The stage is officially set for Cage Warriors 197 after all athletes hit the scales yesterday in Manchester. In a largely smooth weigh-in, the main card fighters for CW 197: Unplugged all successfully made weight, setting the scene for a night of thrilling action.
Headliners Anthony Orozco (170.3lbs) and Evaldo Santos (171lbs) both hit the welterweight limit comfortably, confirming their main event clash is good to go. The co-main event featherweights, Damon Wilson (145.5lbs) and Aiden Lee (145.8lbs), also hit their marks without issue, adding to the anticipation for one of the card’s most anticipated matchups.
While most fighters made weight seamlessly, the event saw its share of drama on the scales. Manuel Del Valle required the additional two-hour allowance, eventually making the welterweight limit at 170.8lbs after an initial miss.
There was further weight-cutting trouble for flyweight newcomer Katharina Rychkova, who failed to make the 126lb limit. She will be fined a percentage of her purse, but her bout with Eimear Darcy (125.3lbs) will proceed as scheduled.
Unfortunately, one fight was cancelled entirely. The scheduled featherweight bout between Hossein Mousavi and Jake McHugh was scrapped after Mousavi missed weight significantly. As a result, McHugh’s team withdrew him from the fight. McHugh, who made weight successfully, will receive his full fight purse.
Full Cage Warriors 197: Unplugged Fight Card
MAIN CARD (UFC Fight Pass – 20:30 GMT)
- Welterweight Main Event: Evaldo Santos (171lbs) vs. Anthony Orozco (170.3lbs)
- Featherweight Co-Main: Damon Wilson (145.5lbs) vs. Aiden Lee (145.8lbs)
- Welterweight: Michael Dubois (170.3lbs) vs. Giacomo Michelis (170.9lbs)
- Light Heavyweight: Riku Urholin (204.7lbs) vs. Nell Ariano (205.7lbs)
- Featherweight: Elton Armindo (145.9lbs) vs. Giuseppe Mastrogiacomo (145.7lbs)
- Bantamweight: Richard Kallos (135lbs) vs. Damiano Scogna (135.8lbs)
PRELIMINARY CARD (UFC Fight Pass – 18:30 GMT)
- Welterweight: Pedro Henrique Dias (171lbs) vs. Manuel Del Valle (170.8lbs)
- Middleweight: Jordan O’Neill (185lbs) vs. Mitchell Goode (185.3lbs)
- Lightweight: Marc-Philippe Ngatchou (155.9lbs) vs. Yusuf Nazokatov (155.7lbs)
- Flyweight: Katharina Rychkova (126.4lbs)* vs. Eimear Darcy (125.3lbs)
- Flyweight: Reggie Hingston (125.5lbs) vs. Jordan Molinari (125.5lbs)
*Rychkova missed weight and will be fined.
With the formalities of the weigh-ins complete, the focus now shifts entirely to the cage for what promises to be an explosive night of fights at Cage Warriors 197: Unplugged.
The main event pits American standout Anthony Orozco against Brazilian debutant Evaldo Santos in a welterweight clash that has all the makings of a stand-up war. Orozco, known for his crisp boxing and pressure, will look to make a statement against the newcomer Santos, who brings an unblemished record and reputation for finishing fights early.
In the co-main event, the featherweight division takes centre stage as England’s Damon Wilson faces fellow countryman Aiden Lee. Both fighters are riding impressive win streaks and have their sights set on a potential title shot with a victory tonight. This domestic showdown promises to deliver technical striking and potentially fight-of-the-night honours.
Fights to Watch
Beyond the main attractions, several bouts stand out as potential show-stealers:
The welterweight clash between Michael Dubois and Giacomo Michelis features two finishers who rarely see the judges’ scorecards. Meanwhile, the light heavyweight contest between Riku Urholin and Nell Ariano could produce a highlight-reel knockout, given both men’s punching power.
On the preliminary card, all eyes will be on the flyweight bout between Katharina Rychkova and Eimear Darcy. After Rychkova’s weight miss, Darcy enters with both a physical and psychological advantage, adding an intriguing layer to this matchup.
How to Watch
Cage Warriors 197: Unplugged will be broadcast live on UFC Fight Pass and through Cage Warriors’ international broadcast partners.
Broadcast Times:
- Preliminary Card: 18:30 GMT / 19:30 CET
- Main Card: 20:30 GMT / 21:30 CET
- US Viewers: Prelims 13:30 ET / 10:30 PT | Main Card 15:30 ET / 12:30 PT
With championship implications throughout the card and several fighters looking to make their mark on the European MMA scene, Cage Warriors 197 delivers what promises to be another unforgettable night of action from one of the sport’s premier developmental organisations.
Fans can expect fireworks from start to finish as these hungry athletes look to either begin or continue their journeys toward UFC contention on the sport’s biggest feeder league stage
