When Luke Riley stepped into the cage at BEC Arena in Manchester last November, few expected he’d walk out not just as a winner—but as the face of an entire year’s worth of heart, grit, and raw violence. On January 12, 2024, Cage Warriors officially crowned its 2023 End of Year Award winners, and Riley didn’t just win—he obliterated the competition. With 41.6% of fan votes, he claimed Fighter of the Year by more than double the margin of any other contender. This wasn’t a popularity contest. It was a coronation.
The Fight That Broke the Internet
The centerpiece of the awards? The Cage Warriors 160 main event between Riley and Sweden’s Alexander Lööf. That fight didn’t just earn Fight of the Year with 36.2% of votes—it rewrote the definition of a war in the octagon. Spectators at the BEC Arena were on their feet, chanting Riley’s name as blood dripped down his face in the third round. Lööf, a terrifying striker with a 12-fight winning streak, had battered Riley through the first two rounds. But then, something shifted. Riley, exhausted, battered, seemingly done, rose like a man possessed. He absorbed another flurry, countered with a liver shot that buckled Lööf, then followed with a barrage that had referee Marc Goddard stepping in at just 58 seconds into Round 3. The stoppage wasn’t a mercy. It was a necessity.Commentators on YouTube footage called it “a blood-splattered ballet of violence.” One analyst noted, “How close did Riley come to get it finished here, seconds away?” The footage shows Riley’s eyes wide open, unfazed by the damage, even as his nose was caved in. That’s the kind of performance that doesn’t just win awards—it becomes legend.
The Breakthrough Star Who Almost Slipped Through
While Riley dominated the top spot, Paddy McCorry of West Belfast, Ireland, stole hearts with his Breakthrough Fighter of the Year win, taking 29.7% of votes. His year was a highlight reel: a flying knee that sent Angus Hewitt crashing to the mat, and an eleventh-hour guillotine choke on Samir Kadi that left fans gasping. He narrowly missed nominations for KO and Submission of the Year—two categories where his own fights were the frontrunners. “He’s the kind of fighter you root for,” said one Cage Warriors insider. “He doesn’t have a big camp, no sponsors, just grit and a garage gym in Belfast.”
Submission of the Year: From Losing to Legend
The most dramatic turnaround of the year came from Ander Sanchez, who won Submission of the Year with 22.9% of votes. His fight against Ryan Hewitt at CW 157 looked lost after the first round. Hewitt, a technical striker, outlanded Sanchez 47-12 in strikes. But in Round 2, Sanchez slipped a takedown, locked in a heel hook, and twisted Hewitt’s leg until the tap came. “It was the kind of submission that makes you forget how you got there,” said a veteran MMA coach. “One moment he’s getting punched, the next he’s the guy who just ended a career.”Why This Matters Beyond the Gloves
Cage Warriors isn’t just another regional promotion. It’s the most important pipeline to the UFC in Europe. Since 2001, over 70 fighters who competed under the yellow gloves have made it to the UFC roster—among them, current champions and title challengers. Riley’s win isn’t just personal; it’s a signal. Analysts are already whispering he’s the next man to challenge for the Cage Warriors lightweight title. “If he doesn’t get a title shot in the next 12 months,” said former UFC fighter and analyst Danny Parker, “then the organization isn’t paying attention.”McCorry’s rise is equally telling. He’s not from a big city. Doesn’t have a sponsor. But his performances drew 2.3 million YouTube views in 30 days. That’s the power of authentic, raw talent—and Cage Warriors knows it. The promotion doesn’t just scout fighters. It builds stories. And in 2023, the stories were unforgettable.
What’s Next?
Cage Warriors’ 2024 calendar is already packed, with events scheduled in Dublin, Cardiff, and Manchester. Riley is expected to return in April, likely in a co-main event. McCorry, now with a growing fanbase, is being positioned for a title eliminator. And Sanchez? He’s already been invited to train with Team Alpha Male—something almost unheard of for a fighter who wasn’t even in the top 10 last year.Behind the scenes, Cage Warriors is also expanding its digital reach. The voting for 2024’s awards will open in December, but early signs suggest fan engagement is up 47% from last year. The organization isn’t just recognizing excellence. It’s creating a movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Luke Riley win Fighter of the Year with such a large margin?
Riley earned 41.6% of the total fan votes—more than double second-place finisher Paddy McCorry’s 29.7%. His combination of resilience, technical skill, and dramatic finishes, especially his TKO win over Alexander Lööf, made him the most talked-about fighter of the year. He fought four times in 2023, winning all by stoppage, including two in the final round.
Why is the BEC Arena significant in Cage Warriors history?
The BEC Arena in Manchester has hosted some of Cage Warriors’ most iconic fights, including the 2023 Fight of the Year between Luke Riley and Alexander Lööf. With a capacity of over 4,000, it’s become the promotion’s spiritual home in England, known for electric crowds and high-stakes matchups that often determine UFC call-ups.
What role does Cage Warriors play in developing UFC fighters?
Since its founding in 2001, Cage Warriors has served as the primary European feeder system for the UFC, with over 70 alumni having competed in the octagon. Fighters like Conor McGregor, Darren Till, and Khamzat Chimaev all fought in Cage Warriors before reaching the UFC. The promotion’s emphasis on high-level competition and media exposure makes it a critical proving ground.
Was Ander Sanchez’s submission really that surprising?
Yes. Ryan Hewitt dominated the striking in Round 1, landing 47 significant strikes to Sanchez’s 12. Most analysts had Hewitt winning the fight. But Sanchez’s ability to switch gears, secure a takedown, and finish with a heel hook—a rare submission in MMA—made it one of the most technically impressive finishes of the year. It’s now studied in submission clinics across Europe.
How does fan voting work for Cage Warriors’ awards?
Cage Warriors opens voting on its official website after the final event of the year. Fans can vote once per day across all categories until the deadline. The 2023 voting period lasted three weeks and attracted over 180,000 votes, with participation up 47% from 2022. Results are verified by an independent auditor to ensure fairness.
What’s next for Paddy McCorry after his breakthrough year?
McCorry is scheduled to fight in the Cage Warriors 165 main event in March 2024, facing top-5 contender Liam O’Connor. A win would likely earn him a title shot in the lightweight division. He’s also been invited to train with the Irish national MMA team, a rare honor for a fighter without major sponsorship. His story has drawn interest from UK broadcasters looking to feature him in a documentary.
