Elite British welterweights will headline Cage Warriors 205 in Glasgow. Defending champion Justin Burlinson will make his first title defense in hostile territory against challenger Sean Clancy Jr.
Justin Burlinson: The Comeback King
Defending welterweight champion Justin Burlinson secured the title in impressive fashion nearly a year ago against James Sheehan in Dublin. This weekend, his first championship defense will also take place in an opponent’s home country. In 2021, the Englishman suffered a first-round knockout loss on Dana White’s Contender Series to Yohan Lainesse. At the time of that fight, Burlinson had a professional record of 6-0 and was still relatively inexperienced.
Despite the setback, Burlinson rebounded with a victory. However, he faced another loss in 2022 when he competed for the Cage Warriors 170lb belt for the first time against Rhys McKee. Since that defeat, Burlinson has been undefeated and maintains a 100% finishing rate. He consistently delivers exciting performances and showcased his resilience in his title fight against Sheehan, ultimately claiming the belt in a dramatic fashion.
Burlinson once again had the opportunity to step into the UFC spotlight at the end of 2025, traveling to Doha for the inaugural UFC Qatar event with the hope of a late call-up. Unfortunately, the opportunity did not materialize. This weekend, Burlinson returns to Cage Warriors, aiming to earn his shot in a more definitive way.
Sean Clancy Jr.: Destined for UFC Gold?
At just 23 years old and fighting out of Paisley, Scotland, Sean Clancy Jr. is considered one of the hottest prospects in the sport. This Saturday, he aims to further ignite the considerable hype surrounding him. With an undefeated record of 8-0 and a 100% finishing rate, mirroring the English champion, Clancy Jr. is a dangerous opponent in all aspects of the fight. His rapid striking combined with an aggressive grappling game suggests he possesses the makings of a champion.
The Scotsman had been on the cusp of welterweight gold for some time. In December, he captured the interim belt with an exceptional performance. When Burlinson was unable to compete at the end of 2025, the interim title fight was arranged for Clancy Jr. against the experienced Dutchman Melvin van Suijdam. Clancy Jr. secured the victory with a decisive second-round knockout, courtesy of a beautiful combination of a right and left hook.
Many believe this bout is not only for the unified Cage Warriors Welterweight Championship but also serves as a potential gateway to the premier fighting organization, the UFC.
Who do you predict will emerge victorious and potentially secure a UFC contract?
