With Cage Warriors 138 wrapped up, it is time to look ahead to their US return. Cage Warriors made their first trip to San Diego last year at Cage Warriors 126 and will be returning on June 10th at Cage Warriors 139. The promotion will be returning to Humphreys Half Moon Inn. This is the same site as Cage Warriors 126 and Cage Warriors 130. Their last San Diego card, Cage Warriors 133, was done at Del Mar Arena.
Humphreys provides a unique feel to an MMA event, with it being an outdoor venue set in front of the marina. It was the location of Cage Warriors’ first U.S. event, clearly with much success. The team at Combat Sports UK was able to meet a representative from the San Diego hotel and they were kind enough to answer some questions.
Robin Torre, Director of Sales at Humphreys Half Moon Inn
With multiple Cage Warriors events done at the venue and in the city, is there a noticeable buzz as the host city/venue when the events approach? Specifically on fight week/weekend?
It is my understanding that this is true within the local MMA community.
How did the relationship with Cage Warriors begin from the side of Half Moon Inn? Did the promotion approach you guys or vice versa?
In the Spring of 2021, Cage Warriors President Graham Boylan reached out to us as he was seeking a San Diego venue to launch Cage Warriors in the US. At the time, the state of California was still closed to large gatherings due to COVID-19 restrictions. Boylan was seeking an outdoor venue in hopes that restrictions would ease up soon and it would be possible to hold an outdoor event in California. The August and October dates in 2021 were then booked.
The Cage Warriors US Schedule
Where does this relationship/partnership stand beyond Cage Warriors 139 on June 10? Are there plans in place for more events already? If so, can you give any insight into how these are scheduled out?
There will be two total Cage Warriors events here in 2022, with the second date yet to be announced. With the increasing popularity of Cage Warriors, however, they may have outgrown Humphreys beyond this year. Only time will tell.
Although the European talent is not typically showcased in these Cage Warriors events in America, with Cage Warriors being based in Europe, is there a noticeable influx of European tourists? More specifically, an influx of UK tourists for the events?
It is difficult to gauge whether or not there is an influx due to these events. Our hotel caters to a fair amount of international guests year-round.
The Impact
As a local, how well do you feel the promotion does in San Diego/Southern California? Obviously with them continuing to return to San Diego, one would imagine it does well. Is there a notable boost in popularity with each event?
I believe they have done well in promoting the events in San Diego, as their second event here last year was a sold-out show. They also held an event in Del Mar, CA earlier in 2022, in a semi-covered venue for weather protection. That venue has a larger capacity, and they drew a larger audience at that time as well.
Is there anything else you’d like to add regarding Cage Warriors and being the host venue of an MMA promotion? Anything that surprised you about hosting or something you specifically enjoy about it?
Hosting the Cage Warriors events was and is definitely an “out of the box” idea inspired by the COVID-19 restrictions. We recognized the safety, medical, and media requirements were to be operated at the highest of standards. Although it was not an event one would typically see at Humphreys, these high standards were still met. The lighting and cage structure, along with the music and video displays were quite impressive. With this all being set within the beautiful backdrop of the sun setting over Humphreys marina front venue, it combined for an amazing experience. The event is broadcast to over 100 countries and was also a unique experience for Humphreys. Plus Graham and his team are top-notch and great to work with!
Cage Warriors 139 in San Diego, CA
Gaining this insight from Robin was much appreciated. This adds to the intrigue and excitement coming up with Cage Warriors. They will hold a second San Diego event at some point this year, and possibly bigger ventures in the US. The promotion is expanding its reach in America, and we are excited to see what is next.
Cage Warriors 139 takes place this Friday, June 10. The fights begin at 5:45 pm PT (1:45 AM UK), and the main card begins at 7 pm PT (3 AM UK). Jordan Bailey and Alex Trinidad will serve as the main event in San Diego. The previous main event between Erick Sanchez and Max Rohskopf has been scrapped during fight week.
There will be a healthy mix of young talent on the card and it will surely be an exciting night of fights. Be sure to catch all the action and follow along with us. Combat Sports UK will have all the coverage of Cage Warriors 139 and more.
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Featured image credits to Cage Warriors
