Martin to make his Warriors debut
ROCHDALE mixed martial artist Martin Stapleton is set to make his return to the cage in London on February 18.
He will make his debut for new promotion Cage Warriors on a card taking place at the Indigo in the O2 Arena.
Stapleton most recently competed for BAMMA, winning their world lightweight title against Gavin Sterritt in November 2015 before going on to defend it against Damien Lapilus in May 2016.
He was also part of the cast on The Ultimate Fighter back in 2009, but now makes the switch to Cage Warriors, where he will be looking to build on his impressive record of 18 wins and four defeats.
The 33-year-old had been linked with a fight against Manchester’s Brendan Loughnane at a Tanko Fighting Championships event, but Stapleton was quick to deny those claims.
“A rumour came out that I was supposed to fight Brendan, whoever said that is lying,” said Stapleton.
“I was talking to Tanko for a few weeks about fights, but Brendan’s name never came up once, so if somebody told Brendan I was fighting him then they are lying.
“I was talking to other promotions as well, and this current offer from Cage Warriors can’t be matched, so I’ll prove that I’m the best lightweight and featherweight in Europe.”
Stapleton goes from strength to strength at his Full Contact Performance Centre gym in Rochdale, with a number of his fighters set for big bouts in 2017.
‘I’ll prove I’m the best lightweight in Europe’