Ryan Shelley vs Tobias Harila set for Cage Warriors Dublin Card

Image credit: Dolly Clew / Cage Warriors

Featherweight prospects are set to throw down inside Dublin’s 3Arena.

Undefeated Irishman Ryan Shelley (6-0) will take on Swedish berserker Tobias Harila (11-3) at Cage Warriors 153 on Saturday 29th April in the promotion’s return to the Republic of Ireland. Cage Warriors confirmed the matchup to SevereMMA.com, before officially announcing it on Friday afternoon.

Team KF’s Shelley has lit up the Irish and UK scene since turning pro in May 2021. With 5 finishes in 6 fights, the former kickboxing world champion has showcased a potent submission arsenal to date. Most recently, the Whitehall native dispatched perennial Cage Warriors title contender Josh “Crazy Horse” Reed at CW 145 in November.

Sweden’s Tobias Harila became an overnight fan favourite within Cage Warriors after his promotional debut back in March 2021 when he stopped Aidan Stephen in the first round. A flamboyant yet psychotic personality inside the cage, the Västerås Fight Club charge commands attention from the moment he enters the arena. Harila’s walkouts have become as much appointment viewing as his cage fighting.

Despite a mixed 3-2 record in the promotion, Harila continues to live up to his “Bad Intention” nickname, which was on full display in his most recent win over undefeated American Damon Wilson. Harila unloaded a ferocious elbow to stop Wilson in his tracks in the second round of their New Year’s Eve clash at Cage Warriors 148 in London.

Shelley vs Harila is the latest in a growing string of specials from legendary matchmaker Ian Dean for the Dublin card. Cage Warriors announced earlier this week that welterweight king Rhys “Skeletor” McKee will defend his 170lbs throne against interim belt holder “Judo” Jim Wallhead in a title unification main event. Additionally, as we reported on Wednesday, James “Jimbo Slice” Sheehan takes on Oban Elliott in another barnburner welterweight pairing.

Tickets for Cage Warriors 153 go on sale today for the general public.