Cage Warriors 142 take place at the Ebbw Valley Centre in Wales this Saturday. The card is a nine-fight spectacle hosted on UFC fight pass, starting at 5:30 pm for the televised prelims. We take a look at the four fights that will get our evening’s combat underway. To keep up with all the night’s action, join us on our live results article.
Matthew Byfield Vs. Szymon Szynkiewicz
Matthew Byfield looks to get the UK guys underway with a win as he takes on Szymon Szynkiewicz in the light-heavyweight division. At 3-1, the 6″6 Team Renagade BJJ fighter will be looking to restart momentum upwards following a no contest in his last outing. His Polish counterpart comes into the bout following a loss to undefeated Michael Parkin, something many have experienced around the UK scene. The huge Byfield has the range in this one, although he is partial to a submission, such as in his outing versus Lewis Tams. He will, though, have to take care, as Szynkiewicz was known for catching leg locks. He managed to get a pair in one night at Wotore 3 event.
George McManus Vs. Milton Afonso Cabral
At a catchweight of 174lb, George McManus makes his return against Milton Afonson Cabral. On the surface of it, McManus is on a two-fight skid. However, Those two losses were to Oban Elliot and Ian Garry, two of the best currently around. An 11-3 amateur, his ground skills are impressive and dynamic. Willing to dig deep in fights, he has explosiveness in his submission game and is always looking for the finish.
Cabral, on the other hand, looks to be a knockout artist. With a wide stance, he fires hard, straight shots, ending his bouts thus far quickly. Currently 3-1, his opponents have left much to be desired, but there is no better stage for the fighters than Cage Warriors 142 to prove themselves.
Owain Williams Vs. Sean McCormac
Owain Williams, out of Shore MMA, makes his pro debut in this one, following a 2-2 amateur career. He takes on fellow former amateur and 1-1 professional Sean McCormac. McCormac trains at Fight Academy Ireland, which has produced the likes of Paul Hughes and Karl Moore. The bout goes down at middleweight, where Williams will be hoping to have found his sweet spot, having competed at both 205lb and 170lb in the past. Williams has a good gas tank, as well as power in his hands, and has the ability to keep it after a tough round. McCormac, on the other hand, lays on vicious pressure, mixing up strikes with punches at an alarming pace. Look for this one to be one of the better fights of the night.
Chris Bungard Vs. Erick da Silva
Chris Bungard is one of Scotland’s most popular fighters ever. The Scottish Hit Squad delegate makes his debut in Cage Warriors following a first-round submission victory at Holytown Havoc. He previously competed under the Bellator banner, growing into a cult hero both inside and outside the cage. He takes on Erick da Silva, a 29-fight veteran of the Brazillian MMA scene who managed to take UFC fighter Guram Kutateladze to the scorecards and is a dangerous ground fighter.
As well as on the ground, da Silva has had a number of first-round stoppages on the feet, making him an omnipresent threat. Bungard, though is like fighting an old leather boot, trained by Royce Gracie himself. A dominant grappler, submission is often prioritised over position for Bungard, making him a fan-friendly flag bearer for BJJ. A huge fight for the Scot. He will be looking to make a case for that main card spot come his next outing.
What fight are you looking forward to most?
Featured image credits to Cage Warriors
