With Cage Warriors’ last event being close to three months in the past, it’s no shock that Europe’s top promotion is returning with a loaded card on deck. There will be plenty of young talent to keep an eye on, but these seven fighters stood out as the most notable prospects of CW 210.
Paddy McCorry, 28, 8-1-0, Middleweight
Probably the most familiar name on the list, Paddy McCorry is both a former DWCS winner and TUF participant. He has a well-rounded set of skills, particularly using his striking to damage his opponents. McCorry currently holds the CW middleweight title, taking on Gustavo Sousa in the main event. If he’s able to pick up another victory, McCorry could be awarded another chance given the lack of depth in the middleweight division.
Max Lally, 22, 6-0-0, Featherweight
Lally is one of the highest-rated featherweight prospects on the regional scene right now. He’s a submission grappler with a developing striking game, mixing the two together to set up his emphatic level changes. He thrives in a dogfight and is willing to make things dirty – contrary to his lengthy 5’11” build, he’d much rather be in close quarters with his opponent. Come this weekend, Lally faces João Pedro Saldanha, a veteran who would score the Irishman some massive credibility.
Conor McCarthy, 25, 6-1-0, Lightweight
Nicknamed “The Hotstepper,” McCarthy is flowing when bouncing in and out of range during striking exchanges. He has explosive hands and likes to get started quickly, controlling the pace of the fight from the opening minute. McCarthy is dynamic along the cage as well, landing knees and strikes to the body while holding his opposition against the fence. He’ll be looking to get back to his winning ways against Dumitru Girlean after falling to top prospect George Staines in his last time out.
Keith Keogh, 24, 4-0-0, Featherweight
Certainly a fan favorite here, Keith Keogh is easily the most aesthetically pleasing fighter on the card. Every one of his fights has been pure fireworks, consistently bringing the fight to his opponents. He uses a twitchy lead right hand to control the distance on the feet, following it up with shots to the body via power straights and damaging front kicks at range. Keogh is live for another finish in this bout, as he faces off with Jhonatan Cordeiro, an 8-3-0 veteran whose last two losses have come by knockout.
Solomon Simon, 31, 8-1-0, Lightweight
While Simon is over our normal 30-year-old limit, he’s entering just his second fight at 155 pounds since his amateur days. He has a great striking repertoire and uses his physical strength well, though it’ll be interesting to see how he fares against a bigger lightweight in Kenny Mokhonoana. A finish over the former Bellator contender would certainly impress, though time is not the Irishman’s friend.
Ronan Deegan, 26, 4-0-0, Flyweight
For someone who ended up at flyweight, Ronan Deegan has had quite the insane career. As an amateur, Deegan fought at bantamweight, featherweight, and lightweight, taking on elite talent such as Keith Keogh, George Staines, and Kasib Murdoch. While falling in each of those three matches, Deegan offers potential and toughness at 125 pounds. At Cage Warriors 210, the submission grappler will fight fellow undefeated prospect Billy Sutherland in a matchup where someone’s 0 has got to go.
Alex Keogh, 20, 1-0-0, Featherweight
Brother of Keith, Alex Keogh is budding as a new star on the regional scene. His professional debut came and went with ease, getting to the back and submitting his opponent in 24 seconds. Clearly a special talent on the ground, though his striking is also a significant weapon in his offense. He possesses a multitude of gorgeous kicks in his arsenal, tearing through his opponents’ high guard from range. At the start of the card, Keogh will be taking on 2-3-0 Cristiano Oliveira, a matchup that’s certainly set up for a second showcase finish.
