Welsh Out in Force for Upcoming Cage Warriors Trilogy

Welshman “Evil” Oban Elliot (3-0) will take on the similarly undefeated Michal Figlak (2-0). On the same night, Pontypridd’s Aaron “King” Khalid (9-5) will clash Mick “Huyton Hammer” Stanton (6-4).

The last time we saw Oban, he submitted James Lilley by rear-naked choke early in the first. This is no rare occurrence for “The Gangster”, who has finished every opponent put in front of him in amateur and pro. Most of them in the first round.

His opponent, Figlak, suffered some losses in amateur, including to Elliot’s teammate Jack Shore. That said, he’s yet to lose professionally. A win over an up and comer like Oban would be monumental for the Polish man’s career.

Figlak’s record suggests a penchant for decisions, while Oban has yet to go the distance with anyone. With such opposing styles and both fighters’ undefeated record at stake, I think some fireworks are all but guaranteed.

27-year-old Aaron Khalid is coming off a loss and two canceled bouts. No doubt he is extremely motivated to regain momentum here and get himself back in the win column.

His gym, Pontypridd’s The Mat Academy, is known for their grappling prowess, and Khalid’s record clearly shows it. “King” has an eclectic list of submissions on his record, from multiple RNC’s to a Guillotine and D’arce choke.

His opponent Mick Stanton, on the other hand, has a more diverse collection of victories, with TKO’s, submissions, and decisions. Stanton is also coming off a loss, so again I think we can expect a bit of a barny as neither man is looking to turn a single loss into a streak.

This announcement makes it three Welshman fighting over the three nights of fights.

On the final night, Cage Warriors lightweight champ Mason “The Dragon” Jones fights Adam Proctor for the vacant welterweight strap. Another undefeated Welshman, Mason is looking to join the hallowed ranks of “Champ Champs” before reaching his goal of a UFC contract.

It’s truly remarkable to see how far Welsh MMA has come. With a myriad of Welsh talent in Cage Warriors, four Welshman in the UFC, and Lewis Long signed to Bellator, there are now more top-level fighters than ever flying the flag of The Red Dragon. How long until we see a Welsh UFC or Bellator champion?

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