Paul Redmond vs Alexei Roberts and McDonough vs Enlund added to Cage Warriors 52

Paul Redmond will return to CWFC action on the organisation’s first show of the year for a lightweight bout against Alexei Roberts, while Martin McDonough and Alex Enlund are set to clash at bantamweight.

Redmond (6-3), who recently signed an exclusive Cage Warriors contract, had a year to remember in 2012 courtesy of three CWFC victories in as many bouts.

The 26-year-old Irishman stopped Yuri Malko and Ryan Roddy in his hometown of Dublin at Cage Warriors 47 and 51 respectively, either side of a career-best victory over Lewis Long at October’s Cage Warriors 49 in Cardiff.

“Last year went well for me but I want to keep progressing in 2013 and I’m looking forward to fighting in London,” said Redmond. “I was delighted to get the Cage Warriors contract. You only get tough fights on Cage Warriors and this is another one coming up.”

Roberts (9-3) will be making his Cage Warriors debut on March 9 when he collides with Redmond, who the 26-year-old Englishman describes as “a very tough opponent”.

A former welterweight champion for top UK promotion Shock ‘N’ Awe, Roberts has been in clinical form since dropping to the 155lbs division late last year, winning his two most recent bouts by submission inside 30 seconds.

Roberts said: It’s a great privilege to be fighting on Cage Warriors, especially against a guy ranked in the top 20 in the UK. It’s awesome to fight on a top show against a top opponent to start 2013 off with a bang.”

The meeting of McDonough and Enlund is a clash of two of the UK’s most exciting young bantamweights, both of whom had victorious Cage Warriors debuts last year before securing exclusive contracts.

McDonough (9-4), who’s ranked in the UK’s top 10, has taken four wins from his last five outings, with the only loss coming via decision at the hands of CWFC veteran James Brum.

The 24-year-old Welshman earned a Submission of the Night bonus after defeating Dino Gambatesa via first-round armbar at Cage Warriors 49 back in October.

“I’m very excited to be back on Cage Warriors,” said McDonough. “I’m determined to have a good year and a win on March 9 would get it off to the perfect start.”

Enlund (7-1-0-1nc), a native of South Shields, returned from a lengthy injury absence to defeat Ahsan Gilani by first-round TKO at last month’s Cage Warriors 50, but the 25-year-old is now looking forward to tougher challenges in 2013.

He said: “Fights like this are why I signed with Cage Warriors. It’s the perfect platform and provides the perfect opposition to get the best out of me.”

Cage Warriors 52 will be headlined by a welterweight title bout between Cathal Pendred and defending champion Gael Grimaud.

More Cage Warriors 52 bouts will be announced in the coming days. Keep track of Cage Warriors on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and updates.

Tickets for Cage Warriors 52, which takes place at London’s HMV Forum on March 9, are available to purchase HERE.

Photo: Dolly Clew | Cage Warriors