By press release

Matthew Bonner will attempt to defend his Cage Warriors middleweight title at the first time of asking at CW 131.

Djati Melan returns to Cage Warriors with an unblemished 7-0 record and a goal of taking the title from Matthew Bonner at Cage Warriors’ Double Trouble event inside the historic York Hall.

Speaking on the announcement of Bonner’s first title defence, Cage Warriors president, Graham Boylan, said: “Matthew Bonner was one of the breakout fighters of the ‘covid-era’ with four wins behind closed doors.

“Those four wins were no small task either, he beat an upcoming prospect in George Smith, a Cage warriors legend in Matt Inman, he knocked out former champion James Webb and then he was able to submit Nathias Fredrick to win the middleweight title, that’s no small feat and shows the progress he has been making in his career.

“Melan is a guy I’m excited to have back with us at Cage Warriors, in his time away he’s racked up a few more wins over experienced guys and he has strength and power in his arsenal too.

“You’ve also got to remember that Melan’s wins come over guys with good records and that Covid-19 and the effects it had on sports played a huge role in slowing his momentum, so we need to see if he can carry on where he left off.

“There’s layers to this fight and that’s going to make it an interesting watch.”

Bonner has won his last four fights, with three of those wins coming within the distance.

“The Beast” spoke to Cage Warriors about defending his title for the first time saying: “I’m very excited to be a part of the Cage Warriors Double Trouble card.

“Melan brings an unblemished record and I’m more than happy to hand him his first defeat.

“I’m determined to keep the title that I have worked so hard to gain and put on another fantastic performance that will get me on the radar of the UFC.”

Djati Melan previously fought on Cage Warriors 80, where he picked up a first-round knockout win.

In his time away from Cage Warriors, Melan racked up another two victories over opponents with a combined record of 13-2, with his momentum only being slowed due to the global pandemic.

When asked how it felt to return to Europe’s top MMA promotion and be fighting for the title, Melan said: “This is a great opportunity that I am training very hard for.

“I have a big team behind me making sure I’m in good condition for 10th December.

“Taking this belt will be a good way to show that our hard work is paying off.”

With a title win, Melan would join a list of French fighters to have captured Cage Warriors gold, that includes “The Last Pirate” Morgan Charrière and Samir Faiddine.

Tickets for CW 131 can be purchased here.