Jim Alers vs Lucas Martins Set for UFC Fight Night 45

Jim Alers vs Lucas Martins Set for UFC Fight Night 45
by Chris Houten - @mrhouts

Former Cage Warriors Featherweight champion Jim Alers will make his along awaited return Stated side to face Lucas Martins at UFC Fight Night 45 in New Jersey.

UFC Fight Night 45 takes place July 16 at Revel Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey and is headlined by top 10 ranked lightweight Jim Miller and Donald Cerrone. The main card air live in the UK on BT Sports following prelims on UFC Fight Pass. It is not know yet if Alers vs Martins will feature on the main card or the fightpass prelims.

Fighting out of Orlando, Florida, Jim Alers (13-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC) is some what of a stranger when it comes to fighting in The States having fought outside of his home country in his last 6 fights. A brown belt in BJJ, the former kindergarden teach burst on the the international scene under the Cage Warriors banner where he put together a 7 fight win streak which saw the 27 year old earn the promotions featherweight title - vacated by Conor McGregor, and defend it on two occasions.

Following and impressive stoppage win over Graham Turner at Cage Warriors 63, Alers joined the UFC where Alers made his octagon debut, coming away with a split decision over fellow newcomer Alan Omer at UFC Fight Night 39, in Abu Dhabi.

Fighting for the 4th time for the UFC, Lucas Martins makes his featherweight debut against Alers having previously fought at both Lightweight and Bantamweight for the promotion.

A product of Chute Box in Brazil, Martins (14-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) made his UFC debut against fellow Brazilian Edson Barboza who he lost to by first round TKO, marking the first lost for Martins career. Martins bounced back from the loss to Barboza with a TKO victory over Jeremy Larson before dropping to bantamweight to defeat Ramiro Hernandez by rear naked choke.

A lethal finisher, Martins has taken all but one of his career victories inside the distance, with 9 victories coming by TKO and 4 by submission.

Stay tuned to kingdommma.co.uk for all the latest on UFC Fight Night 45

Sean Shelby, time to give Jim Alers a call

Could Jim Alers be the next Cage Warriors champion to be signed by the UFC?
by Chris Marzella @ChrisMarzella

Photo (Dolly Clew | Cage Warriors)

With the UFC European expansion planned for late 2014 an array of top fighters are set to be considered from across the continent to make the step up.

There is one man however, who is right under the nose of the UFC, or any other major North American promotion for that matter, cutting his way through the European scene.

Cage Warriors featherweight champion, Jim "The Beast" Alers (12-1), has been tearing his way through some of Europe's best featherweights and it would seem that he is now on the cusp of receiving that all important call from UFC match maker Sean Shelby.

Alers is riding an eight fight winning streak, but as of yet that has proven not to be enough to make it to the elite MMA promotion.

Alers looked spectacular on his last outing at Cage Warriors 63, Dublin, Ireland on New Year's eve. He is a renowned grappler, but against Scotland's Graham Turner he looked every bit the striker as he dominated from the opening, rocking the challenger and finishing him off with a technical, decisive north-south choke.

The question then remains, is Alers ready for a UFC call up?

Well in the past year there have been Cage Warriors featherweights who did catch the eye of Sean Shelby, Robert Whiteford and Conor McGregor. It can be argued that Alers is on par, if not more advanced, than both of those fighters.

Alers could and should be the next one plucked from the organisation as he seems a cut above anyone else not currently signed to the UFC 145lbs division.

Alers in the past has had his run ins with UFC superstar McGregor when both were under the CWFC banner. Several planned fights between the two failed to materialise before McGregor left for pastures new.
In an interview last year Alers said: "It was never about fighting Conor, it was just about fighting the person who had the title and I just wanted to fight whoever had the title.“

For the time being Alers seems very content to keep showing up as and when Cage Warriors ask him  and beating anyone they match him up with. But you get the impression that will only satisfy him for so long before the desire to fight at the elite level consumes him.

In an interview with KingdomMMA.co.uk ahead of his title defence at Cage Warriors 59 he discussed appearing in any of the major North American promotions and he said: "I am holding out for the UFC. That has been the dream since day one. Right now however I am going to be the best Cage Warriors champ ever. If UFC doesn't call you will see me defending my title plenty of times under the Cage Warriors banner."

It seems then that he is happy where he is in his life. He recently became a father, gets to travel the world defending his CWFC championship. The only thing that could make life any better for the Floridian would be a call from Shelby.

After a standout 2013 a UFC call up in 2014 can not be a million miles away.

Jim Alers ahead of Cage Warriors 59 "I fight for more than just myself now"

Kingdom MMA catch up with Jim Alers ahead of Cage Warriors 59

by Chris Houten @mrhouts



Photo: Dolly Clew | Cage Warriors

 On Saturday night Jim Alers will put his Cage Warriors featherweight title on the line against Martin Svensson as the pair clash at the Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Wales. However today he took some time out of his busy schedule to answer our questions. The last time we spoke to Jim he took part in our Fighter vs Writer predictions challenge and became the first Fighter to beat one of the Kingdom MMA guys. However that is in the past and now the main focus is all about his fight.

Chris: On Saturday you will be taking on Martin Svensson at Cage Warriors 59, have you spent much time studying Svennson and what do you know about you opponent?
Alers: Yes I like to go over video with my coaches as soon as I find out who it is I am fighting. Luckily for me Svensson had just fought in June and it was almost a full 3 rounds. I got to see a lot of his fighting style. I know he is tall and likes to try and bully his opponents. I feel this will be a very dynamic fight.

Chris: Svennson is a tall guy for 145 standing 6’1, do you think he will look to keep you on the outside – stick and move?
Alers: I don't think that is his style from most videos I have seen. He actually is probably going to try to use his size to grab me and clinch with me. He has a lot of submission wins so I see him trying to take the fight in that direction

Chris: How has you training camp gone for your fight with Svensson?
Alers: I feel as good as ever. I just recently checked my pulse and it was at 37bpm. So I must be in amazing shape. I am injury free and also have worked to improve all of my weaknesses that I have seen over previous fights. If this fight turns into a sword fight I will be ready. I'm ready for anything.

Chris: Have you spent any of this camp with Duke Rufus at all, or did you do all of your camp in Florida this time?
Alers: This time I did not go to Dukes. I decided to stay at home close to family and friends. There are a ton of great schools in Florida so I took advantage of the talent in my own backyard. Most of my training was done at Alliance Orlando but I also trained at The Jungle MMA, Vagner Rocha Martial Arts, Pichis boxing Pit and my strength and conditioning at Crossfit Tough as Nails

Chris: Svensson has made reference to trying out for TUF 14 in the past, and I know you have also tried out for The Ultimate Fighter as well. Did you tryout for TUF 14 also, and if so do you remember crossing paths with Svennson or what his performance was like?
Alers: There was about 300 people there so if he was there I don't think I saw him. If I did see him I probably didn't think he was there to try out to be on the show. There aren't many 145ers that walk around as big as him.

Chris: I believe your wife has been heavily pregnant for this fight camp (Congratulations by the way!), with your child due within weeks of the fight. Do you feel this has affected your training camp at all?
Alers: Thanks a million I am so excited to see my little Beast already. It has affected me a lot with her being pregnant and so close to giving birth. It has lit a fire in me to try harder than ever every single practice. I fight for more than just myself now.

Chris: Cage warriors 59 will be you 5th fight in a row outside of the US, are you still happy with the travel aboard, or are you getting to the stage where you'd like to start fighting closer to home?
Alers: I say this tons of times. "If I get nothing else out of my MMA career at least I can say that I have see the world." Fighting abroad is the best thing that has ever happened to me. Would I like to fight at home again one day and have my family there, well of course but for now I'm enjoying the world.

Chris: I take it with all the travelling abroad to fight making you an expert at making weight comfortably under any circumstance now?
Alers: I pride myself in being very professional and doing my best to make my contracted weight. I think its from my wrestling background that I am so strict with my diet and weight cut. I've been cutting weight for 10 years now. I wrestled at 145lbs in high school also.

Chris: Last time we spoke you told me the dream was to fight in the UFC. At this stage would you consider any offers from Bellator, or are you holding out for the UFC?
Alers: Yes I am holding out for the UFC. That has been the dream since day 1. Right now however I am going to be the best Cage Warriors champ ever. If UFC doesn't call you will see me defending my title plenty of times under the CW banner.

Chris: Do you feel an impressive win over Svennson will put you in ‘ the shop window’ for the UFC, and have you had any indication you might be on the UFCs radar?
Alers: That's the plan. I Want to won decisively and show why I am the number 1 featherweight out there. Not only do I feel that I am the top featherweight in Florida or in Cage Warriors that is outside the UFC but I feel that I am number 1 in the world and should be next in line for a shot in the big show. Its seems to me that you don't know if you are on their radar until you get a call saying that you are fighting in the UFC.

Chris: Should the UFC, or any other promotion come in for you are you able to discuss a deal with said promotion or are you under contract obligations to Cage Warriors?
Alers: I am under contracted obligations with Cage Warriors which I don't mind because they are such a great company. There is however a zuffa clause in my contract that will allow me to fight for the UFC if they are knocking on my door. Other than that I don't want to fight for any other company. CW has given me so many amazing opportunities

Chris: A couple of months ago there was a bit of back and forth between you and Chris Fishgold. For the fans that might of missed it, can you explain what actually happened there?
Alers: Fishgold??? Oh yea that's that kid on twitter who is pretty cocky and thinks he deserves the next shot at my title. I am not sure what happened there I think he tried to Chael Sonnen his way into a title shot but I am very skilled in the art of trash talk. That stuff is not going to work on me.

Chris: Do you feel like Fishgold is the number 1 contender in the CW featherweight division at this stage?
Alers: I know he thinks he is but do I? No I don't think he is quite ready. He should have to fight a more experienced fighter with 10 wins or so before he gets a chance. There are a few more guys within the organisation who I feel deserve it before he does. He is tough though and is definitely on the radar to get a shot.

Chris: Finally Jim, give us a prediction on how you see the fight going on Saturday – how do you see yourself winning this fight?
Alers: Predictions are hard. I like to focus on one thing and that's getting my hand raised at the end and that strap being put kept around my waist. I will do whatever it takes to keep my belt so I am prepared for a nice long 5 round battle.

All the guys at Kingdom MMA would like to wish Jim all the best for the fight on Saturday night and thank you so much for your time ahead of defending your title.

Martin McDonough out of Cage Warriors 59 injured, Kris Edwards now part of Bantamweight tournament

McDonough forced out of title tilt

Photo: Dolly Clew | Cage Warriors

Martin McDonough’s hopes of being crowned CWFC bantamweight champion in Wales on Saturday have unfortunately been dashed, after the Welshman sustained a hand injury during a sparring session last week.

An initial medical examination has revealed that McDonough (11-4) suffered a fracture which will rule him out of Cage Warriors 59‘s four-man bantamweight grand prix, which is now just nine days away. The 24-year-old, who has clocked up a 3-0 Cage Warriors record since making his promotional debut last year, is due to undergo an MRI scan shortly, so an accurate time-frame for his return to action has yet to be given.

McDonough’s place in the CWFC bantamweight tournament, which is set for Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on Saturday, September 14, will now be taken by his Tillery Combat team-mate Kris Edwards (pictured).
Edwards (8-5) was scheduled to face Aaron Blackwell in a tournament alternate bout at Cage Warriors 59, but the 23-year-old has now been promoted to fill the void and face James Pennington in the semi-finals, with Brett Johns and David Haggstrom still set to clash on the other side of the draw.

Cage Warriors officials hope to re-match Blackwell on an upcoming card, while the winner of the Cage Warriors 59 prelim between Timur Mercanoglu and Jordan Desborough will be placed on standby should a vacancy arise in the tournament on the night.

Edwards recently made the decision to return to the bantamweight division following a disappointing stint at flyweight, during which he suffered back-to-back losses in his two most recent bouts.

After signing an exclusive contract with the promotion, the Abertillery native made his CWFC debut with an impressive win over Janne Elonen-Kulmala at CWFC Fight Night 5 in Jordan in April of last year, after which he opted to make the move to 125lbs.

Life in his new weight class began well for Edwards, as he submitted Brian Hyslop in the second round of their meeting at Cage Warriors 48 in London in July 2012, a win that saw him jump straight into the top-three in the UK’s flyweight rankings, having previously occupied fifth spot at bantamweight.

Next up for Edwards was Cage Warriors 49 in Cardiff last October, but an injury picked up by opponent Mark Platts just a week out from the fight saw Alan Philpott called in as a replacement, with the bout being contested at 135lbs due to the late notice. But it was Philpott who emerged victorious, as Edwards dropped a loss for the first time since July 2011.

Edwards, who holds wins over CWFC’s James Brum and Spencer Hewitt, returned to action back in May at Cage Warriors 54 in Cardiff, but again he was forced to deal with a late change of opponent, with Shaj Haque drafted in at the eleventh hour to replace the injured Karl Harrison.

After enduring a difficult weight-cut which saw him miss the mark by 0.7lb, an uncharacteristically languid Edwards was edged out by Haque via split decision, leaving him with consecutive defeats for the first time in his career.

As Edwards returns to the bantamweight division a week on Saturday, the Welshman says he’s keen to return to top-form by putting in the type of performance which saw him regarded as one of the top young prospects in Europe last year.

“I’m absolutely gutted for Martin,” said Edwards. “I’ve seen first-hand how hard he’s prepared for this tournament and he’s devastated to have picked up an injury. But I’m thrilled with the chance to replace him and I’ll do my best to bring that title back to Tillery Combat.”

Cage Warriors CEO Graham Boylan added: “Everyone involved with Cage Warriors is extremely disappointed for Martin McDonough. He deserves his place in the tournament but I’m sure he’ll come back stronger and earn another title shot in the near future. I wish him well in his recovery.

“I want to say best of luck to Kris Edwards in the tournament. I know he’s been disappointed with his last couple of performances, but were it not for a difficult cut to flyweight, he probably would have been in contention for this anyway. It’s all set up for a very exciting tournament in Cardiff next week.”

Meanwhile, Owain Parry has also sustained an injury which has ruled him out of his CWFC 59 lightweight prelim against Jamie Rogers, so 21-year-old Englishman Sam Gilbert has been called in as a replacement.
Tickets for Cage Warriors 59 at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on Saturday, September 14, are still available, priced from just £25.

MAIN CARD
Edwards/Pennington vs. Haggstrom/Johns (Bantamweight tournament final)
Jim Alers (champion) vs. Martin Svensson (Featherweight title bout)
Mats Nilsson vs. Denniston Sutherland
Lew Long vs. Tommy Maguire
Dave Hill vs. Brian Moore
Lee Caers vs. Aaron Thomas

FACEBOOK PRELIMS
Sam Gilbert vs. Jamie Rogers
David Haggstrom vs. Brett Johns (Bantamweight tournament semi-final)
Kris Edwards vs. James Pennington (Bantamweight tournament semi-final)

NON-STREAMED PRELIMS
Jordan Desborough vs. Timur Mercanoglu
Brett Caswell vs. Paul Rogers

Cage Warriors 59 Bantamweight tournament pairings set

Bantamweight tournament pairings set

Photo: Dolly Clew | Cage Warriors

A four man tournament will take place at Cage Warriors 59 to determine a new CWFC bantamweight champion, and officials have today revealed details of the semi-final pairings.

Cage Warriors 59, which will also see Jim Alers defend his featherweight title against Martin Svensson, is set for Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on Saturday, 14 September, 2013.

To be contested on the night, the bantamweight tournament will feature David Haggstrom, Brett Johns, Martin McDonough and James Pennington (pictured), all of whom will be aiming to pick up the two wins required to clinch the vacant title.

Fighting in their native Wales, Johns and McDonough will feature in separate semi-finals, meaning an all-Welsh final is a distinct possibility. However, Sweden’s Haggstrom and Englishman Pennington will have other ideas.

Johns (7-0) will face Haggstrom (7-1-1) in one semi-final, an intriguing bout given that Haggstrom’s only professional loss came at the hands of Johns’ team-mate Dino Gambatesa back in July 2011.

In the other semi-final, two of the UK’s top-10 bantamweights will collide when McDonough (11-4) takes on Pennington (8-1), a meeting which will also carry added interest in the context that McDonough last tasted defeat in October 2011 against James Brum, a team-mate of Pennington’s.

Each semi-final bout will consist of two five-minute rounds and an additional overtime round will be contested in the event of a draw. Five five-minute rounds will be scheduled for the final.

The semi-finals will feature on the night’s preliminary card, with the final forming part of the co-main event. A reserve bout will also be added to the card in order to facilitate any enforced withdrawals.

Many more fights are still to be announced for Cage Warriors 59.

Cage Warriors 59 Alers v Svensson, Hill v Moore set for Cardiff

Jim Alers to defend his Cage Warriors title for the first time at Cage Warriors 59

Photo: Dolly Clew | Cage Warriors

A PAIR of featherweight bouts have been booked for Cage Warriors 59, including an inaugural CWFC title defence for Jim Alers (pictured).

Cage Warriors 59, which will also feature a four-man bantamweight title tournament, is set to take place at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on Saturday, 14 September, 2013.

Having clinched the vacant featherweight title by submitting Joni Salovaara at Cage Warriors 53, Alers will put the belt on the line against Martin Svensson, while former 145lbs title challenger Dave Hill returns to action to take on CWFC debutant Brian Moore.

Alers (10-1) is unbeaten in his five outings under the Cage Warriors banner and is currently on a six-fight win streak in total following his victory over Salovaara.

The 26-year-old American, who also holds notable CWFC wins over Marcio Cesar and Matteus Lahdesmaki, has taken eight of his 10 victories via submission.

“I’m really excited about this fight as I’m looking forward to showing the world exactly why I’m the Cage Warriors champion,” said Alers. “I respect all of my opponents but in this fight I’ll be out to make a statement.”

Svensson (12-3) is a fellow submission specialist who hails from Malmo in Sweden and has defeated the likes of Paul Reed, James Saville and John Cullen during his five-year professional career.

The 28-year-old, who has dropped just one loss in his last eight bouts, said: “It’s a great honour to be fighting for the Cage Warriors belt and I’ll be bringing it home to Malmo. This is going to be a great fight but I’m going to put on a show.”

Elsewhere, Dave Hill fights for the first time since June of last year when he was submitted by Conor McGregor in a bout for the CWFC featherweight belt at Cage Warriors 47.

His next opponent, Brian Moore, is an SBG team-mate of McGregor’s so Hill will be keen to return to winning ways against the Irishman, particularly given that his previous loss came at the hands of Artem Lobov, another SBG product.

Hill (10-3), a 27-year-old Englishman, said: “I’m really looking forward to showcasing my skills on a stage as big as Cage Warriors again as the professionalism and quality of the production is second to none that I’ve experienced. Coming off a loss for the title, I’ve taken some time off to reflect and rebuild so this is a huge fight for me.”

Moore (7-2) is a highly-rated Irish prospect who, similar to Hill, recently signed an exclusive CWFC contract. Both of the 25-year-old’s losses thus far have come via decision, one of which was at the hands of the UFC’s Mike Wilkinson.

“I’ve wanted to fight on Cage Warriors for a long time so I’m very excited and motivated for this fight,” said Moore. “A win here would put me in among the best in the division. My goal is to be the CWFC champion but I’m taking it one step at a time.”

More fights are still to be announced for CWFC 59. Keep track of Cage Warriors on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and updates.

Fighter vs Writer: Cage Warriors Champion Jim Alers - UFC 161 (The Results)

Fighter vs Writer: Cage Warriors Champion Jim Alers - UFC 161 (The Results)

Cage Warriors Featherweight Champion Jim Alers proved himself to be a winner inside and outside of the cage on Saturday night, defeating Kingdom MMA writer Chris Houten in Fighter vs Writer.

Kingdom MMA would like to thank Alers for taking part; we hope one day Jim will give us the opportunity to win our title back!

The Scoring

The scoring was the same as always, if you predict the correct winner of the fight you will get one point. If you predict the correct method of victory you will get a second point and if the fight ends in a stoppage and you predict the round as well you could earn a third bonus point. If the fight goes the distance you can only earn a maximum of two points.

UFC 161 Results

Shawn Jordan Def. Pat Barry by TKO RD1

• Jim Alers: Shawn Jordan TKO RD1 - Score 3
• Chris Houten: Pat Barry TKO RD 2 - Score 0

Score after 1: Jim Alers - 3 Chris Houten - 0


Alexis Davis Def. Rosi Sexton by Decision

• Jim Alers: Rosi Sexton DECISION - Score 0
• Chris Houten: Alexis Davis SUBMISSION - Score 1

Score after 2: Jim Alers - 3 Chris Houten - 1

Ryan Jimmo Def. Igor Pokrajac by Decision

• Jim Alers: Ryan Jimmo DECISION - Score 2
• Chris Houten: Ryan Jimmo DECISION - Score 2

Score after 3: Jim Alers - 5 Chris Houten - 3

Stipe Miocic Def. Roy Nelson by Decision

• Jim Alers: Roy Nelson TKO RD2 - Score 0
• Chris Houten: Roy Nelson TKO RD1 - Score 0

Score after 4: Jim Alers - 5 Chris Houten - 3

Rashad Evans Def. Dan Henderson by Decision

• Jim Alers: Rashad Evans DECISION - Score 2
• Chris Houten: Rashad Evans DECISION - Score 2

Score after 5: Jim Alers - 7 Chris Houten - 5

FINAL SCORE JIM ALERS - 7 CHRIS HOUTEN - 5

Kingdom MMA would like to thank Jim Alers one again for his participation in Fighter vs Writer. For more on Jim Alers, check our www.fightjim.com and follow Alers on Twitter - @fightjim 

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.
 

Jim Alers on becoming champ "This is one of the best feeling I have had"

Kingdom MMA post fight interview with Cage Warriors Champ Jim Alers

by Chris Houghton @Houts4thewin

On Saturday night Jim Alers became the new Cage Warriors Featherweight champion capturing the belt with a 4th round armbar. In the process he improved his record to a very impressive 10-1 including a current run of 6-0.

This morning Jim spoke with Kingdom MMA about his fight, becoming the champion and his plans for the future.

Chris: When we caught up with you last week Jim you were excited to be making the journey over to Scotland. What did you think of Glasgow as a whole - the people, the place, and the culture?
Alers: It's a wonderful place full of great history. The people there were all so kind and welcoming. The crowd was also very supportive and seemed educated in MMA. I was glad I got to experience Scotland.

Chris: How are you feeling since winning the CW belt, on top of the world I should imagine?
Alers: This is one of the best feelings that I have had. I worked so hard to get here so I am going to treasure every minute of it.

Chris: Salovaara proved he was a tough fighter by taking you past the 2nd round for the first time in your career, have you taken anything away from the fight that you would like to work on?
Alers: I will like to work on sooo many things. I want to get better everyday to become a more complete fighter. I saw my weaknesses and I will work on them as soon as I get back to the states.

Chris: What was the game plan going into this fight; did you envision a submission victory?
Alers: The game plan was to stand and trade a little bit for each round. I wanted to use my stand up for at least half of each round. I just couldn't find the distance with him so it wasn't working out the way I planned.

Chris: You looked like you started to slow going in to the 3rd and 4th but it looked like your cardio was still there. How did you feel going past the 2nd round?
Alers: To be honest I think the nerves got to me. He hurt my nose in the first pretty bad and it was hard to breath but I think I got an adrenalin dump. I just wanted the title so badly

Chris: You mentioned in our last interview you had been training at Duke Roufus' for this fight, did you feel you were able to apply what you learnt there well in this fight?
Alers: I threw my first kick so I guess I can say I learned that from being at Dukes. I wish I opened up more on my feet but that will take time and practice. I'm sure it will all come together soon.

Chris: You mentioned you wanted to fight again in July, how likely is that looking right now? and do you have any opponents in mind?
Alers: Right now I feel I can fight tomorrow so as long as Cage Warriors says yes I will be ready to fight. I have no idea who will be next in line for my belt. There are so many great fighters in Cage Warriors that it could be a number of people

Chris: After seeing the past title holder Conor McGregor progress his career and cause a storm in his UFC debut, how close do you feel you are from following in his footsteps into the UFC?
Alers: I feel that I am knocking on their door at the moment. I can't be very far from fighting in the Octagon.

Chris: Whats the plan now for Jim Alers, a nice break, or you already back in the gym?
Alers: I am actually going to go train today in London. I'm going to stay in shape and be ready for any opportunities that come my way.

Once again Jim thanks for your time, and all of us at Kingdom MMA can not wait to see you back in the cage soon, defending your title for Cage Warriors.

Cage Warriors 53: Weigh in Results

Weigh in Results for Cage Warriors 53

by Ben Heather @benheather

Tomorrows Cage Warriors 53 main event is official as Jim Alers and Joni Salovaara are both on weight and will now fight for the vacant CWFC featherweight title at the Kelvin Hall in Glasgow, Scotland.

The pair both weighed in under the 145lbs limit at this afternoon’s weigh ins, and will now clash in a bid to succeed Conor McGregor as the next champion of the Cage Warriors featherweight division. Conor McGregor of course vacated both the featherweight and lightweight titles when he signed for the UFC.

All of the other main card fighters made weight when they stepped on to the scales, with only Jean N’Doye failing to make the weight for his prelim fight against Richie Edgeworth.

N’Doye, who had been aiming to make the cut to bantamweight for the first time, could only weigh in at  137.2lbs and therefore surrenders 25 percent of his purse to Edgeworth.

Full list of results from todays weigh in can be found below.

MAIN CARD
Joni Salovaara (144.6lbs) v Jim Alers (144.4lbs) - For the vacant CWFC featherweight title
Sally Krumdiack (114.8lbs) v Joanne Calderwood (115.9lbs) - strawweight
Chris Scott (185lbs) v Mats Nilsson (184.8lbs) - middleweight
Jason Cooledge (155.7lbs) v Jason Ball (156lbs) - lightweight
Paul Marin (125.5lbs) v Neil Seery (125.1lbs) - flyweight
James Pennington (135.4lbs) v James Doolan (135.5lbs) - bantamweight

FACEBOOK PRELIMS
Richie Edgeworth (136lbs) v Jean N’Doye (137.2lbs)* - bantamweight
Joe Laurence (125.4lbs) v Mark Connor (125.9lbs) - flyweight
*Fighter missed contracted weight, surrendering 25 percent of his purse to his opponent

Remember to check out Kingdom MMA's interviews with some of the fighters on this card. Kingdom MMA had the pleasure to speak with Jim Alers, Joanne Calderwood, Jason Cooledge and James Doolan before their fights on Saturday night.

Keep Checking Kingdom MMA for the latest news from Cage Warriors, as well as all the other MMA news from the world of MMA.

Jim Alers Talks Cage Warriors, Title Fights, Weight Cuts, CW53, and Conor McGregor

Jim Alers Talks to Kingdom MMA
By - Chris Houten - @houts4thewin

On Saturday night Jim Alers a BJJ Brown belt fighting out of Orlando, Florida will take the centre of the cage in the main event at Cage Warriors 53 where he will take on Joni Salovaara in the biggest fight of his career.

Currently on a 5 fight win streak, 26 year old Alers (9-1, 2-0 CW) has shown himself to be a real prospect who can finish fights standing or on the ground entering the fight having finished all his opponents within 2 rounds.

Going into the fight I had the pleasure of talking to Alers about Cage Warriors, title fights, weight cuts, Conor McGregor and of course his opponent on Saturday, Joni Salovaara.

Chris: On April 13^th you will be taking on Joni Salovaara for the Cage Warriors Feathweight title in Glasgow, is it safe to say this is the biggest fight of your careers?
Alers: Yes this is defiantly the biggest fight of my career so far. The Cage Warriors Title will be a giant leap forward towards all my future goals in the MMA business. I understand that I need to come into this fight with everything my body has to offer.

Your opponent is a pretty well rounded fighter, have you seen many of his fights?
I have seen a couple of his fights on YouTube and yes he is well rounded. He has finished fights standing and on the ground as well. He also has experience in boxing matches and grappling tournaments so I am sure he is dangerous in every situation

From what you have seen of Salovaara do you think he has any weaknesses?
I think every fighter has weaknesses. My coaches and I have worked on many things that we feel will work in this fight against Salovaara and I am excited to put the game plan to use.

Your a BJJ Brown belt with some impressive Abu Dhabi Pro Trials results under your belt, Is it safe to say your ground game is much more advanced than his, and is this something you will look to exploit?

I know that I have a high level BJJ game but MMA is completely different. When you throw punches and elbows into the mix that could make a mediocre grappler look like a world champion black belt and could make a black belt look like a beginner. I am ready to take the fight wherever I feel will help me walk away with that belt.

Cage warriors 53 will be your 3rd fight outside of the US, how do you find fighting abroad?

Fighting over seas is the best thing in the world. I get to travel the world and fight for a living. I don't know about you but I think that is the best profession in the world. Not many people from the US have ever left their hometowns.

Do you go into these fights feeling less pressure, as most ofyour friends and family aren't at the venue watching you?
In a way I would have to say yes. I like the feeling of saying good bye to my loved ones and ensuring them that I will return from battle unharmed and victorious. The one time I loss it was so hard to go and face my family and friends afterwards. I never want to have that feeling again.

Does fighting abroad make the weight cut more difficult?

At first it felt more difficult to make the weight when fighting abroad but now I think I have it down to a science. The lay overs in the airports are the hardest part. All you see is food around you and you're just bored waiting for the plane.

When will you leave for Scotland?

I leave for Scotland on Wednesday April 10th. I am hoping that the weather has warmed up over there because being from Florida does not mix well with visiting cold weather climates. 

How has your training camp gone for this fight, I believe you have spent some of the camp training at Duke Roufas' with Anthony Pettis and Ben Askren?

I couldn't of asked for a better training camp. I have trained all aspects of the MMA game and my strength and conditioning in on another level. Training at Dukes was an unforgettable experience because I trained with a few world champions and Anthony Pettis is next in line for the UFC featherweight title. I don't think a fighter can ask for more.

In your 9 wins you have never been passed the second round, how prepared are you for a 5 round fight?
I am prepared for overtime if it comes to it. My main worry is that I never want to gas out in a fight and so I make it my mission to come in there with the best cardio that I can possibly have.

You was expected to fight Conor McGregor last sept. before McGregor picked up an injury. How disappointed are you to not getthat fight before he signed with the UFC?
It seems like a lot of people really wanted to see that fight and are more disappointed than I am that it didn't happen. I have said this a few times to a couple of different people. It was never about fighting Conor. I could care less about him. It's always been about winning that Cage Warriors title and taking out who ever stands in my way.

How has your experience with the new Safe MMA initiative been so far, and how does it compare to the practises in place in The US?

To be honest I have no idea what the Safe MMA initiative is. I have seen a few post about it on twitter but never really got to find out a lot about it. From the sounds of it though it sounds like its for the good of the fighter and making sure that they come out of their fights in one piece.

Thanks for your time Jim, and good luck for the fight on Saturday. Is there anyone you would like to thank?
Thank you for finding interest in me. I would like to thank Alliance Orlando, Pichi's boxing Pit and Crossfit Tough as Nails for getting me ready for this fight. I also want to thank all my sponsors for helping me out with this fight. NVRTAP, FastWax, Brawlic, Martial Art Life and Well Rounded Warrior. A special shout out to Hank, Brad, Anthony and my wife for everything they do in my life. 

Cage Warriors 53, stream live in The UK through Cagewarriors.com - Prelims begin at 20:00 GMT