Is Cage Warriors 170lb division the most stacked division in European MMA

Kingdom MMA Review the Cage Warriors Welterweight Division

by Sam Heard @SamHeard_

May 3rd will see some of Europe’s most promising MMA talents throw down as part of the stacked Cage Warriors 68 card, hosted in Liverpool’s Echo Arena. Though we will see several bouts take place which will have a profound impact on their respective weight divisions, this event is particularly geared towards the Welterweight class. In recent months the always-strong 170-lb division of Europe’s leading MMA promotion has become increasingly stacked with an array of both new and returning fighters. Since former champions Cathal Pendred (13-2 MMA, 6-0 CWFC) made the decision to relinquish his belt and enter TUF 19 with the chance to eventually fight in the UFC, Cage Warrior’s Welterweight division has become extremely open with many potential challengers to the belt. Here is Kingdom MMA’s breakdown of arguably the most stacked division in European MMA:

Nicolas Dalby (12-0 MMA, 1-0 CWFC)

Currently the man with the target on his back and the Cage Warriors gold around his waist, the unbeaten Danish fighter looked venomous in his last bout as he dispatched Sergei Churilov midway through the third round with a beautiful head kick which lead to the TKO victory by ground strikes. Getting a finish this late in the fight highlights not only the 29-year-olds impressive cardio but also how dangerous he remains throughout the fight. Dalby’s fight for the Welterweight belt was also his debut for the promotion, demonstrating just how highly rated this fighter is – it will be interesting to see how he performs against the long list of potential challengers queuing up in Cage Warrior’s 170-lb Division. 

Jimmy “Judo” Wallhead (25-8 MMA, 10-5 CWFC)

The first half of Saturday’s main event, Wallhead – who launched his career at Cage Warriors in 2005 – makes his promotional return after racking up a wealth of experience at M-1, Bellator and BAMMA. Jimmy uses his high level black belt in judo to dominate his opponents with heavy hands and a crippling submission game; of his 25 wins only 7 have hit the judges’ scorecards. Most recently Wallhead proved his judo base to be just as effective as a fighter with a background in amateur wrestling as he knocked out Florent Betorangal with a huge slam 20-seconds into the third round. Wallhead has been victorious over UFC-calibre opponents like Igor Araujo, Matt Veach and two-time title contender Frank Trigg. Now having once again joined Cage Warrior’s ranks, Wallhead will be a force to be reckoned with.

Danny “Hot Chocolate” Roberts (10-1 MMA, 5-0 CWFC)

The man who will be stood across the cage from Jimmy Wallhead at Cage Warriors 68, Danny “Hot Chocolate” Roberts has the difficult task of welcoming the Leicester-native back to the promotion. While the superior experience of Wallhead makes him the favourite going into Saturday’s main event, Danny has been fighting about as hot as his nickname suggests, currently riding an impressive 4-fight win steak which includes an Armbar victory over Jack Mason. Mason – who is every bit as experienced as Wallhead – is another Welterweight contender and Danny’s victory over him proved that experience really isn’t everything. “Hot Chocolate” is a well-rounded fighter and will look to employ his length and speed advantages to ruin Wallhead’s homecoming party. Liverpool is Danny’s adoptive home city and the natives will be vocal in their support of the young fighter. The winner of this bout looks likely to be next in line to face Nicholas Dalby.

Matt Inman (13-5 MMA, 4-1 CWFC)

After a faulty start in Cage Warriors with a loss to the incredibly tough Jack Mason, Inman has been tearing through every 170-lber unlucky enough to find himself opposing the Manchester-based fighter. Matt is a big fellow for the weight-class measuring a lengthy 6’1” and uses his long frame to his advantage for his killer striking arsenal and equally skilled submission-game. Of Inman’s 13 wins 6 have come via KO/TKO and 6 via submissions – Inman has pulled off a wide array of submissions including Guillotines, Triangles and even a Heel-Hook! On Saturday Inman will face a tough opponent in Mauro “Xuxa” Chimento Jr (15-10 MMA, 1-1 CWFC) who, in keeping with his Brazillian roots, is primarily a BJJ specialist who fought his first pro-MMA fight in 2001. If he overcomes this veteran of the sport Inman will be on a five fight streak and should be nearing a title shot.

Benny “Benny Blanco” Alloway (13-5 MMA, 2-0 CWFC)

A veteran of The Ultimate fighter and the UFC, Benny Alloway bounced back from being prematurely cut from the UFC with a closely-fought decision victory over Jack Mason. The outspoken Aussie is known for his dangerous striking, advancing to the quarter finals of the TUF: Smashes tournament with a second round knockout of the far larger Valentino Petrescu and also knocking out Manuel Rodriguez in the first round with a devastating front kick and strikes. In his two stints at Cage Warriors Benny has remained unbeaten against some of the toughest opponents the division has to offer. Alloway will be watching the two crucial welterweight bouts on this Saturday’s card which could potentially determine who his next opponent in the promotion will be.

Jack “Stone” Mason (27-13 MMA, 9-6 CWFC)

A fighter which has already been mentioned several times during this examination of Cage Warriors’ Welterweight division, Jack Mason always seems to be involved in the upper-end of the division’s activity. Having lost a close some may say controversial decision to Benny Alloway in March, Jack bounced back just over one month later with a victory over former training partner Patrick Vallee. This desire to immediately get back on the horse after a loss is typical of Jack Mason’s grit. What is not so typical of Jack Mason is that his past 3 fights have gone to a decision – since his debut all the way back in 2005 Jack has been a proven finisher, with a particular tendency towards getting a hold of the throat of his opponent and using his remarkable strength to choke them out.

Sergei Churilov (15-2 MMA, 1-1 CWFC)

Though his most recent bout saw him losing to Nicholas Dalby for the vacant Welterweight belt, it would be unwise to rule the young Ukrainian out of making another run at the title. The fight against Dalby was remarkably close coming into the fourth and many actually had Churilov winning on their scorecards. It was all the more devastating therefore when he ate that big head kick and was eventually knocked out to the joy of the pro-Dalby Dannish crowd. This was only Churilov’s second loss however and it would be crazy to think he couldn’t bounce back. The 28-year-old has a mean submission game and went into the title fight having won his preceding three bouts via submission. This was his first bout in Cage Warriors since early-2012 – in his other fight for the promotion he beat Anatoly Starodubtsev via first round Achilles Lock.

Gael Grimaud (19-6 MMA, 3-1 CWFC)

The man who originally lost his belt to Cathal Pendred, Gael Grimaud will certainly be seeking to regain his lost championship gold. The Frenchman was riding an eight fight unbeaten streak until the Irishman came and defeated him. Since then Gael has bounced back with a brace of wins, most recently with a brutal first round KO over Bruno Carvalho. Though we knew Grimaud packed a punch, the 24-year-old was primarily known for being able to submit his opponents with 12 of his 19 wins coming in this way. Gael has a wealth of high-level MMA experience, having picked up wins both in M-1 and Pancrace. With the aforementioned KO victory coming back in October, we hope to see Grimaud continue his winning ways soon.

Jake “Brutal” Bostwick (14-8 MMA, 2-0 CWFC) 

Yet another contender in the welterweight division to have once tangoed with Jack Mason, Jake Bostwick’s fighting career started slow but has gathered a great deal of momentum in recent years. Indeed, by the end of 2008 Bostwick’s record was a disappointing 3-7. However, since 2010 Bostwick has really earned his nickname of “Brutal”, stringing together seven impressive victories (four of which came via KO/TKO). Though he is yet to pick up a stoppage in his Cage Warriors career, he has looked extremely impressive picking up two one-sided unanimous decision victories. The man who was once blasted with a KO from the knee of one Alex Reid has certainly come a long way since the early days in his MMA career. With the momentum he has built up since 2010 there is no sign of Bostwick slowing down.

Simeon “The Grin” Thoresen (17-4 MMA, 1-0 CWFC)

Since his one Cage Warriors bout way back in 2008, this super-talented submission specialist has been climbing the ladder eventually reaching the heights of the UFC. He even picked up that all-important victory inside the Octagon choking out Besam Yousef on the UFC on Fuel TV 2 card in Sweden. However, back-to-back loses meant that he was cut from the promotion and so now finds himself back with Cage Warriors. Though he may no longer be in the UFC, Thoresen has a legitimate chance of becoming the Cage Warrior’s welterweight champion which would certainly be some consolation. The guy is a legitimate grappler, having picked up 15 of his 17 victories through various different submissions. He is scheduled to fight Jake “Brutal” Bostwick in his first bout back in the promotion, a fighter who certainly has the tools to be a real threat to the Swede.

Jimmy Wallhead talks to Kingdom MMA ahead of his Cage Warriors return

Jimmy Wallhead Cage Warriors 68 Pre Fight Interview

by Chris Houten @mrhouts

Picture by Mark Blundell

On Saturday night, Jimmy Wallhead will make his return to Cage Warriors and headline Cage Warriors 68. In the main event Jimmy will square off against the highly regarded Danny Roberts, who will be fighting in his home town. Before that Kingdom MMA caught up with Jimmy to find talk about that fight, his decision to leave BAMMA and much more.

Chris: I won't be the first to ask this and no doubt I won't be the last but what was it that made you leave BAMMA? It felt as if you were the poster boy of the promotion.
Wallhead: Well basically it came down to me wanting to be more active in my career and with Cage Warriors I will be. They are a great promotion with a stacked roster and regular shows.

Chris: Last time we talked, we discussed plans BAMMA had to put on more fights this year, and in turn give you more fights. When you were weighing up your options was the fact that Cage Warriors put on so many shows a year and can offer you several fights a year one of the major deciding factors?
Wallhead: yeah as above for sure.

Chris: Did you feel that BAMMA would struggle with the proposal of doing 6 cards this year, did they give you any indication that the proposal might not be possible?
Wallhead: I just felt a better career path laid with Cage Warriors for me at this point in my career.

Chris: How does it feel being back with Cage Warriors where it all started for you, does it feel like you are coming home?
Wallhead: It feels very special obviously and the promotion has evolved into something very big and special as I keep saying it felt like the right move.

Chris: Has joining Cage Warriors had any effect on you sponsorship wise with the thought that their product or logo won't be seen on channel 5 / 5 star?
Wallhead: No none at all

Chris: On May 3rd you're fighting a young, hungry up and comer in Danny Roberts, how would you say he compares to some of your recent opponents, and do you think the fact that he's at a point in his career where he's still trying to establish a name for himself makes him more dangerous than some of the guys you've fought recently?
Wallhead: 100% very dangerous opponent and it's gave me the kick up the arse I needed to step my training up and get that hunger going for myself.

Chris: There have been talks amongst fans in the lead up to this fight that you might be the underdog in this fight. What would you say to those fans who are installing Roberts as the favourite and are you embracing this underdog status you're being given?
Wallhead: I can understand people saying that I don't believe it though and I am very confident in my abilities.

Chris: In our last interview we discussed how you were 'looking for your inner aggression' and it kinda felt there was a period of time where you weren't as into your fight as you were say when you first started out. Has signing for Cage Warriors and being given a hungry, up and comer in Roberts helped you find your enjoyment for fighting and made you excited to fight again?
Wallhead: Absolutely more than I can explain.

Chris: How has your training camp for this fight been fight? Am I right in saying you have spent some time with London Shootfighters helping Hathaway prepare for his fight with Kim but also your fight with Roberts?
Wallhead: That's correct I originally went down to help John and to be honest I was very very impressed with the whole set up there and so I spent time there every week in this camp with Alexis and Paul and feel very well prepared for my fight.

Chris: How has working with London Shootfighters improved you as a fighter? What elements of your game have improved by being down there?
Wallhead: All areas from mental to fitness to my technical areas.

Chris: Going back to the inner aggression question, where do London Shootfighters fit in with this? Has being in London helped you find what you were looking for?
Wallhead: It's something I wish I had done 9 years ago.

Chris: You're fighting Roberts in his backyard of Liverpool. What's it like fighting on enemy territory so to speak? Is it something you notice or sense during the fight?
Wallhead: I've done it many times before, it is what it is.

Chris: Roberts is a good pretty well rounded fighter. Where would you say you have the advantage in this fight?
Wallhead: all I know is he hasn't fought or beaten anyone of my ability to date.

Chris: Roberts last few fights have been wars, are you preparing for a violent one?
Wallhead: Absolutely I expect nothing less to be honest.

Chris: Have Cage Warriors given you any indications that the winner of this fight gets a shot at Dalby?
Wallhead: no none at all

Chris: With a lot of the top Cage Warriors guys moving over to the UFC, are you seeing this contract you have as a stepping stone or opportunity for something bigger or is this something you're not really focused on at this stage of your career?
Wallhead: Right now all I'm focused on is Danny Roberts

Chris: If you could predict the outcome of the fight on Saturday, how do you see yourself winning?
Wallhead: No idea, I can finish a fight in more than one area.

Chris: We are now a week away from the fight, what's the plan for the next week?
Wallhead: Finally recover and cut the last bit of weight.

Chris: Finally is there any sponsors you would like to thank ahead of your fight next Saturday?
Wallhead: Gray Ridgeway at QAV
Booster Fight Gear
Positiv Energy Drink
Ian Cox at CSS
Steve Almighty Fightwear
Funky gums
Paul White massage
Blueberry nutrition
Forca Luta
Matt Walton at Spiked
4dmma
Wayne at Pain Fightwear

Thanks again for the time ahead of your fight and we can't wait to see you in action on Saturday night.

Danny Roberts vs Jimmy Wallhead to headline Cage Warriors 68 in Liverpool

Welterweight battle announced as main event for Cage Warriors 68

A huge welterweight match-up has been set for the main event at Cage Warriors 68.

Danny Roberts and Jimmy Wallhead will collide in the headliner when Cage Warriors Fighting Championship returns to Liverpool’s Echo Arena on Saturday, May 3, 2014.

Also confirmed for the CWFC 68 bill is a middleweight bout between Che Mills and Leeroy Barnes, in addition to another big welterweight contest between Matt Inman and Mauro Chimento.

But in the evening’s main attraction, Danny Roberts (10-1) will be hoping for his sixth consecutive CWFC victory as he aims to strengthen his claims for a shot at the CWFC welterweight crown, which is up for grabs this weekend at CWFC 66 in Copenhagen.

Roberts, who’ll be fighting in his hometown of Liverpool, has climbed into the top-five in the UK rankings courtesy of impressive wins over Jack Mason, Diego Gonzalez, Henry Fadipe and Juan Manuel Suarez.

With all but two of his wins coming inside the distance, 26-year-old Roberts says fans can expect fireworks when he takes on Wallhead in what will surely be the biggest test of his career to date.

He said:

“Fighting in front of my friends, family and fans in my adopted hometown again for a top organisation is going to be special, and I’m looking forward to welcoming Jimmy Wallhead into one of the toughest welterweight divisions in the world.

“He is a very well-respected fighter and is one of the biggest names in the sport in the UK. This is going to be one that people won’t want to miss.”

Wallhead (25-8), who turned 30 last week, recently signed to fight exclusively for Cage Warriors, having previously competed for the promotion on 15 occasions, more than any other fighter.

A judo black belt and veteran of 25 professional victories, 18 of which have come via stoppage, Wallhead holds notable wins over several fighters with UFC experience, including Igor Araujo, Matt Veach, Che Mills and Frank Trigg.

The Leicester native, who competed for Bellator on three occasions between 2010 and 2012, hasn’t been stopped in his last 20 outings, with his last loss inside the distance coming at the hands of current UFC star Dennis Siver back in 2006.

“I’m really excited to be back on Cage Warriors and I’m especially pleased to be fighting in Liverpool on May 3,” said Wallhead.

“The opponent is irrelevant to me as all fights at this level are tough, but I’m really motivated by the prospect of beating him in his hometown. I expect a war, which is great for the fans and great for me, as I just love fighting.”

Meanwhile, having impressively disposed of Gregor Weibel at CWFC 64 last month, Matt Inman (13-5) will also be keen to stay in the CWFC welterweight title hunt when he goes in search of a fifth straight win, with Brazilian star Mauro Chimento (15-10) providing the opposition as he returns to Cage Warriors after a lengthy lay-off due to illness.

Elsewhere, after both fighters endured a disappointing 2013, Che Mills (15-7-2nc) and Leeroy Barnes (12-13-1nc) will be looking to return to winning ways when they clash in a middleweight bout.

Cage Warriors 68, for which many more bouts are still to be announced, will take place at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, England, on Saturday, May 3, 2014.

Jimmy Wallhead on BAMMA 13 fight "This is what I've wanted since joining BAMMA"

Kingdom MMA talk to 'Judo' Jimmy Wallhead ahead of BAMMA 13 World Title Fight

by Jack Broadey @J3cK_b

Yesterday I caught up with Jimmy Wallhead to discuss his BAMMA World Championship fight against Eddy Ellis which takes place this Saturday at BAMMA 13 in Birmingham and the winner will become the first BAMMA World Welterweight Champion. BAMMA 13 is headlined by Max Nunes vs Jason Jones as they battle it out for the 1st BAMMA Light Heavyweight World Championship and also Curt Warburton fight Mansour Barnaoui for the vacant BAMMA World Lightweight Championship.

Jack: First of all how are you Jimmy?
Wallhead: Really good thank you and looking forward to Saturday.

Jack: Everyone knows about your Judo credentials by now, do you still focus on this in camp or is there anything in particular you have focused on in this camp in preparation for Eddie Ellis?
Wallhead: Not at all,I never really work judo on its own at all anymore but have started implementing certain techniques into my mma game. As for preparing for Eddy I've aimed to cover everything.

Jack: You haven't fought for 6 months now, are you raring to go again?
Wallhead: Absolutely

Jack: In the last 18 months you have only spent 4 rounds inside the cage. Do you expect ring rust to play a part at all? What have you done to counter this possibility?
Wallhead: I've not even considered that to be honest I feel great and I'm constantly working hard in the gym so always feel on my game.

Jack: I read that you were told you were too experienced for TUF when you applied. Is this true and what was the experience like?
Wallhead: That is true, it was a long time ago but I enjoyed the trip to Vegas for interviews etc but that's as far as my ultimate fighter dream went.

Jack: There was lots of speculation on previous UFC visits to these shores that you would be signed. You instead chose to sign with Bellator. What made you make that decision and was there ever any contact from the UFC?
Wallhead: There was never contact from the UFC at that time the Bellator thing came about I took it,maybe wish now I didn't but everything is for a reason that's why I am who I am now.

Jack: Are you still signed to Bellator or are you now only fighting for BAMMA?
Wallhead: Only for Bamma.

Jack: You have faced some real top competition so far in your career. What is your best win to date?
Wallhead: I'm not sure, I would have to say my 3 Bamma victories stand well above the rest.

Jack: What do you know about your opponent Eddy Ellis and how do you think your skill sets compare?
Wallhead: I think he is well rounded and very tough, I think we're very similar in that sense so should lead to an exciting bout come Saturday.

Jack: On Saturday you will be fighting Eddy Ellis with the winner becoming the first bamma world welterweight champion, is this the biggest fight of your career?
Wallhead: Yeah without a doubt this is what I've wanted since joining Bamma so its a huge fight for me.

Jack: A win on Saturday night could put you in a position where BAMMA may want you to defend the title against Paul Daley (your long time friend & Rough House training partner) would you fight Paul if asked by BAMMA?
Wallhead: To be honest that's a ridiculous question its not going to happen lol

Jack: How's the weight at the minute, are you on schedule and where you want to be ahead of the weight cut at the end of the week?
Wallhead: Absolutely great if anything slightly ahead so chilled right now.

Jack: Finally Jimmy, give us a prediction of how you see the fight going on Saturday night and how do you see yourself getting the win?
Wallhead: Me becoming champion in anyway I can possibly do so in a fan pleasing entertaining fight.

Jack: Would you like to thank anyone?
Wallhead: All my team team, sponsors and my family.

Thank you to Jimmy Wallhead for his time and answering our questions and we all wish you good luck in your fight on Saturday.