UNDEFEATED GEORGE STAINES EYES UFC DEBUT AHEAD OF CAGE WARRIORS 202 CLASH

George Staines (8-0) is stepping back into the cage this week-end at Cage Warriors 202 in Manchester and aims to add another victory to his undefeated record.

Speaking to us in the middle of his weight-cut, the Cage Warriors contender seemed in high spirits and focused on one goal: receiving the UFC call after securing a victory on Saturday.

The Liverpool fighter will take on Marcelo Marques (12-0) in his third fight in the last six months at Cage Warriors, having competed in Oktagon the first part of his professional career.

He believes this activity sets him apart from other top prospects: “Since I signed with Cage Warriors, having my first fight in September, this is my third fight in six months.

“At Oktagon I was having two fights a year - I wasn’t being as active as I’d liked.”

Fighting more consistently in the UK is also a positive for Staines, who can now compete close to home and have his family attend each fight.

While Marques’ undefeated record is impressive, Staines is confident he represents the greater threat as he does not believe himself “an easy fight to take on any amount of notice”.

He also believes the caliber of opponents he has faced so far has prepared him for top-level competition.

For Staines, maintaining his undefeated streak is more important than chasing flashy finishes even if he acknowledges that stoppages get media attention.

Confident in his skills, he said: “I’m good, I win and I know how to win.”

Staines credits his environment as another tool in his arsenal. Training at Next Generation MMA Gym in Liverpool, he benefits from high-level training partners such as UFC fighters Paddy Pimblett, Luke Riley and Shem Rock.

Looking ahead, the Liverpool prospect is determined to follow in their footsteps sooner rather than later.

He said: “The only goal is the UFC, since I’ve had my first amateur fight I’ve never thought of anything else.”

While Staines admits stepping stones like a Cage Warriors championship fight or a spot in Dana White’s Contender Series could further his career, he sees a clear path to achieve his ultimate dream: a UFC title.

This weekend in Manchester, he looks to extend his unbeaten streak and move one step closer to that goal.