The bantamweight belt is on the line at London’s BT Sport Studios on September 6th, when a one-night tournament will crown a new champion in front of an invite-only crowd.
Three former bantamweight title challengers and one of the fastest rising prospects in the UK will compete for gold on September 6th.
Marko Kovacevic and Josh Reed, two men who narrowly fell short of the title to now-UFC star Nathaniel Wood in 2017, go head-to-head in the first Semi Final. Kovacevic has gone unbeaten since his last appearance on Cage Warriors, and Reed’s last try at the title is widely regarded as the most incredible round in the history of European MMA. Expect nothing but fireworks!
In the second Semi-Final, Scott Malone will take on surging prospect Jack Cartwright, who is unbeaten so far in both his amateur and pro career. Although losing out on the title to Jack Shore – who has also since signed for the UFC – Malone has looked impressive even in defeat and remains one of the very top bantamweight talents on the continent.
Ayton de Paepe and Tanio Pagliariccio will compete in a tournament Alternate Bout.
The Semi Finalists will compete over 2×5 minute rounds (with a 5 minute overtime round in the event of a draw). Should either of the two winners of the Semi Final bouts be unable to compete in the Final, the winner of the Alternate Bout will step-in and compete in the Final.
Should the winner of the Alternate Bout also be unable to compete, then the loser of the Alternate Bout – followed by the loser of the opposite “Semi Final” bracket (in that order) – will step in if they are cleared to fight.
Should any Semi Finalists not make championship weight, a coin toss will decide which Alternate Bout fighter steps up in their place.
Cage Warriors held two tournaments of this kind back in 2013, when Brett Johns and Stevie Ray took home the bantamweight and lightweight titles. Both champions were subsequently signed to the UFC.
Cage Warriors Unplugged 2 will be invite-only, with no tickets being released on general sale to the public, and will be broadcast live on BT Sport 1 and UFC Fight Pass.
