Ukrainian-British Cage Warriors prospect Nik “The Perfectionist” Bagley is ready to combat former title challenger Keweny “Leão” Lopes on the March 21 card.
Lopes was slightly below the brilliant lights in November final 12 months in opposition to the pressure that’s CW Featherweight champion Harry Hardwick. Stoppage loss in opposition to Hardwick ended Lopes’ 11-fight successful streak.
Solely 7-1 in his professional profession, Nik has had an intensive beginner run throughout which he held LFC and FCS Bantamweight titles and confronted Lone’er Kavanagh, who’s a promising a part of the UFC’s roster as of immediately. The Britt’s essential weapon is unquestionably his rear-naked choke, as he executed 5 of those unhealthy boys since his professional debut (4 of them in a row).
Out of his eight skilled bouts, six had been in Cage Warriors, which is taken into account by many to be one among Europe’s most interesting promotions.
“It nearly feels too straightforward,” Nik acknowledged in an interview after his newest win in November 2024. And it regarded simply that: too straightforward for the teenager. Final time round in opposition to mid-level opponent Jordy Bakkes, Bagley took him down nearly instantly within the first spherical, dominated him with highly effective floor and pound, and delivered his favorite rear-naked choke as quickly as he noticed the chance to take action. Dominant pressure if I ever noticed one.
Nik trains out of Nice Britain Prime Group, which is led by none apart from UFC and WEC legend Brad Pickett. This health club is full of pro-MMA expertise, together with Nathaniel Wooden, Marc Diakiese, Simeon Powell, and the aforementioned Kavanagh.
This bout in opposition to Lopes is an enormous step up in competitors for Nik, one which, in my view, he undoubtedly deserves. This dangerous transfer would possibly elevate the prospect right into a place to get the subsequent title shot. So, you may confidently say that this combat might be Bagley’s probability to shine.
