Cage Warriors 140: Three favorite prospect & betting advice (Patreon)

Cage Warriors 140 hosts eighteen fighters, fighters from eight different countries, and six undefeated fighters. Of those, I will choose my favorite three prospects on the card. 

Welterweight: Justin Burlinson (7-1)

Burlinson fought last season on the contender series and had some hype behind him. The hype was shut down early in round one getting knocked out by Yohan Lainesse. I'm confident in saying that Burlinson is a much better fighter and has a higher ceiling. Burlinson has knockout power and good striking fundamentals. He is better on the ground with effective jiu-jitsu. He’s a big threat with submissions holding thirteen career wins by that method. Burlinson is just 25 years old and in a weightclass that is still not as strong he's gonna be a top guy. He's fighting former UFC fighter Rhys McKee who is a tough opponent. A win over McKee and winning the Cage Warriors title it will propel Burlinson to the next level.

Bantamweight: Caolan Loughran (5-0)

A product out of Team Kaobon Liverpool, Loughran trains with the likes of the UFC’s Tom Aspinall, Mike Grundy, and Darren Till. Loughran won three titles as an amateur, and currently thriving as a pro. Ireland’s Loughran has shown glimpses of his capability on the feet. It's been quick feet and light footwork. His movement to attack and retreat and move laterally is very smooth. Fighting with his lead right hand forward, his left, that he throws straight down the pipe, is a piston of a weapon. Loughran also likes to mix it up with his legs throwing a lot of kicks. The speed in his hands and hips alone make him a dangerous guy on the feet. Wrestling is where Loughran transcends. It’s at best when he’s mixing in his wrestling and striking. His timing on his level changes is usually spot on. If he can’t get the takedown right away he does a good job driving in on the legs and hips to work guys to the mat. Credit his vision, size, and speed for the reason his wrestling is so valuable. He's fighting his biggest challenge to date as a pro in undefeated Festus Ahorlu who is 5-0. Ahorlu has also impressed me and is someone I'm keeping my eye on. The winner of this fight I expect big things from and obviously, I think that will be Loughran

Welterweight, James Power (3-0)

I was thinking maybe Harry Hardwick, Federico Pasquali, or even Michele Martignoni. To my surprise, it was James Power that stood out to me. Power is 3-0 as a pro and went 3-0 as an amateur. He has a 100% finish rate as a pro and amateur. Power has a muay thai background and that's very evident when watching him fight. In MMA and muay thai Power has a few finishes from a head kick. Even though it's easy to look great against the guys he's fighting but his striking seems high-level. His jab to his kicks going to the legs, body, and head while throwing the straight punches and nasty clinch work. His takedown defense has been tested and he's defended all of it with a strong base. I'm very much looking forward to watching him for the first time sitting down. Power is making his Cage Warriors debut against Adam Shelley who is 4-0. I've never been impressed with the Shelly brothers so if I'm right about Power he should cruise. 

Favorite bets

Matthew Elliott at +205 Vs Ryan Shelley

I've said before, I'm not impressed with the Shelley brothers. I will say Ryan does have upside but nothing to be impressed with. Elliott isn't great either but I'm more interested in him. His wrestling is solid and in his last fight, his striking improved a ton. My only worry about him is has gas tank where he slows in the later rounds. I've been much more impressed with Elliott everywhere so +205 is easily worth the bet.

James Power -115 Vs. Adam Shelley

As you read earlier Powell is really impressive to me. This to be looks like one of the best bets of the week so at a pick-em take Power all day. Superior striking and gonna be hard to take down. Shelley doesn't do anything for me.