Shaj Haque to Defend Flyweight Title Against Nicolas Leblond at Cage Warriors 199

European promotion Cage Warriors has added another world title bout to its winter schedule.

The organization’s flyweight championship will be on the line when 125-pound titleholder Shaj Haque looks to make his third successful defense against French powerhouse Nicolas Leblond at Cage Warriors 199 in Newcastle, England, on Saturday, December 6.

Haque (17-5) has held the belt since knocking out Sam Creasey to capture the title at Cage Warriors 148 nearly three years ago. He delivered a dominant five-round performance in his first defense against Michele Martignoni six months later, before injuries temporarily derailed his championship momentum.

“Superman” was scheduled to face Leblond (12-4) twice in 2024, but was forced to withdraw from the first matchup due to injury, while severe weather conditions prevented Leblond from traveling to the U.K. for the second.

The champion finally made his return at Cage Warriors 192 earlier this year, edging out rising star Jawany Scott over 25 hard-fought minutes. Now, Haque gets the chance to defend his title close to home in the northeast of England.

Leblond (12-4) earns his long-awaited shot at championship gold after putting together an impressive five-fight winning streak while wearing the promotion’s famous yellow gloves.

“We were serious when we said we’re ending the year with a bang…” said CW President Graham Boylan, “…so we’ve added another title bout to an already stacked card in Newcastle!”

“Shaj Haque proved beyond all doubt that he’s an elite 125lb’er with his performance against Jawany Scott this summer.”

“But Nicolas Leblond has been chasing this fight for over a year; he’s got a huge opportunity to knock Shaj off the top of the mountain.”

“We’re going to find out who’s the king of the flyweights on December 6th!”