Cage Warriors 196: Main Event Scrapped, Updated Fight Card & Start Times
Cage Warriors 196 has experienced significant changes to its fight card just a day before the event. The cancellation affects several bouts following the weigh-in drama held at the Hilton Hotel in Canary Wharf.
Main Event Cancellation: Weight Issues
The bantamweight championship bout between Shirzad Qadrian and Elton Armindo has been scrapped. Both fighters failed to meet the weight requirements. Qadrian weighed in at 138.1lbs, which is 2.1lbs over the 136lbs limit, while Armindo came in at 142.8lbs, exceeding the championship limit by 6.8lbs.
This dramatic oversight has caused the original main event of Cage Warriors 196 to be canceled, disappointing fans and promoters alike. Both fighters may face fines and possible suspension due to this weigh-in failure.
New Main Event: Merjoev vs. Vucenic
With the bantamweight title fight off the table, the 160lbs catchweight bout between Torpal Merjoev and Jordan Vucenic has been promoted to the main event. Both fighters successfully made weight, with Merjoev at 159.9lbs and Vucenic at 159.6lbs. This matchup will now headline the London event.
Featherweight Title Complications
While the bantamweight championship is no longer on the line, the featherweight title fight remains, albeit under unusual circumstances. Solomon Simon successfully weighed in at 145lbs on his third attempt, making him eligible to vie for the vacant title. Meanwhile, his opponent, Caique Araujo, came in at 146.9lbs, rendering him ineligible to win the title regardless of the fight’s outcome.
Event Start Times and Broadcast Details
Cage Warriors 196 will be broadcast live via UFC Fight Pass, with start times set as follows:
- 12:00 PM PT (Pacific Time)
- 3:00 PM ET (Eastern Time)
- 8:00 PM GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
- 9:00 PM CET (Central European Time)
Complete Weigh-In Results for Cage Warriors 196
| Matchup | Fighter 1 | Weight | Fighter 2 | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 160lb Catchweight | Torpal Merjoev | 159.9lbs | Jordan Vucenic | 159.6lbs |
| Featherweight Title | Caique Araujo | 146.9lbs | Solomon Simon | 145lbs |
| Flyweight | Michelangelo Lupoli | 127.5lbs | Jawany Scott | 125.6lbs |
| Bantamweight | Tuomas Grönvall | 134.8lbs | Ollie Sarwa | 135.5lbs |
| 161lb Catchweight | Bruno Guimaraes | 160.8lbs | Tariq Pell | 161lbs |
| Lightweight | Thomas Paull | 155.1lbs | Marin Vetrila | 156lbs |
| Bantamweight | Ciaran Brady | 134.6lbs | Kadeem Perkins | 135.8lbs |
Additional Cancellations and Issues
The weigh-in problems escalated beyond the main event. Michelangelo Lupoli could not meet the weight limit for his flyweight bout, weighing in at 127.5lbs for a non-title fight against Jawany Scott, resulting in a purse penalty. Additionally, a welterweight bout between George McManus and Brad Wheeler was canceled after McManus withdrew due to illness. The strawweight opener featuring Carolan Olivares and Rhi-Rhi Hudson was also scrapped due to Olivares missing weight.
Conclusion: A Transformed Fight Card
Cage Warriors 196 will take place on Saturday, starting at 8:00 PM GMT. However, the event will feature a fight card significantly altered from its original lineup. Fans can expect a very different show from what was initially planned when they tune in to UFC Fight Pass.
