Kennedy ‘The Machine 2.0’ Freeman is looking to continue her impressive start to her Cage Warriors tenure when she pulls on the yellow gloves once more, this Saturday, at Cage Warriors 172.
The Flyweight prospect will make her second outing for the promotion, in front of a home crowd, against Gisele Libanio on an exciting card that is set to be headlined by Harry Hardwick taking on Orlando Wilson Prins for the vacant Cage Warriors Featherweight World Title.
In her promotional debut, Freeman backed up an electric walk to the cage with an even more impressive performance. With just over 90 seconds left on the clock in the first round, ‘The Machine 2.0’ caught Annabruna Rados with a stiff left hand, which sent the Italian spiralling to the mat. A few hammer fists later and referee Marc Goddard called an end to the contest.
It was a big statement victory for the North East native, having had five years away from the sport prior to Cage Warriors 164.
After spending weeks in fight camp preparing for Cage Warriors 172, Freeman announced on her social media that she would not be competing on May 25 as she was still without an opponent. However, less than 24 hours later, things had changed once more and Freeman had a dance partner.
Standing across from her inside the cage at the Vertu Motors Arena on Saturday will be Brazilian, Gisele Libanio. Having only joined the professional ranks less than a month ago, Libanio has been extremely active, managing to compete 3 times in 9 months. Things did not get off to smooth start however, with Libanio losing her professional debut in the first round but not to be deterred, she returned to the cage just four months later to pick up her first professional win by way of a first round rear naked choke. The Freeman bout will mark the second time the Brazilian has made the walk in 2024, having picked up another first round stoppage win back in March.
Speaking to Fighters Only ahead of the contest, Freeman - who is the daughter of UK MMA pioneer Ian Freeman - gave her thoughts on her promotional debut and what fans can expect when she takes to the cage on Saturday night. She said:
“When I made the walk for my Cage Warriors debut I felt very calm and relaxed. I felt at home in front of that sold out crowd. May 25th, expect what you always get when I step in that cage… heavy hands and an exciting fight.
“I’ve been working off all aspects of my game and I’m ready to show off my skill level. I’m hoping to get 1-2 more fights back end of the year, collecting the CW Title if possible. Then who knows what 2025 will bring!”
Freeman vs Libanio will be contested at Bantamweight due to the short notice nature of the contest.
