Cage Warriors announce high-stakes amateur grand prix tournament for 2018

Europe’s leading MMA promotion continue their commitment to growing grass-roots amateur MMA by announcing the Cage Warriors Academy (CWA) Grand Prix: the biggest all-in amateur mixed martial arts tournament of its kind, to find the best and most legitimate stars in Europe.

In just a few months, many of Europe’s most promising MMA prospects procured by Cage Warriors’ Academy organisations in North West and South East England, Wales and a fourth, yet to be confirmed Academy region, will begin preparation for the CWA Grand Prix. Each of Cage Warriors’ Academies will put forward a number of amateur athletes from both the U.K and further across Europe. 28 fighters across 7 weight divisions will compete for the CWA Grand Prix Trophy in each division, the chance to fight on an official Cage Warriors event and, if successful, the option to turn pro with Cage Warriors.

“As the longest running MMA promotion on the continent, we feel a responsibility to give young athletes the chance to develop themselves in front of a world audience,” says Cage Warriors President Graham Boylan. “We are a fighter first promotion, and this tournament will give the best talent a clear pathway from the amateur leagues to the top. If you’re serious about proving yourself, the CWA Grand Prix is the place to do so.”

The Cage Warriors Academies are headed by some of the best talent developers in Europe, all with one goal in mind – to legitimise and provide maximum exposure to amateur MMA in safe and regulated environments. Some of Cage Warriors’ fastest rising stars came through the Academy ranks prior to turning pro, including Belgium’s Brian Bouland, Sweden’s Cornelia Holm, flyweight champion Molly McCann and Welsh prospect Jack ‘Tank’ Shore.

Cage Warriors management are close to finalising the tournament structure, with Boylan confirming that the Grand Prix will take place throughout three phases between now and the end of 2018, and that the semi-final match ups will be announced by an official Facebook Live draw.

With the final fighters in each division completing the tournament on a live broadcast before the main card on one of Cage Warriors’ massive events, the CWA Grand Prix offers exposure, credibility and experience unlikely to be found on any other amateur MMA showcase.