Cage Warriors 196’s fight card has undergone a dramatic reshuffle just one day out from the event after multiple fighters failed to make weight at Friday’s official weigh-ins at Canary Wharf’s Hilton Hotel. The scheduled bantamweight championship main event between Shirzad Qadrian and Elton Armindo has been cancelled after both competitors missed weight, forcing promoters to elevate a 160lbs catchweight bout between Torpal Merjoev and Jordan Vucenic to headline Saturday’s London event.
Main Event Collapse: Double Weight Miss Scraps Title Fight
The Cage Warriors 196 weigh-ins delivered stunning drama as both bantamweight title challengers failed to make championship weight. Shirzad Qadrian came in at 138.1lbs (2.1lbs over the 136lbs limit), while Elton Armindo was substantially heavier at 142.8lbs—a full 6.8lbs over the bantamweight championship limit. This double failure forced event officials to cancel what was supposed to be the evening’s headline bout, marking one of the most significant weigh-in disasters in recent Cage Warriors history.
The cancellation represents a major disappointment for the promotion and fans, as the Qadrian-Armindo bout was positioned as a cornerstone of the London card. Both fighters now face potential fines and suspension despite the fight being scrapped entirely.
New Main Event: Merjoev vs. Vucenic Steps Up
With the original main event cancelled, Cage Warriors officials have elevated the 160lbs catchweight bout between Torpal Merjoev and Jordan Vucenic to headline Saturday’s event. Both fighters successfully made weight for their contest, with Merjoev registering 159.9lbs and Vucenic coming in at 159.6lbs.
The matchup features two established Cage Warriors veterans, though neither fighter had prepared for the added pressure and attention of a main event slot. How they handle the late-notice promotion could significantly impact the dynamics of what was already an intriguing stylistic matchup.
Featherweight Title Drama: Only Simon Eligible for Championship
While the bantamweight title fight collapsed entirely, the featherweight championship bout will proceed—but with a significant caveat. Solomon Simon successfully made the 145lbs championship limit on his third attempt after two initial failures, making him eligible to claim the vacant title.
His opponent, Caique Araujo, came in heavy at 146.9lbs, meaning only Simon can win the championship. If Araujo emerges victorious, the title will remain vacant. This creates a bizarre scenario where the Brazilian fighter has little to gain beyond a victory in what remains the card’s co-main event.
Event Start Times and Broadcast Information
Cage Warriors 196: London will be broadcast live on UFC Fight Pass with the following start times:
- 12:00 PM PT (Pacific Time)
- 3:00 PM ET (Eastern Time)
- 8:00 PM GMT (Greenwich Mean Time)
- 9:00 PM CET (Central European Time)
Complete Weigh-In Results for CW 196
MAIN CARD (UFC Fight Pass)
- 160lb Catchweight: Torpal Merjoev (159.9lbs) vs Jordan Vucenic (159.6lbs)
- Vacant Featherweight Title: Caique Araujo (146.9*lbs) vs Solomon Simon (145lbs)
- Flyweight: Michelangelo Lupoli (127.5***lbs) vs Jawany Scott (125.6lbs)
- Bantamweight: Tuomas Grönvall (134.8lbs) vs Ollie Sarwa (135.5lbs)
- 161lb Catchweight: Bruno Guimaraes (160.8lbs) vs Tariq Pell (161lbs)
- Lightweight: Thomas Paull (155.1lbs) vs Marin Vetrila (156**lbs)
- Bantamweight: Ciaran Brady (134.6lbs) vs Kadeem Perkins (135.8lbs)
* Originally 145.2lbs | ** Originally 156.1lbs | *** Originally 128.7lbs
Additional Weight Issues and Cancellations
The weigh-in troubles extended beyond the main event. Michelangelo Lupoli failed to make the 115lbs limit for his flyweight bout against Jawany Scott after multiple attempts, eventually registering 127.5lbs. The fight will proceed as a non-title contest, though Lupoli faces a purse penalty.
Further reducing the card, a scheduled welterweight matchup between George McManus and Brad Wheeler was scrapped after McManus withdrew due to illness. The strawweight opener between Carolan Olivares and Rhi-Rhi Hudson was also cancelled after Olivares missed weight at 122.3lbs.
Conclusion: A Card Transformed
Cage Warriors 196 will proceed with a significantly altered fight card that bears little resemblance to the originally scheduled event. While the promotion managed to salvage most bouts, the loss of the bantamweight championship headliner and the compromised featherweight title fight represent substantial setbacks. The event kicks off Saturday at 8:00 PM GMT on UFC Fight Pass, though fans will be watching a very different show than originally promoted.
Cage Warriors 196 Weigh-In Results: FAQ
What time does Cage Warriors 196 start?
The event begins at 8:00 PM GMT (9:00 PM CET, 3:00 PM ET, 12:00 PM PT) and will be streamed live on UFC Fight Pass.
Why was the Cage Warriors 196 main event cancelled?
Both bantamweight title challengers—Shirzad Qadrian and Elton Armindo—failed to make weight, with Armindo coming in nearly 7 pounds over the championship limit, forcing cancellation of the bout.
What is the new main event for Cage Warriors 196?
A 160lbs catchweight bout between Torpal Merjoev and Jordan Vucenic has been elevated to headline the event after both fighters successfully made weight.
Can Caique Araujo win the featherweight title?
No. Araujo missed weight, so only his opponent, Solomon Simon, is eligible to claim the vacant featherweight championship if he wins the bout.
How many fights were cancelled in total?
Three bouts were scrapped: the bantamweight title main event, a welterweight contest due to illness, and a strawweight fight due to a weight miss.
