Cage Warriors 147: Unplugged Preview; Hardwick v Bungard; Darby; Chaaban

Cage Warriors are back for the third week on the bounce with a studio show. Cage Warriors 147: Unplugged takes place in the BT Sports Studio on Sunday evening and will contain two mini-cards with nine fights overall, including one for a CW championship.

George Hardwick (10-1) makes the first defence of his Cage Warriors Lightweight Championship on Sunday night. The Middlesbrough man won the belt after hitting Kyle Driscoll with a stinging body shot at CW141. The Englishman is on top of his game at the moment, winning six on the trot. The 25-year-old is a natural born finisher. He possesses some of the slickest boxing in the division, works the levels well and is a particularly mean body puncher. In the submission game, Hardwick has a nasty guillotine. Chris Bungard (17-7) won his promotional debut against Erick Da Silva at CW142 in a split decision. The Scot is well known on the scene after spells with ACA and Bellator. The Scottish Hit Squad man is a very experienced wrestler with nice submissions, while also being tenacious on the feet. Both men are fans of finishes, and we’re likely to see another one on Sunday.

Morgan Charriere (15-9-1) has his eyes set on regaining his FW gold and to do so, he must get back to winning ways. The Frenchman has lost back-to-back fights against Paul Hughes and Jordan Vucenic in razor close decisions. “The Last Pirate” commands an army of fans and is one of the most popular fighters in Europe. Skill-wise, the Poissy man is a great striker with masterful footwork. He weaves in and out like a fencer, picking his opponents apart. Daniel Bažant (7-3) makes his promotional debut. The Croatian hails from the city of Pula, home to an early first century Roman coliseum. The Trojan Free Fighters man is a good kickboxer with some nasty ground and pound. A tough test for “El Chapa” to get back into contention.

Michael Tchamou (3-1) is on a hot streak, laying waste to Glenn Irvine and Piotr Chmielecki by knockout in his last two. The Jaguar is predominantly a very athletic, explosive striker who gets his opponent out of there in the first. Will Currie (8-2) is another man in fine fettle, with three victories in a row. The only man to defeat him is champion Christian Leroy Duncan. The GB Top Team man is a Jiu Jitsu whizz with a large array of submissions at his disposal. He’s also fun on the feet. There’s potential for fireworks here.

Erick Da Silva (22-8) is in need of a win after dropping four of his last five. The Brazilian competed on TUF Brazil Season 4 and he’s an all-rounder. “Índio Brabo” has power in his hands to go with his good BJJ game. Jan Quaeyhaegens (9-4) picked up a great win against Kieran Lister at CW136, a third-round knockout. The Belgian has earned the nickname “Q-Bomb” by separating opponents from the consciousness on the feet. That’s not to say he doesn’t have a decent submission game as well.

Omran Chaaban (3-1) won via anaconda submission against Jack Dedames at CW137, taking him to 2-0 in the yellow gloves. The Team KF man is a beautiful kickboxer with solid grappling. George McManus (3-3) isn’t in MMA to take easy fights. The Englishman has an even .500 record in CW. “The Hangman” is predominantly a submission artist with a good rear naked choke and armbar.

Matt Bonnar (12-8-1) is a former CW MW champion. The Next Gen Liverpool man had taken a few fights down a weight class recently, however this one is back at his title winning bracket. The Englishman is a very solid wrestler who snatches onto submissions like his life depended on it. On the feet, he can ruin your night in a hurry. Alan Carlos (13-10) is accustomed to bouncing around promotions, including two wins in the CW cage at various times over the last ten years. The Brazilian is one of those guys who’ll surprise you on the feet if you keep it standing too long and pounce on any mistake in the grappling. Very tough, but beatable. Activity hadn’t been his strong point as of late, having only fought once in four years.

Matty Byfield (4-1) has had a controversy-filled start to his CW career. The Englishman’s debut against Hugo Guillon ended in a no contest due to a groin strike, then followed that up with a disputed victory against Szymon Szynkiewicz with an alleged elbow to the back of the head. The Team Renegade man needs a clean victory here. The big light heavyweight is a finisher who has good Jiu Jitsu for a larger man. Daniel Ladero (3-0) is another 205er who is a strong BJJ player who’s tapped out three opponents to date. The Spaniard is a leg lock specialist. Byfield will want to keep this standing.

Adam Darby (1-0) returns after making a name for himself on his debut at CW140 with a first-round knockout. The Team Ryano man has been highly touted as an amateur and has represented Ireland at the IMMAFs. “The Plank” is also dangerous in the grappling exchanges, with active submission games on top and off his back. Mush Aslani (3-3) is another Team Renegade fighter on this card, and he’ll strap on the yellow gloves for the first time. The Englishman is a submission fighter who’s three pro wins have come via decision.

Paddy Wilkinson (debut) turns pro after a good amateur career, the highlight coming with a silver medal at the 2018 IMMAF Junior Worlds. The Team Ryano product is a knockout artist. Milton Afonso Cabral (3-2) is a difficult man to take on in your first bout. The Portuguese will come to stand and trade. The 32-year-old has won by knockout in each of his three wins.

Cage Warriors 147 is live and exclusive on UFC Fight Pass. The action kicks off from 18:30 on Sunday evening.