The Cage Warriors Middleweight bout featuring Darren Stewart against Antonio Zovak is an intriguing matchup with both fighters bringing unique strengths to the cage.
Darren Stewart
- Nickname: “The Dentist”
- Age: 32 (as of December 30, 1990)
- Height: 6’0″ (182.88 cm)
- Weight: 195 lbs (88.45 kg)
- Association: The MMA Clinic
- Class: Light Heavyweight (though competing in Middleweight for this fight)
- Record: 15 wins, 9 losses
- Wins Breakdown:
- 8 by KO/TKO (53%)
- 1 by Submission (7%)
- 6 by Decision (40%)
- Loss Breakdown:
- 1 by KO/TKO (11%)
- 2 by Submission (22%)
- 6 by Decision (67%)
- Wins Breakdown:
Stewart, known as “The Dentist,” has a history of finishing fights with striking power, as indicated by his 53% KO/TKO rate. His recent performances include unanimous decision wins against Matthew Bonner at CW 156 and Leon Aliu at CW 154, and a TKO victory over Guilherme Cadena Martins at CW 148. However, he also has faced setbacks, with losses in fights against Mick Stanton and Dustin Jacoby, among others.
Antonio Zovak
- Age: 28 (as of January 18, 1995)
- Height: 6’1″ (185.42 cm)
- Weight: 185 lbs (83.91 kg)
- Association: Galaktik Sombor
- Class: Middleweight
- Record: 9 wins, 6 losses
- Wins Breakdown:
- 8 by KO/TKO (89%)
- 1 by Submission (11%)
- 0 by Decision (0%)
- Loss Breakdown:
- 4 by KO/TKO (67%)
- 2 by Submission (33%)
- 0 by Decision (0%)
- Wins Breakdown:
Antonio Zovak has demonstrated a strong preference for stand-up combat, securing most of his wins via KO/TKO. His recent record includes a TKO victory over Eduard Popescu and a submission win against Ivan Caric. However, Zovak has also suffered losses, including TKO defeats to Tomasz Narkun and Stefan Zvijer, and a submission loss to Rok Dordic.
Fight Analysis
This matchup presents a fascinating contrast in fighting styles and records. Stewart, with a more balanced record of wins by KO/TKO, submission, and decision, might look to use his experience and versatility to control the pace of the fight. Zovak, primarily a striker with a high rate of finishes by KO/TKO, will likely seek to keep the fight standing and aim for a knockout. The key to this bout will be whether Stewart can utilize his diverse skill set to counter Zovak’s striking power. With both fighters having a history of exciting finishes, this middleweight contest promises to be a highlight of the Cage Warriors event.
WHAT HAPPENED IN THE FIGHT
Result: Darren Stewart def. Antonio Zovak via TKO (Ground and Pound) after 1:43 in Round 1.
