(London, United Kingdom | Tuesday, September 2, 2014) – Stevie Ray, Cage Warriors Fighting Championship’s reigning lightweight world champion, will defend his belt at CWFC 73.
The Scotsman will take on England’s Curt Warburton in the headline fight when Cage Warriors returns to the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle, England, on Saturday, November 1, 2014.
The bout will mark the third and definitive meeting of the British pair, who first clashed in March of last year, when Warburton emerged victorious via unanimous decision after three rounds of action.
With the vacant CWFC title at stake, a rematch took place over five rounds this past June at CWFC 69: Super Saturday in London, which saw Ray earn a split-decision triumph.
Ray (15-5) is currently in his second stint as CWFC lightweight world champion, having first clinched the belt courtesy of wins over Jason Ball and Sean Carter in CWFC’s four-man, one-night lightweight title tournament at CWFC 60 in October 2013.
The 24-year-old relinquished the strap following a fourth-round submission defeat to Ivan Buchinger last New Year’s Eve at CWFC 63 in Dublin, but the title returned to Scotland in June after Ray exacted revenge against Warburton.
“I’m looking forward to defending my belt, particularly in Curt’s hometown,” said Ray. “It’s not too far from home for me either, so you can expect an invasion of Scottish fans and a crazy atmosphere.”
Warburton (13-5) signed to compete exclusively for Cage Warriors Fighting Championship last year, and made a successful debut for the promotion at CWFC 62 with of a first-round submission of Wesley Murch.
A three-fight veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, 33-year-old Warburton has put together a 6-2 record since his departure from the UFC following a defeat to Joe Lauzon in June 2011.
Warburton said: “The judges won’t save Stevie Ray this time. I’m going to put things right in Newcastle on November 1.”
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