand up and accurate striking where as Pendred  possesses the better grappling, he's more intense and will smother Mills work. Think Mills will start of strong but I can see Pendred capitalising with the pace and grappling taking it to a decision win for Pendred."

Pick: Cathal Pendred

Matt Inman
"Pendred all the way for me."

Pick: Cathal Pendred

Jack Mason:
"I am a big fan of Che Mills but I honestly think Cathal will just use his constant pressure, takedowns and pushing Che up against the cage to get the decision win and retain his belt."

Pick: Cathal Pendred

Martin McDonough:
"My prediction is a decision win for Pendred. Even though I like Mills an he is a good fighter, I have been on the same Card as Pendred twice an he is really good at shutting people's game down and getting the win. I think he is a bit of a cardio machine as well and he is a unit for a welterweight."

Pick: Cathal Pendred 

Jason Cooledge:
"Pendred win decision."

Pick: Cathal Pendred

Matt Ewin:
"I can see Pendred trying to close the distance ASAP and try to bully Che up against the cage and work for the takedown from there, he won't be able to shoot in on Che with Che's reach and great foot work. But saying that Che's far to strong for Pendred and with his excellent striking the only way I can see the fight going is Che stopping Pendred in the first or very early in The second."

Pick: Che Mills

Mike Neun:
"I think Che Mills will win. My gut tells me TKO."

Pick: Che Mills

Jim Wallhead
"I have never watched Pendred fight but I hear good things, but I gotta back Che he is my mate I'm excited to see how it goes."

Pick: Mills

Curt Warburton:
"Pendred on points."

Pick: Pendred

Andrew Punshon:
"Mills to win by decision."

Pick: Che Mills

So there you have you have it 18 asked - 9 picked Pendred, 9 picked Mills... and I'm still none the wiser. All I know is we the fans can expect a hell of a fight on Saturday.
 

Kingdom MMA Exclusive: Rob Sinclair "Curt Warburton is next, he deserves his shot"

Kingdom MMA: Exclusive interview with BAMMA Lightweight World Champion Rob C4 Sinclair

by Ben Heather @benheather

On Tuesday 2nd April 2013 BAMMA Lightweight World Champion Rob Sinclair (12-2 MMA) kindly took some time out of his busy schedule and road to recovery to answer some questions for KingdomMMA.co.uk.

Ben: Thank you for taking the time to do this interview for Kingdom MMA. It is very much appreciated.

Firstly congratulations on your recent news, how long now until you become a father again? I believe your partner is having a little boy, is this correct and will this be your first son?
Sinclair: Yep, it's a little boy, he's due August 12th so we are past half way now, I'm really excited to see him.

Ben: Were you a fan of MMA before you started training?
Sinclair: To be honest not really, and the reason is I'd never even heard of it. I'd seen a clip on TV when I was partying with the boys in Greece but that's my only experience of it.

Ben: When did you first start training?
Sinclair: I started training around 2006, previously I'd done a little Thai boxing but nothing competitive.

Ben: Why did you start training MMA?
Sinclair: Mainly because my brother did, he got me to go training with him.

Ben: Was there a particular fight that you had seen that made you want to get in to MMA?
Sinclair: No there was no particular fight, I went training with Bisping and he was the first person I saw fight live.

Ben: Had you trained in any martial arts before you started training in MMA? Even if it was as a kid?
Sinclair: Like I say I did a little Thai boxing but nothing competitive, I was more into football to be honest.

Ben: Did you ever have any amateur fights? or did you go straight to pro? If so what was your amateur record?
Sinclair: I had what was once called pro b class, which is strikes to the ground with the 4oz gloves on but no elbows. I lost a split decision and I won my 2nd fight then I went straight to pro.

Ben: You now have a 12-2 MMA record with only 3 fights going the distance, do you pride yourself on the fact you put on exciting fights?
Sinclair: Yeah I guess so, I don't like going the distance and if you look at who i have gone the distance with it's pretty impressive. I'm 2-1 in decisions with the one loss by split decision, I like to get in and out, I really don't like to be in there longer than I have to be.

Ben: One of your losses was against Paul Sass, however you are one of only two people to fight Sass to a decision before losing a split decision. Would you like a rematch to avenge that loss even though I believe you are team kaobon team mates now?
Sinclair: No the fight is gone now and we are friends. I wanted the rematch because I wasn't happy with my performance, but I lived and learnt through the experience and it's made me a better fighter now I believe.

Ben: In your last fight against Andre Winner you went to the championship rounds for the first time and yet still proved you had the cardio to control the fight, against arguably your toughest opponent. How did you rate your performance in the last fight?
Sinclair: I was happy with it when I look back, Winner is a tough guy, great experience and a UFC vet. He was the number one in the UK of fighters outside the UFC, so I was happy. I maybe should of thrown more to try and get the finish but again each fight is a learning curve and Andre Winner doesn't lose many, so I'm happy I got the decision.

Ben: The Andre Winner fight was the first main event on channel 5. How did it feel being honoured to main event such a big moment for BAMMA and British MMA?
Sinclair: Yeah it was a great sporting moment for me, and against such a creditable opponent. We could of probably put on an even greater fight if we would have had proper time to prepare. I know Andre had a knee Injury and I had a bad elbow injury, but it turned out to be a great night for TV, BAMMA and the fans.

Ben: I believe you have just had the all clear following your injury and now returned to full training again, can you explain what injury you had and how it happened?
Sinclair: No I ain't had the all clear yet, I'm doing what I can. I can't run yet or wrestle, it's around 70% fixed thanks to Emma Fletcher and Dave Bell at Perform Centre. I was training at Full Contact Perform Centre in Rochdale and I was jumping on and off a box and my ankle just gave way.

Ben: You have spoken on twitter about applying for TUF twice and not getting in? Would you apply again if they did another lightweights series?
Sinclair: Yeah I applied twice, I went to Vegas for TUF 14 I think and then the smashes try outs. I got to the last 10 on the smashes series, but that was it. If there was another? Hmmm maybe.

Ben: Who would you like to fight next and when? do you think a fight against Curt Warburton will be your next fight and do you think he deserves a shot at your BAMMA World Championship belt?
Sinclair: Yeah it's gonna be Curt Warburton, I was supposed to fight him in march but this injury happened, so the fight didn't happen. I think he does deserve it, it will be a good fight.

Ben: Other than Curt Warburton do you see many more challengers within the British MMA scene that you have not already beat, or do you think the next challenge may lie fighting for a big American organisation?
Sinclair: I don't know, there's some good up and comers. I just focus on 1 fight at a time and at the moment it's getting my ankle better then I'll look to Curt.

Ben: Would you say you had any weaknesses inside the cage that you need to develop?
Sinclair: Weaknesses? Erm yeah definitely, but nobody has figured them out yet ;)

Ben: I think the fact that you are the Bamma lightweight world champion and only do MMA part time is a great achievement. How much better do you think you could be if you trained full time?
Sinclair: You have no idea, I have no idea, the sky's the limit. I don't think my opponents realise how hard I can hit, or how strong I am, or how mentally willed I am. Imagine training full time, like a lot of my past opponents I've beaten.

Ben: Recently BAMMA have started giving fighters exclusive contracts, is this the same for you and if so how many fights have you got left on your BAMMA contract?
Sinclair: I have 1 more fight on my current contract, then we will discuss another contract.

Ben: If you could fight anywhere in the world where would it be?
Sinclair: Manchester M.E.N Arena

Ben: As a fan do you have a favourite fighter?
Sinclair: Yeah I like Fedor and Chuck Liddell

Ben: If you could put together a fantasy fight who would you want to watch fight and why?
Sinclair: It's gonna have to be Anderson Silva vs Jon Jones, both are very dominant...

Ben: Finally do you have any training partners, or sponsors that you would like to thank?
Sinclair: Yeah I'd like to thank my coach Gav Boardman and Dave Bell from Predators MMA and Perform Centre. Emma Fletcher my Physio, Bad Boy, Real Nutrition, Glenn Slater co, Smuggling Duds, Soulmate Foods, Funky Gums, fightshop.com, my brothers Mick and Lewis, my girlfriend and daughter Georgia and Pascha, my unborn baby boy and my family.

Ben: Thank you for your time and I look forward to seeing you in the cage again fighting for BAMMA.

Keep checking KingdomMMA.co.uk for all the latest news on Rob Sinclair, BAMMA and all the latest news from the world of MMA.