RONNIE MANN will make his CWFC debut against Spanish star Jose Luis Zapater at Cage Warriors 57.
Two preliminary bouts have also been added to the card, which is set to take place at Liverpool’s Echo Arena on Saturday, July 20.
Currently fourth in the UK’s bantamweight rankings, Mann (21-6-1) – who has been stopped just twice in his 28 professional bouts – recently signed an exclusive contract with Cage Warriors.
The 26-year-old Englishman is coming off a two-year stint with Bellator, during which time he put together a 3-3 record in the promotion, with all three losses coming by way of decision.
“This fight means a lot to me as I’m fighting at home in the UK again for the first time in five years. I’m excited to be back in front of the British fans and I want to do UK MMA proud,” said Mann.
“Like myself, my opponent brings a lot of experience to the table so I think it will be an excellent fight. He’s a good all-rounder but I don’t think his skills will match my technical ability.”
Zapater (17-9) is a 10-year veteran of professional MMA who saw a nine-fight win-streak snapped earlier this year by Europe’s number three-ranked bantamweight Sirwan Kakai.
The 36-year-old, who will also be appearing on a Cage Warriors card for the first time in his career, holds notable victories over CWFC veteran Paul Marin and highly-rated Brazilian Renato Velame.
Zapater said: “I’m very excited about fighting on this show in such a magnificent arena. My opponent is very tough and skilled but I’m looking forward to the challenge it will bring.”
Cage Warriors 57’s preliminary card has also been boosted by the addition of a welterweight bout between Steve Dinsdale (5-1) and unbeaten prospect Dan Rushworth (5-0), as well as a flyweight contest featuring Mark Connor (8-8-1) and Bryan Creighton (3-1).
Photo by Bellator Fighting Championship
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