Jordan Vucenic made a triumphant return to Cage Warriors, outworking the previously undefeated Torpal Merjoev to claim a unanimous decision victory in the main event of CW 196 in London. The former UFC lightweight set the pace in an entertaining three-round clash, earning scorecards of 30-27, 30-26, and 29-27 in a fight that headlined a night filled with spectacular finishes and a new champion crowned.
MAIN EVENT: Vucenic Outduels Merjoev
In the evening’s headliner, Jordan Vucenic successfully returned to the Cage Warriors stage with a calculated performance against the dangerous Torpal Merjoev. Vucenic utilised his veteran experience to control the action across all three rounds, handing Merjoev the first loss of his professional career. The decisive victory marks Vucenic as a serious contender in the Cage Warriors lightweight division and potentially puts him on the radar for bigger opportunities in 2026.
CO-MAIN EVENT: Simon Captures Featherweight Gold
The co-main event saw Solomon Simon make history, becoming the third Irish fighter to claim the Cage Warriors featherweight championship with a dramatic second-round TKO of Caique Araujo. Simon secured the stoppage with just four seconds remaining in the round, unleashing a barrage of punches that forced the referee’s intervention at the 4:56 mark. The new champion immediately faced off with #1 contender Nik Bagley, setting the stage for his first title defence.
KNOCKOUT OF THE NIGHT: Perkins’ Devastating Knee
Kadeem Perkins earned “Knockout of the Night” honours with a brutal knee that finished the previously undefeated Ciaran Brady at 2:35 of the first round. The spectacular finish marked a career-best performance for Perkins and served notice to the bantamweight division that he’s a force to be reckoned with.
OTHER MAIN CARD HIGHLIGHTS
Jawany Scott returned to winning ways with a second-round submission victory over Michelangelo Lupoli, locking in a rear-naked choke at 4:25 of round two. The win showcased Scott’s improving ground game and resilience after a back-and-forth opening round.
Ollie Sarwa preserved his undefeated professional record with a dominant, unanimous decision win over highly-touted European contender Tuomas Grönvall. All three judges scored the bout 30-27 for Sarwa, who continues to build momentum in the bantamweight division.
COMPLETE CW 196 LONDON RESULTS
MAIN CARD
- Jordan Vucenic def. Torpal Merjoev via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-26, 29-27)
- Solomon Simon def. Caique Araujo via TKO (Punches) at 4:56 of Round 2 – Wins Cage Warriors Featherweight Championship
- Jawany Scott def. Michelangelo Lupoli via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) at 4:25 of Round 2
- Ollie Sarwa def. Tuomas Grönvall via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Tariq Pell def. Bruno Guimarães via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Marin Vetrila def. Thomas Paull via KO (Body Punch) at 1:25 of Round 1
- Kadeem Perkins def. Ciaran Brady via KO (Knee) at 2:35 of Round 1
BONUS AWARDS
- Knockout of the Night: Kadeem Perkins
CONCLUSION: A New Champion and Returning Stars Shine
Cage Warriors 196 delivered exactly what the promotion is known for – competitive fights, spectacular finishes, and the crowning of a new champion. Solomon Simon’s entry into the featherweight history books alongside Irish predecessors Paul Hughes and Conor McGregor creates an intriguing narrative for the division’s future. Meanwhile, Jordan Vucenic’s successful return and Kadeem Perkins’ highlight-reel knockout ensure that London fight fans witnessed a memorable night of action that sets up multiple compelling matchups for 2026.
