Matthew Bonner Chokes Out Joel Kouadja in Cage Warriors 137 Headliner
Former Champ, Matt Bonner, mounted his opponent and forced the tap after sinking in the submission. He really is chasing after that title 💨
— Cage Warriors (@CageWarriors) May 27, 2022
What a way to cap off #CW137 👏 pic.twitter.com/p56TlmvyDv
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The Cage Warriors 137 main event saw former 185-pound titleholder Matthew Bonner taking on Joel Kouadja in a 177-pound catchweight clash. Bonner (12-7-1, 9-5-1 CW) opposed his foe’s physicality with experience and technique. Bonner attempted to contain the damage from Kouadja (7-8, 0-1 CW) with takedown attempts and grinding against the fence. The fight turned into a grueling battle as “The Beast” constantly had to wrestle his way on top of his foe every time Kouadja reversed positions. Before the end of the opening period, Bonner scored with his hands on the feet before securing a takedown and ending the round on top.
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Bonner moved the action to the ground right out of the gate in the second frame, forcing Kouadja to spend a lot of energy attempting to get to his feet. Once he accomplished that, the Frenchman looked to have some success with his strikes. It was just illusory as Bonner waited for the right moment to score another takedown and quickly gain the mount position. To move out of the sticky situation, Kouadja preferred to concede his back, allowing Bonner to go for a rear-naked choke. While the submission took time to develop, it was tight enough to induce a tap from Kouadja at the 3:44 mark.
Daan Duijs snatched up a slick triangle choke, getting the immediate tap from his opponent 👏👏
— Cage Warriors (@CageWarriors) May 27, 2022
📺 Watch #CW137 Unplugged on @UFCFightPass
➡️ https://t.co/54Qi3GB1EF pic.twitter.com/A2HIM2YG4d
In the co-headliner, Daan Duijs flashed in a remarkable promotional debut as he submitted Bogdan Barbu. Duijs (8-1, 1-0 CW) accepted to be taken down by his adversary right out of the gate. On the mat, Barbu (17-13, 0-1 CW) looked to pass his opponent’s guard, which he managed to achieve after landing a few punches. Duijs quickly recovered the favorable position and started setting up his submission attempts. The Dutchman failed to close a first triangle choke maneuver, but his second attempt left Barbu no choice but to tap or nap. The official time was 2:55 mark of the opening stanza.
🤯 A relentless onslaught from Adam Cullen! Another first round finish for him 👏
— Cage Warriors (@CageWarriors) May 27, 2022
📺 Watch #CW137 Unplugged on @UFCFightPass
➡️ https://t.co/54Qi3GAtP7 pic.twitter.com/BxkLM3PWRr
Elsewhere, Adam Cullen (5-0, 5-0 CW) choked Arnaud Kherfallah (5-3, 0-1 CW) with an anaconda maneuver 81 seconds into their 155-pound tilt; Italian flyweight Tanio Pagliariccio (8-2, 1-1 CW) outclassed Benoit Blanc (4-2, 0-1 CW) en route to a unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 29-27); Shoaib Yousaf (9-3, 1-0 CW) melted Michal Folc (6-5, 0-1 CW) with a series of knees that halted the contest at 2:37 into the opening period of their 150-pound catchweight; 170-pounder Omran Chaaban (3-1, 2-0 CW) forced Jack Dedames (2-1, 0-1 CW) to tap to an anaconda choke at the 4:07 mark of Round 1.
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