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Guide: Every current Cage Warriors champion heading into 2023
Paul Hughes won the featherweight title at Cage Warriors 145. Photo via Cage Warriors (Twitter)
European MMA organization Cage Warriors produced a bunch of big stars, including Conor McGregor, Michael Bisping, Paddy Pimblett and Sweden’s Pannie Kianzad – who were all champions in the promotion before stepping over to the UFC.
Heading into 2023, let’s take a look at the organization’s current champions!
Flyweight – Shajidul Haque
Shajidul Haque. Photo via CW
On New Year’s Eve, Shajidul Haque defeated Sam Creasey to become the promotion’s flyweight champion. The 32-year-old fighter has a professional record of 15-5.
Bantamweight – Michele Martignoni
Michele Martignoni. Photo via CW
Italy’s Michele Martignoni rules the bantamweight division since defeating Dominique Wooding on his home turf a few months back. The 26-year-old is yet to defend his belt.
Featherweight – Paul Hughes
Paul Hughes. Photo via CW
Former interim featherweight champion Paul Hughes unified the belts as he defeated Jordan Vucenic at Cage Warriors 145 in November.
Hughes is perhaps an extra interesting name for Swedish fight fans, since Sweden’s two red-hot prospects Tobias Harila and Samuel Bark are competing in the division.
Read more: Watch: Tobias Harila scores huge knockout win with VICIOUS elbow at Cage Warriors 148!
Read more: Samuel Bark wins grueling fight to kick off Cage Warrior’s New Years Eve show
Lightweight – George Hardwick
George Hardwick. Photo via CW
Lightweight champion George Hardwick won his belt at Cage Warriors 141 in July 2022 and so far defended it once against Chris Bungard.
He holds a professional record of 11-1
Welterweight (interim) – Jim Wallhead
Jim Wallhead. Photo via CW
On November 12 last year, Jim Wallhead knocked out Mateusz Figlak to become the promotion’s interim welterweight champion. The veteran holds a record of 33-11 and competed professionally since 2005, including runs in both Bellator and UFC.
Welterweight – Rhys McKee
Rhys McKee. Photo via CW
After a short two-fight stint in the UFC, Rhys McKee returned to Cage Warriors in 2021. In June he became the promotion’s welterweight champion as he defeated Justin Burlinson to secure the vacant belt.
McKee holds a record of 12-4-1.
Middleweight – VACANT
Photo via Cage Warriors
The promotion’s middleweight title is vacant since Christian Leroy Duncan chose to give up his belt to sign with the UFC a few days ago.
Read more: UFC signs undefeated Cage Warriors champion – looking to debut at London card
Light heavyweight – Modestas Bukauskas
Modestas Bukauskas. Photo via CW
The light heavyweight title belongs to Modestas Bukauskas who won the belt via a fourth-round KO against Chuck Campbell on New Year’s Eve. Bukauskas currently holds a record of 13-5.
Read more: List of all current and former undisputed UFC champions