Cage Warriors’ traditional UFC London fight week event will see the promotion return to the Indigo at The O2 on Friday, March 21, and they’re bringing a title fight to the party at the capital.
Reigning Cage Warriors featherweight champion Harry Hardwick will put his title on the line against American contender Javier “El Mariachi” Garcia at the event, with “Houdini” looking to take his win streak to nine fights with victory over the 12-5 challenger.
Hardwick (12-3-1) most recently retained his title with a stoppage victory over Brazil’s Keweny Lopes after an all-action battle. That win saw Hardwick cement his champion status after previously capturing the 145-pound belt with a first-round TKO of Orlando Wilson Prins.
Garcia will arrive in London on a five-fight win streak, including an impressive victory over former Cage Warriors title challenger Roberto Hernandez at Cage Warriors 173. The BJJ black belt’s skills on the mat have helped him claim eight of his 12 career wins by submission, and he’ll look to add another tapout victim to his record when he challenges for Cage Warriors gold on March 21.
“With Cage Warriors and the UFC in town, fans are going to be anticipating a massive weekend of MMA,” said Cage Warriors President Graham Boylan.
“So we’re kicking things off with some big Friday Night Fights.
“Harry Hardwick had a career-best run in 2024, but if he keeps turning in show-stopping performances, this could be the year that he truly breaks out.
“Javier Garcia is coming to spoil the party though. He’s got a wealth of high-level experience and is crossing the Atlantic to steal Hardwick’s thunder.
“I’m expecting these guys to raise the roof on March 21!”
The title tussle between Hardwick and Garcia joins a trio of already-booked bouts for the London card. Middleweight contender Will Currie faces off against Eli Aronov, while lightweights Daniel Crooks-May and Cameron Stewart will also go head to head. Additionally, middleweights Joe Middleton and Craig Rawlins is also confirmed for the event.
Additional bouts will be announced in due course for the event, which will stream live globally on UFC Fight Pass.