Mehrdad Janzemini vs. Stefano Paterna for the 170 title at CW95

After a blistering knockout win at CW92, London’s own Merhdad Janzemini looks to take his undefeated streak to six and become Cage Warriors champion in the same night on July 21, when he comes up against Milan’s knockout king, Stefano Paterno.

London’s Janzemini is fast becoming a serious fan favorite in the welterweight division, with every one of his nine wins coming via knockout or submission since his pro debut just three years ago. With five heel hook finishes already to his name, Janzemini’s ground game is rightfully feared across the European MMA scene, but a 30 second knockout over Brad Wheeler at Cage Warriors’ huge Super Saturday event in March proved he’s just as dangerous on the feet.

I want people to think I come to grapple, said Janzemini on the mic after that fight. But I’ve got hands. You just saw that. I want that belt. I look myself in the mirror and I’m missing that belt.

Meeting Janzemini in the center of the cage on July 21 is the Italian Paterno, whose last six wins have also ended inside the distance. Paterno boasts an 11-2 record with seven knockouts and three submissions, and enters CW95 coming off two recent victories over UFC veterans John Maguire and Cody McKenzie. With top Italian welterweight contender Carlo Pedersoli Jr going from Cage Warriors to the UFC already this year, Stefano Paterno is looking to stake his claim as Italy’s next massive name and raise the CW world title.

With 19 finishes between these two championship fighters, this bout could go down as one of the most insane welterweight title fights on record, and is likely to add another contender to Cage Warriors’ knockout or submission of 2018.

We’re so excited to have this bout signed and sealed – an England vs Italy title fight between two legitimate number 1 contenders, said Cage Warriors president Graham Boylan. When you put two guys together with such a high finish rate like this, there’s no way it doesn’t turn into an absolute war. The fans win here.

This is perhaps the most exciting time for the Cage Warriors welterweight division in the promotion’s history. With top welterweight contenders Craig White and Carlos Pedersoli Jr recently signing with the UFC, and UFC veteran Nicolas Dalby back on the Cage Warriors roster, the promotion has begun to confirm a number of stellar new additions including Adam Proctor and Nathan Jones, who faces the unbeaten Ross Houston in another huge welterweight matchup on July 21.

CW95: Fight Card (order TBC)
Mehrdad Janzemini vs Stefano Paterno – Welterweight Title Fight
Nathan Jones vs. Ross Houston – Welterweight
Ed Arthur vs Mike Ekundayo – Bantamweight
Paull McBain vs. Steve Aimable – Featherweight
Jamie Richardson vs. Phil Wells – Welterweight
Scott Malone vs. Darren O’Gorman – Bantamweight
Pelu Adetola vs. James Webb – Middleweight

Tickets to CW95, Cage Warriors’ massive 5th anniversary London event at the O2 Indigo, are on sale here.