By Cédric Dumas
This past weekend in Manchester, undefeated lightweight Omar Tugarev (8-0) seized the moment, stepping in on short notice to headline Cage Warriors 191 to fight for the interim lightweight title. Facing James Power in the main event, the 23-year-old Finnish prospect dominated the grappling exchanges, eventually securing a crucifix position in round three and forcing a TKO stoppage. With this emphatic finish, the former IMMAF medalist captured his first major pro belt, showcasing exceptional composure and elite-level grappling. He now appears poised for the next step in his professional career.
The night before, Cage Warriors 190 featured four IMMAF veterans—all victorious. In the featherweight main event, Alexander Lööf (8-3) edged out a razor-close split decision win over Aiden Lee after a highly competitive three-round bout. In the co-main event, Adam Darby (6-2) broke through with relentless pressure, finishing Tato Primera with a head kick followed by punches late in round two. Flyweight standout Jordan Molinari (5-1) impressed with sharp footwork and control, securing a unanimous decision over Yannis Osmani. Finally, undefeated Nell Ariano (4-0) kept his perfect record intact, stopping Charles Joyner with heavy ground-and-pound in the third round, making it a clean sweep for IMMAF alumni.
Elsewhere, at OKTAGON 73, experienced amateur and multiple-time IMMAF competitor Altin Zenuni (1-0) made a successful professional debut. Fighting out of Germany, he wasted no time, scoring a first-round rear-naked choke to announce himself on the pro stage in style.
In Kazakhstan, Naiza FC 74 hosted several title fights, including a successful bantamweight title defence from IMMAF veteran Dastan Amangeldy (9-1). Facing a late replacement opponent, Amangeldy retained his belt via rear-naked choke, further cementing his status as one of Kazakhstan’s top prospects.
Finally, at Riot Fight League 12 in Mexico, 2023 IMMAF Pan Am gold medalist Ramiro Huesca (2-0) kept his perfect record alive with a second-round knockout, continuing a stellar 2025 campaign that now includes two finishes. On the same card, fellow IMMAF veteran José Morales (3-0) remained undefeated with a unanimous decision win.
It was, once again, a golden weekend for IMMAF alumni. With less than 20 days remaining before the 2025 Youth World Championships, the continued success of these rising pros highlights the real developmental impact of the IMMAF circuit. Their progression is clear proof that time spent in IMMAF competition builds champions.
