Cage Warriors – Europe’s Leading MMA Organisation – have today confirmed a date and opponent for the long-awaited return to action of lightweight champion George Hardwick.
The Middlesbrough man will face Romania’s Cristian Iorga at CW 176 on Saturday, September 7th, at Glasgow’s Braehead Arena.
The bout will be fought over five, five-minute rounds, with Hardwick’s 155lb title on the line.
Defending champion Hardwick last strapped on the Famous Yellow Gloves in April of 2023, stopping Yann Liasse in the first round of their CW 152 main event clash.
The win marked Hardwick’s eighth on the bounce, with nine by way of finish, including six straight in Cage Warriors.
The MFA athlete was scheduled to return to the promotion following an appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series in March of this year, however a broken jaw suffered in training saw him further side-lined.
Iorga (7-1) brings a four-fight winning streak into the bout, including three by way of a finish.
A nine-year veteran of the sport, he competed in five IMMAF World and European Championships.
With backgrounds in Judo and Kenpo Karate to bolster his significant MMA experience, the 29-year-old will be looking to spoil the CW return of one of the promotion’s fan favourites.
“It’s been a long time coming, but George Hardwick is back in the Famous Yellow Gloves of Cage Warriors…” said CW President Graham Boylan.
“He’ll be looking to retain his title and along with brother Harry, maintain their status as the only two brothers to simultaneously hold world titles in a major MMA organisation.”
“Cristian Iorga will have something to say about that on September 7th, though. He’s a dangerous finisher with a huge upset on his mind.”
“We’ve got a card stacked with Scottish favourites, a $50,000 PrizeFighter and a massive world title fight…we’re pushing the boat out for the fans in Glasgow!”
Also confirmed for CW 176 are the returns of Scottish fan favourites Reece McEwan, Chris Bungard, Kier Harvey and Sean Clancy Jr.
The event will also play host to the next instalment of PrizeFighter, a $50,000 one night tournament that will grant the winner a world title shot in addition to the cash prize.
All bouts will air live on UFC Fight Pass and international broadcast partners.
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