GIVEN THE SIGNIFICANT number of memorable occasions that Irish mixed martial arts fans have been treated to in recent years, it can be difficult to imagine that there was a time not so long ago when events in a small hall that held no more than a thousand people represented the pinnacle for the sport in this country.
Since August 2014, when Cage Warriors Fighting Championship hosted the most recent of its six events at The Helix in Dublin, MMA in Ireland has grown beyond recognition. The UK-based organisation bids to capitalise on that tomorrow night when they return to these shores for the first time in almost three years for Cage Warriors 81.
Cage Warriors’ previous events in Dublin delivered a plethora of defining moments for Irish MMA. Despite their absence from the circuit in 2015, they’ll aim to replicate some of that success at the 3Arena this weekend.
Eleven of the fighters who previously competed for Cage Warriors in Dublin eventually moved on to the UFC. From Conor McGregor holding two belts aloft, to Joseph Duffy making a long-awaited comeback to MMA, The Helix played host to moments which will live long in the memory for those who had the foresight to witness them.
Cage Warriors returns to Dublin in a much different position to when the organisation was last here. During their 18-month hiatus, BAMMA capitalised by bringing several successful shows to the capital. However, Cage Warriors now appears to be well placed to re-establish itself in the Irish market.
Fighters like Karl Moore, Joe McColgan and Lloyd Manning are intent on being part of a new generation of Irish MMA talent, while the TV exposure the organisation provides can only be matched by the UFC. Tomorrow night’s main card will be broadcast live on UFC Fight Pass and Eir Sport.
Cage Warriors 81 is a massive opportunity for Moore, in particular. In the main event, the Belfast native could move a step closer to realising his own UFC dreams by getting the better of American opponent Josh Clark to win the vacant light-heavyweight title, which was last held by reigning UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping.
“I’m honoured to be able to fight for such a prestigious belt,” said Moore. “The last guy who wore this went on to win the UFC belt as well. That’s what I plan to do also.
“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity all my life and, no matter who Cage Warriors put in front of me, I’m going to steamroll over them. No one is going to take that belt from me in my own country, and when I win it I will go on and conquer the world.”
Elsewhere on the card, Limerick’s Catherine Costigan looks to bounce back from consecutive Invicta losses when she faces Wendy McKenna. Belfast’s Joe McColgan will also aim to build on his impressive win over Peter Queally last September when he tackles experienced French lightweight Arnold Quero.
Only time will tell if Cage Warriors can make a major impact in Ireland once again, but what’s certain is that this card is not to be missed. Irish fans have already shown impressive support for the country’s biggest MMA stars. This is an opportunity for them to do so for the stars of the future.
Cage Warriors 81 takes place tomorrow night — Saturday, 4 March — at the 3Arena in Dublin. Click here for ticket and fight card information.
