UFC Paris is lower than every week away as European fighters are all making their ultimate preparations. Nevertheless, one bout within the Light-weight division between Fares Ziam and Kaue Fernandez had been cancelled.
This was resulting from Ziam withdrawing after the passing of his grandmother, however this didn’t imply a battle can be taken off the cardboard.
On 5 days’ discover, a Cage Warriors star steps up because the alternative and competes in his first UFC occasion.
Hardwick arrives after a formidable Cage Warriors stint
There are at all times loads of English prospects who goal to shine in Cage Warriors earlier than making their strategy to the UFC.
Luke Riley signed for the UFC regardless of by no means changing into a champion within the European MMA promotion.
However, Harry Hardwick has change into a Featherweight Champion and has by no means been overwhelmed within the organisation.
‘Houdini’ competed in Bellator twice, incomes a win and a loss by way of choice earlier than embarking on his Cage Warriors journey.
The Englishman went the space in his first 4 Cage Warriors bouts, claiming three choice wins and a majority draw.
Hardwick then turned recognised within the 145-pound division after pulling off a second-round submission win towards Vitor Estevam at CW 157.
After changing into champion at CW 172, the Middlesbrough fighter made two profitable defences, exhibiting that he has what it takes.
Now, he competes in probably the most distinguished MMA organisation, however on such quick discover, it’s going to be arduous to tug off a victory.
Hardwick’s Opponent
Fernandes final fought in London, the place he defeated Guram Kutateladze by unanimous choice, a teammate of Ilia Topuria.
The Brazilian picked up his first UFC win in Abu Dhabi, stopping Mohammad Yahya by first-round TKO.
The 30-year-old has solely misplaced two bouts in his MMA profession, one in every of them coming towards an English fighter, Marc Diakese, on his UFC debut.
Subsequently, a win in Paris would really feel like Fernandes has conquered an English combined martial artist.
Will 155 kilos be a problem for Hardwick?
The Cage Warriors Champion often compete at Featherweight, however his bout with Fernandes might be at Light-weight.
Hardwick’s brother, George Hardwick, competes at 155 kilos and has been the Light-weight Champion of Cage Warriors.
‘King’ did battle for a UFC contract on season seven of Dana White’s Contender Collection (DWCS), however misplaced to Abdul-Kareem Al-Selwady by unanimous choice.
Nonetheless, Hardwick might be used to coaching towards fighters over 155 kilos, so it shouldn’t be an excessive amount of of a difficulty.
However, with restricted preparation for his UFC battle, the burden might play an enormous issue on the Accor Area.
