Cage Warriors 177: Unplugged Preview; Adam Shelley returns

Cage Warriors kick off another double header with an unplugged show at the BEC Arena in Manchester this Friday. Cage Warriors 177 features nine fights.

Chasen Blair (5-2) is one of the fighters that bounce between the European and US sides of the promotion. The American is a man that provides big moments in fights, putting together an impressive highlight reel. The Californian has a wrestling background and can unload a huge right hook to end proceedings instantly. He won his last bout in May by first round armbar. Florin Pîrtea (8-2) comes in from Heroes in his native land. The Romanian has dabbled in pro kickboxing, however it’s been his submissions that has impressed more so far as an MMA fighter. The Bucharest man has a wicked triangle and armbar. This will be his first fight in nearly two years.

Ollie Sarwa (4-0) finally makes his proper Cage Warriors debut on Friday after coming through the CW Academy system. The Englishman has been making short work of opponents as a pro, with all victories coming from first round knockout. He showed some decent grappling as an amateur early on in his career. Percy Herrera (9-8) makes his way over from Italy. The Peruvian has had most of his success with his fists, offering big power and fight-ending blows. He’s 1-3 post-COVID, and his losses in general have been to top Italian talent.

Adam Shelley (5-3) is looking to bounce back from defeat in his last bout back in July. The Whitehall native is a Taekwondo black belt and a decorated striker in general. The Dubliner trains out of Team KF where he’s been rounding out his game. Marin Vetrila (4-1) makes his sophomore Cage Warriors appearance. The Moldovan is a talented kickboxer with a powerful stand-up game. Whether it’s his kicks or punches, he plays for keeps. The 24-year-old’s takedown defence includes a wicked guillotine.

Rhi Rhi Hudson (1-0) is about as bright a prospect as you’ll find in the division. The Englishwoman needed just thirteen seconds to secure a knockout victory in her debut last July. She’ll be hoping for a repeat using her overwhelming style. Alish Smith (2-2) lost her first two pro fights, however is on a two-fight win streak. The Australian is a well rounded martial artist who is good at finishing fights. She’s got a win by knockout and submission.

Antony Orozco (3-0) is another ocean hopping prospect on the roster. The American excites fans with his striking style and has two knockouts on his record already. In his amateur days, he was an IMMAF veteran and showed some grappling prowess. Thiago Habib (2-0) steps in on 24-hours notice to save the fight. The Brazilian has only competed in his homeland to date, where he showed his submission skills with a rear naked choke win back in August.

Joe Middleton (1-0) started his MMA journey all the way back in 2012 as an amateur, however had a long hiatus before returning in 2021. The Englishman announced his arrival to the pro scene with a D’arce choke in April 2023. Joan Arastey (3-2) is looking for third time lucky in the yellow gloves after losing to Italian standouts Dario Bellandi and Francesco Mazzeo, one a CW champ and the other about to appear on the Contender Series. The Spaniard is well rounded with a couple of amateur knockout wins, and a pro submission victory.

Michael Tchamou (4-4) is always a bit of fun to watch. The Geordie has absolutely massive power in his fists and is particularly dangerous early on in the fight. The 33-year-old picked up his first submission win in May via guillotine. Angus Hewett (1-3) is a CW Academy graduate. The Englishman showed strong grappling skills back then, using ground and pound to soften up opponents before submitting them. Two of his losses were to The Ultimate Fighter’s Paddy McCorry and upcoming Contender Series prospect Francesco Mazzeo.

Nell Ariano (1-0) came through the CW Academy and IMMAF amateur programs with great success. The Frenchman had a good debut in April with a second round knockout win. Farshad Nazarnia (debut) makes his first professional foray after a good amateur career. The Iranian has a nice striking game with some arm locks in his bag of tricks.

Jan Mašek (1-0) won his opening pro bout in the Premier MMA amphitheatre show in Kilkenny in June, a third round submission win. The Czech has a very good guillotine to be aware of. Connor Patterson (debut) made waves as an amateur and is another one joining the pro ranks on Friday. A veteran of the CW Academy, IMMAF and EMMA scenes, he mainly showed his good grappling chops in the bigger gloves. When he’s got finishes, he’s done so by submission.

Cage Warriors 177 Unplugged is live and exclusive this Friday on UFC Fight Pass. The action kicks off at 19:00.