Cage Warriors returns to London on November 4th for CW145. Where we finally get the rematch of Jordan Vucenic Vs Paul Hughes.
Hughes’ first career loss came in a controversial split decision against Jordan Vucenic at CW119 in December 2020.
But he bounced-back with wins over James Hendin and Morgan Charriere, and now he’ll have a chance to avenge that loss against Vucenic.
Hughes has said that he’s coming to destroy Vucenic, and that he’s the real champion coming into the rematch.
Its been a long time coming for the fighters as the rematch was originally scheduled for CW134.
Jordan Vucenic Vs Paul Hughes Tale Of The Tape
There’s very little to seperate these two gentleman, with both men typically weighing in at 144lbs and at 5’9″.
With very similar records of (9-1) and (8-1) respectively. As the previous split decision suggested there is very little seperating these two.
The Breakdown
Jordan Vucenic
Jordan Vucenic has already shown in his short yet successful career that the 26 year old is an extremely well rounded fighter.
Vucenic brings an exciting skill set to the cage, most recently we saw Vucenic successfully defend his Featherweight Gold against James Hendin at CW134 on March the 18th.
Vucenic managed to put away Hendin in the 2nd Rd with a rear naked choke. Hendin an accomplished wrestler had no answer to the smothering style of Vucenic.
With his deadly BJJ skills, Vucenic gets to resort to his dangerous striking. A very crisp striker who loves to resort to Muay Thai knees and elbows.
This was seen to full effect in 2019 at Battle Arena 55. Where he softened up Martin Paterson with slicing elbows to set up a scintillating knee to finish.
Paul Hughes
Interim Champion Hughes comes into this fight full of confident stating he is going to sleep Vucenic inside 2 rounds.
Paul Hughes comes into the fight with the higher finishing rate of the two, with 6 of the 8 wins in Hughes career coming via stoppage.
Another well rounded fighter which is what makes this fight so exciting, from multiple rear naked choke victories which included Stephen Aimable, to head kick Ko’s as we saw from Hughes against Youri Panada the Irishman will look for the finish at any cost.
Vucenic vs Hughes 1
During the split decision loss to Vucenic, Hughes managed to stuff several takedown attempts from Vucenic and successfully taking him down before claiming his back in the 1st Rd.
Hughes successfully kept guard for the remainder of the round.
The 2nd Rd saw the majority of the round on their feet until Vucenic shot for a standing arm triangle up against the cage looking for the takedown. Vucenic managed to secure a judo style throw although Hughes managed to return his feet.
Finishing off the round with Vucenic working Hughes against the cage.
In the 3rd and final Rd it was Hughes that initiated the clinch exchange and look for the takedown. Vucenic threw several dangerous leg kicks and some nasty right hands.
Hughes successfully took down Vucenic with a shooting double leg, although it was short lived as Vucenic made his way to the cage and returned to his feet.
Vucenic finished out the fight with his own takedown with little success coming from it, the fight finished on the feet with both men letting their hands go.
Jordan Vucenic was victorious via split decision (29-28 29-28 28-29).
Prediction
If the first fight was anything to go by fans will be in for an exciting night.
The majority of Vucenic success came from on his feet I expect to see this utilised more this time round, with his striking causing Hughes problems.
Hughes will be looking for the big finish as we always expect to see from the Irishman, and this is where I see his downfall.
With Vucenic adopting a standing style the opening rounds I can see Vucenic securing a takedown in the 3rd round and finishing Hughes via submission.
Winner: Jordan Vucenic 3rd Rd Submission
Are you looking forward to Cage Warriors 145 and Jordan Vucenic Vs Paul Hughes?
Image Credits Cage Warriors
