Cage Warriors 178 just got a whole lot more interesting with the addition of two more highly competitive bouts.
The first, will see Dara Ward take a big step up in competition as he faces James McManus in a Welterweight contest as Joe Fields returns to the Cage Warriors fold in a Flyweight contest against Costin Buhnă.
Both Ward and Fields are now products of the Cage Warriors MMA Academy, which sees young prospects from around the world training together in San Diego on their quest to become top mix martial artists.
Ward will pull on the yellow gloves for the second time this year on September 21, on the back of an impressive first round finish against Ben Petches-Kelly at Cage Warriors 170.
McManus will pose challenges the Irishman is yet to face. Not only is he vastly more experienced but 'The Hangman' has faced some series competition whilst being with Cage Warriors, having fought the likes of Ian Machado Garry and Oban Elliot in his promotional tenure.
If Ward can find a way to win, it massively announces him on the Cage Warriors stage and will solidify him as a top prospect at 170lbs.
Joe Fields had a very impressive Cage Warriors debut when he faced Tom Wright at Cage Warriors 172. The Middlesborough man returned to the North East for his first contest in the yellow gloves and made quick work of Wright, getting the Rear Naked Choke just 1:55 into the bout.
Buhnă will be hoping he can pick up his first win since 2019. After a comfortable start to professional life, with a first round submission win in his debut, the Romanian has found himself on the wrong side of the result in his last two contests. Activity has also been an issue, as Buhnă has only made the walk three times since 2019.
However, 2024 is looking like it will be a much more active year for him, as the bout against Fields will see him inside the cage for the second time in six months.
