Paddy Pimblett and Chris Fishgold sign new deals with Cage Warriors

[Press Release] Chris Fishgold, the Cage Warriors lightweight champion and his teammate, the newly crowned featherweight champion Paddy Pimblett have both signed an extension deal with Cage Warriors, which will keep them with the promotion into 2017.

It was only two weeks ago that they both became hometown heroes at the Echo Arena in Liverpool and now Cage Warriors has made it financially viable for them to continue ruling Europe in their divisions. Both men are on the road to the very top of the sport and the city of Liverpool is 100% behind both Chris & Paddy. They have a plan to put Liverpool on the MMA map and to represent their people and their town in this sport.

There has been much speculation that they would sign to other organisations and Cage Warriors can confirm that there has been interest in both fighters from many organisations, but for now they are staying put.

Cage Warriors President Graham Boylan said, “We’ve developed the biggest names in Europe, some of those names went to the UFC too soon and some went at the right time. It is every fighter’s dream to get to the UFC and the team and I are here to help not just Chris, Paddy but all our athletes achieve that dream and it’s also our job to guide and develop their careers in the right way.

“After sitting down with both Chris and Paddy they decided they wanted to represent their people and keep the cameras of Cage Warriors and eyes of the world on them and on Liverpool. They both want to be active and expect to defend their titles before the year is out.”

On his decision to stick with Cage Warriors, Paddy Pimblett said, “I’m excited to open my next chapter with Cage Warriors, I know they’ve got my best interests at heart and my new contract proves that. I can’t wait to bring MMA back to the Echo Arena ….it’s the baddy’s time.”

Chris Fishgold added, “I’m absolutely made up, ready to shine on the best show in Europe and show why I’m the best lightweight in the world.”

Chris Fishgold (16-1-1) (6-0 CWFC) is a top ten-ranked domestic lightweight who is an aggressive grappler with a punishing top game. Hailing from Liverpool and training under Paul Rimmer who is also coach to Paddy Pimblett.

At just 24 years old, Fishgold is a veteran of the European MMA scene having made his is pro debut in March 2010 clocking up a 10-0 record in four years with three CWFC wins against Steve O’Keeffe (CWFC 52), Marcin Wrzosek (CWFC 57), Olivier Pastor (CWFC 62). An 18-month break from the domestic scene followed due to injury and then a brief spell in Thailand at Phuket Top Team. While in Asia, an under par Fishgold recorded his first loss against Gi Bum Moon by decision in Korea.

On his return to the UK he fought Ryan Roddy in an entertaining contest, which was scored a draw. Now Fishgold is riding a six-fight winning streak – his most recent at CWFC 78 in September against Jason Ponet where he made the first defence of his lightweight belt.

Paddy Pimblett (12-1) (7-1 CWFC), the highly regarded 21-year-old came to the world’s attention when he first went into battle at the Echo Arena in his hometown of Liverpool back in 2014 at CWFC 68. Pimblett performed a spectacular flying triangle, which promptly ended his bout in the first round against Conrad Hayes. Not only did the nifty move win Pimblett international plaudits, he was also awarded MMA Junkie’s submission of the month.

His return to Liverpool earlier this month was just as spectacular with Pimblett taking less than two minutes to dismantle Frenchman, Johnny Frachey to win the vacated featherweight crown. He is set to make the first defence of his title before the end of 2016.