The electric atmosphere of the RDS in Dublin played host to a spectacular night of mixed martial arts, headlined by a truly unforgettable comeback story. The main event saw Justin Burlinson crowned world champion, overcoming significant early adversity in a dramatic showdown that captivated the Dublin crowd.
The event showcased the best of the sport, delivering a mix of stunning finishes and gritty decision victories. From title defenses to impressive debuts, the fighters left it all in the cage, cementing Dublin‘s reputation as a premier MMA city.
Justin Burlinson Completes Epic Comeback to Claim World Title at Cage Warriors 188
The highly anticipated main event for the world championship at Cage Warriors 188 featured Justin Burlinson taking on hometown favourite James Sheehan. The fight started tough for Burlinson, who was dropped in the second round and appeared in danger. However, demonstrating immense heart and championship grit, Burlinson battled back. He weathered the storm and found his moment in the fourth round, sinking in a fight-ending guillotine choke submission. The arena erupted as Justin Burlinson secured the title in a breathtaking comeback victory over Sheehan. His resilience and spectacular finish earned him That Prize Guy’s Performance of the Night bonus, adding £5,000 to his historic win.
James Webb Defends Light Heavyweight Belt in Dominant Showing
In the night’s co-main event, James Webb put on a dominant display to defend his light heavyweight belt. Fighting in a familiar environment, Webb controlled his opponent, John Allan, throughout the bout. He showcased his well-rounded skills before finishing the fight via TKO with ground and pound punches in the second round. This commanding performance solidified James Webb‘s position as a two-time champion and a formidable force in the division.
Key Highlights and Standout Performances Across the Card
Beyond the title fights, the Cage Warriors 188 card delivered numerous memorable moments. The biggest upset of the night saw Marcus Ferreira take on popular local fighter Ger Harris. Ferreira spoiled the homecoming, grinding out a tough three-round battle to earn a unanimous decision victory and his first win under the promotion’s banner.
Fans were treated to spectacular finishes as well. Max Lally brought the crowd to its feet with a perfectly executed triangle choke submission for a sensational first-round finish against Alexis Tsarmantidis. While the official bonus went elsewhere, Solomon Simon delivered a viral moment with a brutal first-round KO of Cristian Iorga, a highlight reel finish that nearly earned him Performance of the Night.
On the main card, Adam Darby showcased the performance of his career in the opening bout. He dominated Tomasz Łangowski over three rounds with relentless pressure and damage, earning a clear unanimous decision win. The welterweight bout was added to the main card at late notice after a scheduled fight was cancelled due to a medical issue.
The prelims also featured exciting finishes and tough decisions. Keith Keogh thrilled his large fanbase with a first-round submission finish in the featured preliminary bout. Chasen Blair made a strong return, securing a thrilling submission victory that he stated put his UFC ambitions back on track. Daniela Sanches from Portugal also impressed, landing a slick submission (armbar) against Eimear Darcy to announce herself as a fighter to watch. The remaining preliminary bouts were competitive decisions, keeping the Dublin crowd entertained throughout the night and building anticipation for the promotion’s return to the Emerald Isle later this year.
Fight Results from The RDS Dublin
Here are the official fight results from Cage Warriors 188 at The RDS in Dublin:
- Main Card:
- Justin Burlinson def. James Sheehan via Submission (Guillotine choke) after 1:49 of round 4
- James Webb def. John Allan via TKO (Ground and pound – punches) after 3:22 of round 2
- Marcus Vinicius Ferreira def. Ger Harris via Unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Max Lally def. Alexis Tsarmantidis via Submission (triangle choke) after 3.55 of round 1
- Solomon Simon def. Cristian Iorga via KO (punches) after 1:43 of round 1
- Adam Darby def. Tomasz Łangowski via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26) after 3 rounds
- Prelims:
- Keith Keogh def. Joe Doyle via Submission (near naked choke) after 1.37 of round 1
- Chasen Blair def. Diego Visanzay via Submission (rear-naked choke) after 3:00 of round 1
- Conor McCarthy def. Joshua Onwordi via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) after 3 rounds
- Daniela Sanches def. Eimear Darcy via submission (armbar) after 1.49 of round 2
- Alexander O’Sullivan def. Daire Toman via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26) after 3 rounds
- Scott Harvey def. Leon Armes via Unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) after 3 rounds
- Ciaran Brady def. Giovanni Fernandez via Unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26). after 3 rounds
- Matt Elliott def. Kenny Mokhonoana via Unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27) after 3 rounds
- Jamie Abbott-Bissett def. Charlie Falco via Unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26) after 3 rounds
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