This Saturday, Welsh MMA fans will be treated to the seventh instalment of Cage Warriors Academy Wales. Arguably the countries largest amateur promotion, the card will feature two huge title fights along plenty more exciting clashes.
Levi Batchelor takes on featherweight champ Ieuan Mackenzie, looking to become an amateur double champ. Whilst, Alex Gill and Ioan Harris compete for the vacant welterweight strap. Title bouts aside, here are five fights for you to keep your eye out for on the night.
Ioan Thomas v Malaki Lynch
Considered one of Wales’ biggest prospects, Ioan Thomas comes into this fight with the world on his shoulders. The Shore MMA product enters his fourth amateur fight with an unblemished 3-0 record.
Described by head-coach, Richard Shore, as a future world champion, Thomas will take on the always game, Malaki Lynch. The Lions Den fighter comes into this one with a 1-2 record, but also with a great amount of power.
Thomas, who is regular training partner for the likes of Jack Shore and Oban Elliot, is a fan favourite at these events. Fans CAN NOT miss this one as 16-year-old Thomas tests himself against a really tough opponent.
Jack Haycock v Josh Archer
This fight may have slipped under some people’s noses. Jack Haycock picked up his first win in March in an exciting split decision. The Welsh amateur had a great deal of power in his hands and was always looking for the finish.
His opponent comes in with a perfect 2-0 record, with both of his wins coming inside the distance. Another Lions Den fighter who loves a rear-naked choke. Archer picked up both his wins in Ebbw Vale and he’ll be looking to do the same this time.
Expect a back and forth scrap between these with a finish looking likely…
Cameron Brown v Brad Allen
This is one that should get you excited. Both of these guys are capable of finishes and both have appeared at these events in the past. Brown enters this fight with a 2-2 record and a product of the Chris Rees Academy. Expect a strong wrestling approach with high-levels of jiu-jitsu from him.
Allen made his debut back in March after he picked up the first round TKO victory over Malaki Lynch. A nice mix-up of strikes and always prepared to take the fight to the ground. These two will be ready to scrap.
Jordan Little v Brian Evans
This one has the potential to get whichever way it wants! Jordan Little holds one of the most experienced résumé on the cards with a balanced 5-5 record. The Englishman recently trained with UFC flyweight, Molly McCann in preparation for this fight, so expect the wildest of spinning elbows from him.
Evans walks in to this without having fought for nearly three years. However, another product of the Chris Rees Academy, he will be ready to go wherever the fight takes him. And with a strong Judo background, expect the unexpected.
Jay Aspinwall v Jack Beazley
Jack Beazley deserves a lot more credit. Another from Shore MMA, the 18-year-old is 3-0 and possesses all the tools to go as far as he likes. Two of his three wins have been finishes and he loves putting on a show.
Aspinwall made his debut just a couple months but walked through it with a second round submission. Training with KGB Wales, this fight could be a good display of Welsh grappling, with both guys well trained on the mats.
Either way, expect a close-fought fight with these two Welsh youngsters.
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