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Cage Warriors champion George Hardwick is poised to step into the octagon against Abdul-Kareem Al Selwady in a showdown during week 2 of Dana White's Contender Series on August 15.
Fans believe that Hardwick's proven track record and achievements in Cage Warriors should automatically grant him a direct path to the bigger stages of mixed martial arts without having to prove himself further on the show.
This matchup has sparked a strong wave of discontent among fans, who express their disappointment and frustration with the decision to subject a renowned champion like Hardwick to the extra step before joining the promotion's roster.
Check out some of the social media reactions below:
Twitter user @penkysmma remarked:
"George deserves far better than contender and a 12/12 contract."
Another user @El_Lobo18_ shared similar concerns:
"Why is a cage warriors champ fighting on the contender series?"
@frontkicked believes that the bout between Al Selwady and Hardwick should have been included in the UFC Fight Night event in London:
"Should have been on the London card...will take it anyway, should be good!"
@LazyyTea stated:
"Everyday that passes I dislike this company [UFC] more and more."
When George Hardwick defended his belt at Cage Warriors 152
George Hardwick currently holds a remarkable record of 12 wins and only 1 loss and has become a highly touted prospect in the global MMA scene. The British fighter has been on an impressive winning streak, triumphing in his last eight bouts against tough competitors on the European circuit.
Hardwick showcased his exceptional skills in the main event of CW 152, as he delivered a dominant performance and secured a first-round technical knockout victory over Yann Liasse. The impressive finish came at the 4:12 mark.
Check out the knockout video here:
Throughout the bout, Hardwick demonstrated his versatility, seamlessly transitioning between grappling and striking techniques. His striking was particularly noteworthy, as he unleashed a barrage of clean and powerful punches with both hands, overwhelming Liasse.
