George Staines Claims Landmark Victory as Next Gen Prospect Shines at Cage Warriors 207
Cage Warriors returned to the BEC Arena in Manchester where future star George Staines stole the show.
The event was headlined by a ferocious lightweight title bout between current explosive champion Omiel Brown and Welsh prospect Ieuan Davies. Kicking off the stacked main card were a pair of undefeated lightweight prospects clashing in pursue of a title shot and potentially a route into the premier organisation, the UFC. In the red corner stood, ‘Saint’ George Staines fighting out of huge UK gym, Next Generation MMA cornered by head coach Paul Rimmer and UFC superstar Paddy Pimblett.
Opposing the 9-0 Englishman was the Irishman, Conor McCarthy. A fellow unbeaten contender with a record of 6-0, coming off a superb win at the inaugural Cage Warriors 200 event back in February when he earned a first round TKO in electric fashion in front of a home crowd. Now following in the footsteps of many iconic Irish MMA stars whom learned their craft in the yellow gloves of Cage Warriors the Emerald Isle are hopeful they have another gem.
George Staines Vs conor McCarthy
The fight kicked off with no touch of gloves and chants for the away fighter, McCarthy, rang around the BEC Arena. Both men traded glancing blows through the first 90 seconds before Staines shot in for a takedown. The attempted single leg was deep but the agility of McCarthy was on full display as he hopped to remain standing. The jab of the Englishman was rapid and cut the nose of his opponent midway through the round, the Irishman replied and cut the nose of Staines which merely angered the Englishman as he ramped up the pressure. Both men landed well in the final stages of the first round in an intriguing and razor close first 5 minutes.
Round two began at the same electric pace with Staines charging forward shooting for another single leg takedown. Yet again McCarthy showed why he’s called ‘The Hotstepper’ with elite balance to remain upright. The game plan in the second round for Staines was clear after an exchange on the feet he shot again and he got the Irishman to the canvas momentarily. Staines manoeuvred to the back hunting for a submission clambering onto the back of McCarthy. Working in the choke adjusting the grip he found the right squeeze and forced the tap at 2:19 of Round 2, securing the win at Cage Warriors 207.
Now at 10-0 a title shot or UFC debut could well be next for George Staines and the upcoming UFC Paris event could well be the perfect event for Staines to show his class.
