Friday, February 23, 2007

Cage Rage remains undaunted, Cagewarriors looks ahead to April


By Jim Page

By choosing to hold its card on April 21, the UFC has ruffled a few feathers this side of the pond. It has long been announced that April 21 would be the date for the latest card from UK's most widely recognized promotion, Cage Rage.

After talking to Cage Rage co-promoter Andy Geer, it's clear that he is not too concerned by the UFC’s move — especially as he has negotiated an incredible coup by signing the massive Bob Sapp.

Sapp recently did wonders for his profile in the UK, causing a massive stir as a stream of UK heavyweights climbed over each other to challenge him at Cage Rage 20. The PRIDE and K-1 veteran is scheduled to take on Sunderland hardman, Robert Berry in a fight that will almost certainly be decided before the final bell.

Other huge news for the promotion is the re-signing of Evangelista “Cyborg” Santos, the wild Brazilian who took part in one of the UK's most memorable wars: eventually losing but putting in an incredible performance against Dutch super-striker, Melvin Manhoef.

Cyborg's return fight is a fascinating match-up against UFC veteran James Zikic, who makes his way back to the cage following a self-imposed absence from the sport.



Cagewarriors looks ahead to April

A puzzling decision by a misguided local council recently forced the Cage Warriors promotion to scrap its planned March 4 card, but, undeterred by this disappointment, the team has refocused its efforts for an April 28 event, putting together a solid lineup that also includes 'B Class' bouts for less experienced fighters.

Exciting bouts on the card include Paul McVeigh putting his Cage Warriors bantamweight title on the line against Ireland's undefeated Steve McCombe, and the Wolflair's Alex Cook taking on the dangerous Frenchman Karl Amoussou.

Adding to the headline bouts, Cage Warriors characteristically has some of the top domestic fighters in action, amongst them local favorites Ian Butlin and Dan Hardy.

In other massive news for the Warrior promotions: it was recently announced that Ross Pointon, the mighty Brit that kept U.S. fans entertained during his TUF 3 appearance with an aggressive fighting style — and equally confused by his thick accent — had signed to fight. “Know what I mean?”

Reports suggest that he will be campaigning at welterweight, looking to climb the UK and European rankings to earn another spot on international shows over the coming months.


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