Main Event Collapse: Double Weight Miss Scraps Title Fight
The Cage Warriors 196 weigh-ins provided stunning drama as both challengers for the bantamweight title failed to make the championship weight. Shirzad Qadrian came in at 138.1 pounds (2.1 pounds over the 136 pound limit), while Elton Armindo was considerably heavier at 142.8 pounds – a full 6.8 pounds over the bantamweight championship limit. This double failure forced event officials to cancel the evening’s main bout, marking one of the most significant weigh-in disasters in recent Cage Warriors history.
The cancellation represents a major disappointment for the promotion and fans, as the Qadrian vs. Armindo fight was positioned as a cornerstone of the London card. Both fighters now face possible fines and suspension, despite the fight being canceled entirely.
New Main Event: Merjoev vs. Vucenic performs
With the original main event canceled, Cage Warriors officials have elevated the 160-pound catchweight bout between Torpal Merjoev and Jordan Vucenic as the headliner for Saturday’s event. Both fighters successfully made weight for their match, with Merjoev registering 159.9 pounds and Vucenic coming in at 159.6 pounds.
The matchup features two established Cage Warriors veterans, although neither fighter was prepared for the added pressure and attention of a main event. How they handle the late promotion could have a significant impact on the dynamics of what was already an intriguing stylistic matchup.
Featherweight title drama: Only Simon is eligible for the championship
While the fight for the bantamweight title was a complete failure, the featherweight championship will continue, but with an important caveat. Solomon Simon successfully cleared the championship limit of 145 pounds on his third attempt after two initial failures, making him eligible to claim the vacant title.
His opponent, Caique Araujo, came in heavy at 146.9 pounds, meaning only Simon can win the championship. If Araujo emerges victorious, the title will remain vacant. This creates a bizarre scenario where the Brazilian fighter has little to gain other than a win in what is still the co-main event of the card.
Event start times and broadcast information
Cage Warriors 196: London will air live on UFC Fight Pass with the following start times:
- 12:00 PM PT (Pacific Time)
- 3:00 PM ET (Eastern time)
- 20:00 GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
- 9:00 PM CET (Central European Time)
Complete weighing results for CW 196
MAIN CARD (UFC Fight Pass)
- 160-pound catchweight: Torpal Merjoev (159.9 pounds) vs. Jordan Vucenic (159.6 pounds)
- Free Featherweight Title: Caique Araujo (146.9*lbs) vs. Solomon Simon (145lbs)
- Flyweight: Michelangelo Lupoli (127.5***lbs) vs. Jawany Scott (125.6lbs)
- Bantamweight: Tuomas Grönvall (134.8 lbs) vs. Ollie Sarwa (135.5 lbs)
- 161lb Catch weight: 161lbs.
- Lightweight: Thomas Paull (155.1 lbs) vs. Marin Vetrila (156** lbs)
- Bantamweight: Ciaran Brady (134.6 lbs) vs. Kadeem Perkins (135.8 lbs)
*Original 145.2 pounds | **Original 156.1 pounds | ***Original 128.7 pounds
Additional weight issues and cancellations
The weigh-in issues extended beyond the main event. Michelangelo Lupoli failed to make the 115-pound limit for his flyweight fight against Jawany Scott after multiple attempts, ultimately registering 127.5 pounds. The fight will go ahead as a non-title bout, although Lupoli faces a fine.
The card was reduced even further and a planned welterweight bout between George McManus and Brad Wheeler was scrapped after McManus withdrew due to illness. The strawweight opener between Carolan Olivares and Rhi-Rhi Hudson was also canceled after Olivares missed weight at 122.3 pounds.
Conclusion: a transformed map
Cage Warriors 196 continues with a significantly changed fight card that bears little resemblance to the originally planned event. While the promotion managed to save most of the fights, the loss of the headliner bantamweight championship and the compromised featherweight title fight represent significant setbacks. The event kicks off on Saturday at 8pm GMT on UFC Fight Pass, although fans will see a very different show than originally promoted.
Cage Warriors 196 Weighing Results: Frequently Asked Questions
What time does Cage Warriors 196 start?
The event kicks off at 8:00 PM GMT (9:00 PM CET, 3:00 PM ET, 12:00 PM PT) and will be streamed live on UFC Fight Pass.
Why was the main event of Cage Warriors 196 canceled?
Both challengers for the bantamweight title – Shirzad Qadrian and Elton Armindo – failed to make weight, with Armindo coming in almost 7 pounds over the championship limit, forcing the fight to be canceled.
What is the new main event for Cage Warriors 196?
A 160-pound catchweight bout between Torpal Merjoev and Jordan Vucenic has been elevated to headline the event after both fighters successfully gained weight.
Can Caique Araujo win the featherweight title?
No. Araujo missed weight, so only his opponent, Solomon Simon, will be eligible for the vacant featherweight championship if he wins the fight.
How many fights have been canceled in total?
Three bouts were scrapped: the bantamweight title main event, a welterweight bout due to illness and a strawweight bout due to a weight miss.
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