Cage Warriors – Europe’s Leading MMA Organisation – has today confirmed a huge main event for their upcoming return to Manchester. One of the hottest undefeated prospects in the sport, Luke Riley, returns for an eleventh outing in the Famous Yellow Gloves, as he takes on Azerbaijan’s Sambo specialist Tariel Abbasov.

The pair will meet in a three round main event at CW 185 on Saturday, March 15th at the BEC Arena

Widnes, England’s Riley is the latest athlete from Liverpool’s Next Generation to establish himself as one of Cage Warriors’ most beloved stars.

Undefeated in 10 professional bouts and with a wealth of amateur MMA and Thai Boxing experience behind him, the 25 year old has competed exclusively under the CW banner since turning professional in last 2021.

Having packed the following years with shocking KOs and roof-raising brawls, many believe Riley to be on the cusp of greatness.

Stepping up to face Riley is Azerbaijan’s Tariel ‘Azeri Lion’ Abbasov.

The 29 year old brings an extensive Combat Sambo background to the cage, alongside an impressive 9-2 pro record.

With strong wrestling and a keen finishers’ instinct to book, it comes as no surprise to see that the ‘Azeri Lion’ has registered seven of nine victories by way of a submission.

“Luke Riley is about to face the biggest test of his Cage Warriors career” …said CW President Graham Boylan.

“He’s no stranger to show-stealing performances in the BEC Arena, and another one on March 15th will make him the hottest free agent in European MMA.”

“But he can’t look past Tariel Abbasov; this guy is bringing with him a heavy-duty skillset that Riley hasn’t had to deal with before, and he wants to take Luke’s place at the top of the mountain.”

“These guys are fighting for everything at CW 185, and they’re going to tear the house down!”

Cage Warriors 185 will air live on UFC Fight Pass and international broadcast partners. Full card info is availible here. Tickets are availible via CageWarriors.com.