Josh Abraham is ready to prove he is more than capable of competing against top opposition on Cage Warriors as he prepares for his second tenure with the promotion.
The Sunderland Lightweight is set to face ‘Crazy’ Chris Price at Cage Warriors 172 at the Vertu Motors Arena, Newcastle on May 25th.
The bout will mark Abraham’s first since re-signing with the promotion last year.
Abraham admits his initial run in the yellow gloves left a lot to be desired, going 0-3 before ultimately parting ways. Although it did not go to plan for the then 18-year-old, he took a lot away from contests.
"I was like a baby learning to walk was abit all over the place wasn’t I. I wouldn’t say I was awful, I had some decent scraps against some good people, obviously I didn’t get the results I wanted but it was all good for me to improve and better myself!"
"I believe that’s since I last competed in the cage I have improved as a fighter and an athlete in general, I’ve done everything the right way and corrected things that got me caught out in the past, but it’s all about getting in there and proving to myself that deserve the chance to be there."
He admitted that the back to back losses were tough to take and even led to him considering walking away from the sport.
"I 1 million percent considered it. I coach at Roker Rough House, I love my job coaching the fighters and working with them has been great for me while I haven’t been in the cage, at one point I was just gonna chill and continue to coach, but there was always something left in me that made me want to go again!
"Even if it’s one more run out there finish my contract and bounce, maybe throw myself in some BKB for the crack when I’m finished with MMA"
He was initially meant to make his return at Cage Warriors 164 in November 2023 but the bout was cancelled at the last minute due to his opponent, Aaron Johnson picking up a fight week injury.
This time round, Abraham will face Chris Price. The 5-1 Lightweight has a slick ground game and its something Abraham knows he will have to wary of when they meet.
"I think Chris is a good opponent, you know he’s a good grappler, nice solid base of wrestling, seems like a sound bloke, hopefully we have a good scrap and put on a show."
Abraham will certainly be the fan favourite on the night, getting the chance to fight in the North East in front of a home crowd. The 26-year-old is relishing the opportunity to make the walk in the North East, on a major promotion. He said:
"I am buzzing to get the chance to be in front of a home crowd and get to have all of my friends and family there to watch and support me. The last Cage Warriors at Newcastle was amazing so hopefully this time it will be awesome."
