Cage Warriors Crowns Two New Champions in Thrilling Newcastle Finale

Introduction: Europe’s Premier MMA Platform Delivers Dramatic Year-End Action

Cage Warriors, a mixed martial arts promotion based in England, has cemented its position as Europe’s leading MMA organisation throughout 2025. The promotion’s significance extends beyond entertainment, serving as a crucial stepping stone for fighters aspiring to reach the UFC, with its events broadcast globally via UFC Fight Pass. For MMA enthusiasts and industry observers alike, Cage Warriors represents the pinnacle of European mixed martial arts competition, showcasing emerging talent and championship-level action across the continent.

Championship Glory at Cage Warriors 199

Cage Warriors’ final fight card of 2025 delivered a brilliant night of fights from Newcastle, as two new champions were crowned heading into the new year. In the main event, Scotland’s Sean Clancy Jr. produced a stellar display to knock out Dutch veteran Melvin van Suijdam and capture the vacant interim welterweight title. The knockout was particularly spectacular, with Clancy connecting on a devastating two-punch combination that immediately ended the contest.

The co-main event proved equally dramatic. France’s Nicolas Leblond scored the biggest victory of his career as he dramatically turned the tables on flyweight champion Shaj Haque and won the 125-pound belt. Leblond eventually took Haque’s back and locked up a rear-naked choke to force the tap at the 4:11 mark of the final round. The event also featured contrasting results for English lightweights, including former champion George Hardwick suffering a first-round submission defeat.

A Year of Unprecedented Growth and Expansion

Cage Warriors kicked off its 2025 world tour with six events across five cities in four countries, demonstrating the organisation’s ambitious expansion across Europe. The promotion hosted events in Rome, Manchester, London, Glasgow, Dublin, and Newcastle, maintaining a rigorous schedule that kept fighters and fans engaged throughout the year. Despite occasional setbacks—including the dramatic cancellation of Cage Warriors 196’s bantamweight title fight due to weight-cutting failures—the organisation consistently delivered high-quality events featuring championship bouts and emerging prospects.

Looking Forward: The Significance for European MMA

As 2025 concludes, Cage Warriors has reinforced its reputation as the essential proving ground for European mixed martial artists. The promotion’s ability to consistently produce competitive fights, develop championship talent, and expand its geographic footprint signals continued growth for the European MMA scene. For fighters like newly crowned champions Clancy Jr. and Leblond, these victories represent potential springboards to bigger opportunities, while the promotion’s partnership with UFC Fight Pass ensures global visibility. As Cage Warriors prepares for 2026, the organisation remains central to the development and showcasing of Europe’s finest martial arts talent.