The event, which takes place at the BEC Arena on March 15, will see Riley put to the test against a Sambo specialist, with Abbasov arriving with a 9-2 record that boasts seven submission finishes and one knockout.
Riley, meanwhile, is undefeated at 10-0, with seven knockouts to his name. Most recently, he took on Alexandre Junior at Cage Warriors 178 last September, and finished the Brazilian with strikes 125 seconds into the opening round of their main event clash at the BEC Arena. Now Riley returns to the same venue looking to add another win to his growing resume.
A rowdy Mancunian crowd is expected for the event, but perhaps more importantly, the UFC’s matchmakers are sure to be paying attention as one of European MMA’s most talented prospects steps into the main event spotlight once again as he makes the walk for the final fight on his current Cage Warriors contract.
Victory for Riley could well result in a long-awaited call from the UFC. Alternatively, a win for the Next Generation MMA athlete could propel him into a bout for the Cage Warriors featherweight title, which is currently held by Harry Hardwick.
To get the chance at either opportunity, Riley will need to shine against Azerbaijan’s Abbasov, who arrives in Manchester looking to become the first fighter to defeat the 25-year-old Englishman.
“Luke Riley is about to face the biggest test of his Cage Warriors career,” said Cage Warriors president Graham Boylan.
“He’s no stranger to show-stealing performances in the BEC Arena, and another one on March 15 will make him the hottest free agent in European MMA.
‼️ OFFICIAL #CW185 Manchester MAIN EVENT 🔥
Luke Riley faces his toughest challenge yet as he squares off against Tariel Abbasov on March 15th!
🎟️ Get Tickets: https://t.co/DcO4obVL0p
📖 Read More: https://t.co/M0gyVONWXe pic.twitter.com/oFxRJ4jf4b— Cage Warriors (@CageWarriors) February 24, 2025
“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!”
Riley vs Abbasov tops a bout sheet that currently features 13 matchups for Manchester on March 15. Also set for action are rising lightweight prospect Teddy Stringer, while former welterweight contender Omiel Brown makes the drop down to 155 pounds as he makes his lightweight debut against Spanish veteran Yan Blasco.
Another BANGER for #CW185 Manchester 💥
Omiel Brown makes his debut at lightweight against Yan Blasco on March 15th!
🎟️ Get Tickets: https://t.co/DcO4obVL0p pic.twitter.com/zREVQXzUTC
— Cage Warriors (@CageWarriors) February 25, 2025
Riley’s Next Generation MMA teammate and rising flyweight contender Connor Wilson is also set for action.
Cage Warriors 185 streams live globally on UFC Fight Pass.
Cage Warriors 185: Confirmed fights
- Luke Riley vs Tariel Abbasov – featherweight
- Teddy Stringer vs Antonio Sheldon – lightweight
- Omiel Brown vs Yan Blasco – lightweight
- Jack Humphries vs Nick Beukema – bantamweight
- Connor Wilson vs TBC – flyweight
- Sam Kelly vs Richard Kallos – bantamweight
- Shay Ingram vs Matt Fordham – lightweight
- Joshua Adeboye vs Aaron Pierre – lightweight
- George Smith vs Olli Santalahti – middleweight
- Qendrim Pallata vs Leon Naumann – middleweight
- Liam Molloy vs Hossein Mousavi – featherweight
- Mariusz Mikolajewski vs Joe Ambler – welterweight
- Ryan Hewitt vs Christian Tebbett – flyweight
