Brown challenged defending champion Tugarev in the main event at the BEC Arena in Manchester, and did enough to outstrike the Finn over the five-round championship duration to secure the title-winning victory and in the process consign Tugarev to his first career defeat.
“It was inevitable to be, quite honest with you. But it was a long road from – I think it’s two years a couple weeks ago that last I last fought for the belt. Ever since then, I got back in the gym, I was just working back towards holding gold, man, and I got it tonight. So, it’s sentimental. Feels good. Real good.”
And, as he considered his next move, Brown made clear his goal to defend his title against all-comers, and stated his intention to eventually unify the belts once lightweight champion Samuel Silva returns from injury next year.
“I’m down to fight anybody, because at the end of the day, where my dreams are, I’m trying to get to the top of the top. So I don’t really, I don’t really care about who I have to fight.
“I have to keep training, I have to keep learning, so I have to be willing to fight anybody. That’s where my mentality is. I definitely want to unify, man, that’s not even up for debate.”
Cage Warriors 198: Official results
MAIN CARD
- Omiel Brown def. Omar Tugarev via unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46) – for Cage Warriors interim lightweight title
- Chris Bungard def. Simone Patrizi via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
- Tim Wilde def. Oscar Ownsworth via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
- Jack Humphries def. Joab Souza via submission (anaconda choke) – Round 1, 2:32
- Shay Ingram def. Wellington Lopes via TKO (ground strikes) – Round 2, 3:45
- Fran Breen def. Ayoub Nacer via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
- Enrico Di Gangi def. Jack McCloughlin via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Roman David def. Christian Soda via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
- Oliver Tero def. Davide Manante via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 2, 1:56
- Nathanael Woods def. Matthew Friel via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
- Chris Morris def. Theo Pino via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
