After a brilliant performance in Manchester at Cage Warriors 152, George Hardwick has eyes set on the UFC lightweight division. Now with a 12-1 record Cage Warriors champion Hardwick is one of the best British fighters outside of the UFC with six finishes in a row. With rumours circulating of an event in the O2 in July, we look at opponents that could face Hardwick on that potential card.
Benoit Saint-Denis
Last seen back in September in Paris, the Frenchmen has been in great fights since his debut in 2021. With a record of 10-1 with eight submissions, Saint-Denis is a huge threat on the ground. He also has a black judo belt to his name. He lit up his home nation last year with a second-round KO of Gabriel Miranda, and he would make a great debut opponent for Hardwick in London. However, with rumours of a return to Paris, we may not see ‘God of War’ until after summer.
Ludovit Klein
Slovakian star Ludovit Klein has appeared in London on the past two occasions and could potentially make a third appearance if he steps up to face Hardwick in July. His last fight was only a month ago at UFC 286, where he had a contentious draw with British banger Jai Herbert. A back and forth fight which ended in a draw due to a point deduction in the final round for the brit. Previously Klein had impressed against former Cage Warriors double champion Mason Jones in the same venue. A man used to the London crowd and the O2 arena, he would provide a stern debut challenge for George Hardwick.
Alexander Hernandez
Since joining the UFC in 2018, Alexander Hernandez has had mixed results, with a 6-5 record in the elite sports organisation. In February, he bounced back from a two-fight skid last time out against all-time great veteran Jim Miller with a unanimous decision victory. His most notable win came on his debut against now perennial contender Beneil Dariush who has not lost since that fight. Hernandez always seemed to struggle to break into the rankings in the lightweight division but never drifted too far from the fringes. With a Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu black belt in his arsenal, this seasoned UFC competitor would undoubtedly push Hardwick in his opening UFC fight.
Ignacio Bahamondes
Coming off a beautiful performance at UFC 287 ‘La Jaula’ is in rich form, surging up the lightweight division. Ignacio Bahamondes has been phenomenal in all four UFC outings, most recently putting on a striking clinic against Trey Ogden. Earning his contract from the contender series in 2020 with a violent front kick KO, the Chilean caught the eyes of many. His debut ended in a split-decision loss but was a great spectacle to see. After that loss, Bahamondes scored an astonishing wheel kick KO and a Brabo Choke submission back to back. He is always flashy and entertaining, and British fight fans would relish seeing him in the capital.
Marc Diakiese
Originally in March, the UFC booked an all-English fight between Nathaniel Wood and Lerone Murphy. However, this never came to fruition due to a knee injury for Wood. This is another opportunity to put two Brits in together. Marc Diakiese has had 13 fights in the UFC with a mixed record of 7-6, debuting back in 2016 on UFC 204. He is one of the longest-standing Brits in the organisation. He has fought names like Rafael Fiziev, Dan Hooker and Nasrat Haqparast and has never been knocked out. He has won all three of his UFC fights on home soil, so he no doubt would love to return to London to try and get back to winning ways.
Cage Warriors have now announced an event on Friday 21st July reinforcing the murmurs that we will have UFC London on Saturday 22nd July.
Who do you want to see George Hardwick face in his UFC debut in July at the O2 arena?
Featured image credits to Cage Warriors
