Cage Warriors 96: Pimblett vs Soren Preview

On September 1st, an astronomical showdown will take place inside the Echo Arena in Liverpool. Hometown hero Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett has a stiff challenge on his hands, in the form of a “True Viking”, Soren Bak.

Cage Warriors have consistently displayed high level talent on their Liverpool shows, with their last one coming on February 24; on that card, we saw Molly McCann annihilate Bryant Tyrell to earn the Cage Warriors Flyweight Championship and eventually a UFC contract.

In recent months, certainly in my view, it seems like the UK MMA ‘buzz’ has died down somewhat, but the news of this bout, along with the thrilling promo Cage Warriors published, has increased the Interest in the the scene tenfold.

A wiry, resilient, talented young scouser, versus a grizzly, violent and tough Dane. This is certainly some contest we have on our hands.

Pimblett has amassed a record of 14-2 since making his professional debut in 2012, with his biggest wins coming against the likes of Ashleigh Grimshaw and Julian Erosa. His most recent outing was somewhat of a throwback performance, as he halted Alex Savvidis with a flying triangle, a move the 23-year-old is known for, and has landed before.

The older of the pair by three years, “The True Viking” has competed 12-times in his professional MMA career, dating back to 2012. After seven straight victories, his undefeated record was snatched by Aleksi Mantykivi; he was stopped in the first round. Following the loss, Bak signed with Cage Warriors, and defeated Scott Clist, before finishing Martin Stapleton and Alexander Jacobsen.

With Chris Fishgold and Molly McCann now signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship, it could be the perfect time for the outspoken Liverpudlian Pimblett to stamp his mark as a staple in the Cage Warriors lightweight division, or even get a call up to the big show himself.

Bak has a unique opportunity to derail his opponents hype train, and with that, possibly bring the sport more coverage in his home territory of Denmark, alongside s belt.