Cage Warriors 172 is coming to Newcastle this weekend on May 25th 2024. The featherweight title will be on the line when Harry Hardwick enters the octagon.
Harry Hardwick Journey to The Belt at CW 172
Harry Hardwick is set to face off against Orlando Wilson Prins this Saturday (25th May) for the vacant featherweight title. Hardwick has been able to get this title shot after being able to go on a 6 fight unbeaten streak. 5 of which coming under the Cage Warriors banner. The other fight was in Fight Nation Championship.
Harry Hardwick is coming into this fight after being able to defeat an undefeated prospect Vitor Estevam. This was due to a rear naked choke after only 33 seconds of the 2nd round. Throughout his other fights under cage warriors, he has also been able to pick up victories against Steve Aimable, Konmon Deh, and Jean N’Doye. He has also picked up a majority draw against Federico Pasquali in between.
Throughout his career, Harry Hardwick has normally either submitted his opponent or has gotten the victory on the judge’s scorecards. 4 of Harry’s 10 victories have come by way of submission and another 5 have come due to decision. It won’t matter how Harry Hardwick is able to get the victory this weekend as long as he is able to get the victory and take home the belt.
Change Of Opponent
While Harry is preparing to fight Orlando Wilson Prins this weekend for the featherweight title. This has not always been the case. This is due to Harry originally meaning to face Zafar Mohsen.
However, Zafar Mohsen was forced into withdrawing from this fight and Orlando Wilson Prins’s opponent for the event was also forced to withdraw which left both men looking for new opponents. This led to the perfect opportunity for Orlando to step in to fight for the vacant title. Harry Hardwick has had to switched up his camp quickly in preparation for this new opponent if he wants the best chance of success.
Zafar is a fighter who was looking to keep the fight on the feet. This is so he can get the knockout which was shown by 8 of his 13 victories coming by way of TKO or KO. However, now he will be facing more of a grappler. This is due to 3 of Orlando’s 5 victories having come due to a submission. Due to how big of an event it is safe to assume Harry will have done every he can to prepare for this challenge.
Harry Hardwick Looking to Make History
Harry Hardwick is also looking to make history this weekend when he will challenge for the title. This is due to his brother George Hardwick currently being the lightweight champion. George Hardwick was meant to defend his title against Lucas Clay back on 30th March. However, due to George picking up an injury during training, he was forced to withdraw.
However, for just now he is still the lightweight champion which means Harry will be able to go for history. This is due to no brothers having held championships at the same time in Cage Warriors. If Harry is successful he and George will become the first pair of brothers to hold the belts at the same time.
Featherweight Title History
The Featherweight Title is on the line this weekend after Paul Hughes vacated the title on October 13th 2023. Paul Hughes decided to vacate the title after holding the belt for just under a year due to his desire to focus on the lightweight division. Due to his focus, the belt is currently vacant and a new champion will be crowned this weekend.
Some of the biggest names in MMA have held the Cage Warriors Featherweight Title. The Featherweight title was first captured by Paul McVeigh who was able to defeat Chin Weakasingh in the 4th round by elbows. McVeigh was crowned the first featherweight champion on March 16th 2003. Since then some big names have gone on to become champions with the biggest being Connor McGregor.
Connor McGregor was able to become the Cage Warriors featherweight champion when he defeated Dave Hill in the 2nd round. McGregor was able to get the victory due to a rear naked choke. However, McGregor would later go on to vacate the title due to signing for the UFC.
Another fighter to have held this prestigious title is Paddy Pimblett. Pimblett was able to become the champion when he clinched the title due to ground pound in the first round against Johnny Franchey. Pimblett would later go on to defend his title against Julian Erosa by decision before losing the title against Nad Narimani.
While these two are currently the biggest names to have held the belt there have been plenty more fighters who have impressive resumes as well which have held this belt. This has included UFC Fighter Morgan Charriere, PFL’s Paul Hughes and still currently signed Cage Warriors Jordan Vucenic. If Harry Hardwick clinches the title he will have his name next to the best.