There is something in the air when Cage Warriors Welterweight title is on the line.
The last time the belt was vacant, Rhys McKee went to war with Justin Burlinson at Cage Warriors 140. 30 shows later and the belt was once again on the line, with no champion, it was between James Sheehan and Daniel Konrad as to who would be crowned the new king at 170lbs.
Konrad came out the blocks quickly, loading up on his shots, looking to end the contest early but Sheehan was happy to stand in the pocket and trade accordingly. An unintentional clash of heads left a nasty cut above the Irishman's right eye.
The first round was reminiscent of the McKee vs. Burlinson bout, with both men clearly ready to give it all to capture the title.
The second round picked up where the first left off, with both men standing and swinging - both catching each other with big shots. On one of Konrad's explosive entries, Sheehan's outstretched fingers made contact with the eye of Konrad, calling a brief stop to the contest. Later in the round Sheehan dropped to the mat when an inside lead leg kick appeared to hurt the Team Ryano man. Sensing a finish, Konrad swarmed his work and ultimately ended up with his back against the cage.
The two continued to swing on each other then with just 25 seconds left on the clock, Sheehan shot for a takedown and Konrad looked to tie up a jumping guillotine but the Irishman managed to pop his head out immediately.
Entering the third round, both men were battered and bloodied. 30 seconds in Sheehan took the bout to the mat and was instantly met with elbows which cut 'Jimbo Slice' on the side of the head. The take down eventually came just after half way through the round, with Konrad looking to alleviate the pressure but Sheehan's relentless top pressure resulted in him managing to land several shots before coming close with a head and arm choke with 10 seconds left on the clock.
The submissions attempt was just a glimpse of what was to come with with after another 3 minutes of striking in the fourth round, Sheehan shot for the take down again and after trapping Konrad against the cage, Sheehan put the squeeze on and rendered Konrad unconscious with 35 seconds left on the clock.
With that, Sheehan became the first Team Ryano man to clinch Cage Warriors gold since his coach, Neil Seery claimed the Cage Warriors Flyweight title at Cage Warriors 55.
