Cage Warriors have had to adapt to the times in order to reach their 200th event.
The MMA world is full of stories about promotions that haven’t lasted, and even the most recognisable names can be thrown into chaos quickly.
Next month, the UFC will broadcast on both CBS and Paramount+ for the first time, marking a big moment for MMA’s top promotion.
Some fans feel there should be more competition, but staying relevant over time hasn’t been easy for anyone outside the UFC. The long-term survival rate isn’t high.
Before Ronda Rousey’s return with Most Valuable Promotions steps into MMA, Cage Warriors will be taking a moment to celebrate their own path through a tough industry. There are quite a few chapters worth looking back on.
Graham Boylan explains why Cage Warriors are better prepared than ever for their 200th event
Graham Boylan is proud of the number of fighters who have gone on to join the UFC after first making a name for themselves in Cage Warriors.
The promotion’s president recently sat down with Bloody Elbow to discuss CW 200, which will be held on February 21 at the RDS Arena in Dublin, Ireland.
It’s a path many fighters have followed, thanks in large part to the consistent quality that has defined Cage Warriors over the years. The promotion has built a reputation for developing talent and putting on reliable events.
Reflecting on how things have changed since Cage Warriors 100 back in 2018, Boylan was asked about the most significant lesson he’s learned during that time.
He pointed to the growing role of social media and how important it’s become for reaching fans and building a brand within the sport.
“Social media has become a massive part of the game since Cage Warriors 100. It’s now almost a compulsory platform that you have to be involved in. Our social media team has expanded and the boys in the office are doing great at doing that.
“If anything, it’s the social media side and platforms that go with it that developed this sport even further… it’s been our biggest learning curve as a team and as an organisation that is still growing and still developing.”
Graham Boylan reflects on how Cage Warriors stayed ahead of the game before CW 100
Even before the rise of social media, Graham Boylan never felt Cage Warriors had any issues with quality.
“Social media has become a massive part of the game since Cage Warriors 100. It’s now almost a compulsory platform that you have to be involved in,” he explained.
Speaking with Bloody Elbow, he said they often questioned whether they were moving too quickly compared to others in the space.
By the time MMA began to really pick up momentum – especially during Conor McGregor’s rise – Boylan says they already had everything set up and ready to go, including their approach to social media.
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