Welsh fighters earned a clean sweep at Cage Warriors 104 in Cardiff Bay.
Bantamweight champion Jack ‘Tank’ Shore, fighting out of Abertillery, retained his belt at the Viola Arena.
Cage Warriors is Europe’s leading mixed martial arts promotion and Welshman Shore continues to impress in his quest to progress and compete at Ultimate Fighting Championship level, the biggest MMA promotion on the planet.
A third round submission at the Viola following a rear-naked choke hold earned Shore victory in the main event of the evening.
Shore revealed he had promised his girlfriend’s younger brother, Jayden, a mention after his clash with Malone, saying: “Jayden asked me to choke him out and give him a shout-out.
“I’m over the moon with my win. It was a great performance and showed the level I am at.
“All credit to Scott because this was my toughest fight to date.
“When I get top position not many people in the World are able to deal with my pressure.
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“I don’t think anybody can beat me at this level right now. I have beaten the top dogs in Cage Warriors. I love to fight, love to complete and love MMA.
“I’m buzzing for all the Welsh guys who won at the Viola. It shows Welsh MMA can compete with anybody in Europe.
“Personally, I have proven my level and my worth. My record is 11-0 with 10 finishes.
“I feel I’ve taken out everyone there is to take out.
“Maybe the big show (UFC) is the next step, but maybe not. I feel I’m ready now, but I love fighting for Cage Warriors, so if they want me to stay and to continue to entertain these Welsh fans, I’ll do that.”
Shore’s win capped off a clean sweep for Welsh fighters on the professional card, with victories from Mason Jones, Cory McKenna, Kris Edwards, Josh Reed, Oban Elliott and Ben Ellis helping the country to go 7-0 on the night.
Scottish opponent Scott Malone began aggressively and troubled Shore in the opening round, but couldn’t do enough to stop the ruthless pressure the Welshman has become known and feared for across Europe.
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There was another win for ‘the Dragon’ in the co-main, with Mason Jones battling to a decision victory over the incredibly tough Donovan Desmae.
Throughout the bout, Jones showcased his devastatingly creative striking and much-improved grappling offence to remain undefeated, now with a pro record of 7-0.
When the final bell sounded, Jones called for a shot at the currently vacant lightweight title before having his hand raised for a unanimous decision win over Donovan Desmae, the Welsh prospect’s biggest scalp to date.
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Jones, a 24-year-old from Blaenavon, displayed the full scale of his arsenal over the 15 minutes, from clinical boxing to dramatic wresting slams. Desmae frantically searched for a finish in the final round, likely knowing he was down on the judges’ scorecards. He gained top position with a deft kimura trap before searching unsuccessfully for a kneebar.
The contest ended with Jones landing powerful elbows to the Belgian’s body from top position.
Another stand-out showing on the main card was Cory McKenna, who looked incredible in her winning performance against Fannie Redman.
Even more impressive than the submission itself was the fact that McKenna was able to secure it over such a highly decorated fighter, proving yet again why she’s one of the hottest female prospects in Europe.
Teenager McKenna overcame a frustrating first round against Redman to get back to winning ways with a second round submission.
Redman troubled the Welsh prospect, who is associated with Tillery Combat MMA, with her strength in the clinch in the first, but McKenna jumped straight to her back when a gap presented itself in the second.
Redman did her best to fight off the choke once it was established, but eventually tapped out to improve Colchester-based McKenna’s record to 3-1.
Jamie Richardson and Phil Wells followed that with a highly entertaining back-and-forth war which took place mostly on the feet, ending with a knockout win for Richardson with seconds to spare in the final round.
Earlier, Kris ‘Evil’ Edwards opened up the main card with a solid victory that put him back in the win column after two defeats last year. Abertillery’s Edwards is affiliated to Tillery Combat MMA.
It was a clean sweep for Wales in the pro-prelims with Cardiff’s Ben Ellis, affiliated to the Mat Academy, opening up the card with a quick TKO in his pro debut.
Next up was Cage Warriors Academy Grand Prix winner Oban Elliott, who executed his second first-round finish as a pro, taking his record to 2-0.
The Welshman remains undefeated as both an amateur and a pro, and is establishing himself as a top talent to watch in the lightweight division.
In the featured prelim, Josh Reed battled to a gruelling decision win over Ayton de Paepe, bringing further joy to the Welsh crowd.
Before that, two Cage Warriors Academy Wales Champions were crowned on the amateur card, with Adam Mayo and Logan Ostler lifting previously vacant belts.
In a breaking announcement, Cage Warriors ended the night by confirming their next Welsh date – a return to Cardiff’s Viola Arena on October 12. Shore will defend his belt once again.
Fans can sign up for early access to discounted tickets HERE.
Next up on Cage Warriors’ 2019 calendar is CW105 on May 31, live from the Charter Hall in Colchester.
Full CW104 results
Main Card
Bantamweight Title Fight: Jack Shore defeated Scott Malone via Submission (rear-naked choke) after 2:28 of round 3
Mason Jones defeated Donovan Desmae via unimaious decision
Jamie Richardson defeated Phil Wells via KO (punches) after 4:23 of round 3
Cory McKenna defeated Fannie Redman by submission (rear-naked choke) 2:06 of round 2
Kris Edwards defeated Josh Abraham via unanimous decision
Pro Prelims
Josh Reed defeated Ayton De Paepe via unanimous decision
Oban Elliott defeated Bouali Skikem via TKO (punches) after 2:21 of round 1
Ben Ellis defeated Brad Evans via TKO (punches) after 3:27 of round 1
Cage Warriors Academy Wales Amateur Card
CWA Wales Welterweight Title: Adam Mayo defeated Keiren Bennett via Unanimous decision
CWA Wales Light Heavyweight Title: Logan Ostler defeated Glenn Williams via Unanimous decision
Will Davies defeated Tommy Taylor via TKO 1:15 of round 1
Josh O’Connor defeated Stuart George via unanimous decision after 3 rounds
Zach Holman defeated Ryan Lockyer via spilt decision after 3 rounds
Mitchell Goode defeated Kieran Pugh via TKO after 0:22 of round 2
Shaun Powell defeated Joe Macefield via unanimous decision
Emad Fawzii defeated Shea Evans via unanimous decision
Roan Crocker defeated Dan Stephens via submission (rear-naked choke) after 1:54 of round 3