Chris Fields defeats Pavel Kusch to capture Cage Warriors middleweight belt

What started in Beirut in February ended on Saturday in Amman, Jordan, as Chris Fields defeated Pavel Kusch to win the Cage Warriors Fighting Championship middleweight tournament at “Fight Night 7.”

It was the eighth win in nine fights for Fields, who replaced an injured John Phillips in the 185-pound final – Phillips earned a semifinal victory over Fields via guillotine choke in July. The Irishman took advantage of his opportunity, winning via TKO over an exhausted Kusch at 2:05 of the third round at the Al-Hussein Youth City Boxing Arena.

“You don’t understand how much this means to me. I’ve given so much of my life, stuff with my girlfriend, stuff with my family, everything,” Fields said. “This is everything to me.”

The SBG Ireland representative weathered an early storm from his opponent, as Kusch spent much of the opening round hunting for leg locks, knee bars and toe holds. The lanky Fields refused to become the Ukrainian’s 14th submission victim, however, and when the fight was vertical he was able to score successfully with a variety of kicks from distance.

Kusch slowed considerably in round two and Fields capitalized by continuing to find a home for his strikes and slamming his way out of an armbar attempt. The Irishman teed off with knees and punches against the cage before Kusch unsuccessfully went for an ankle lock. Fields moved to mount and continued to attack, but Kusch turtled and just managed to survive until the horn.

“I was thinking, ‘Damn, I don’t want to go five rounds. That is tiring.’ The guy is strong,” Fields said. “I couldn’t put him away – I hit him with everything. He’s a beast, I give him all the credit. I hit him with my best shots.”

Fields wouldn’t need to go to the championship frames. Kusch began round three with his hands on his knees and mounted virtually no offense as Fields continued his assault. Finally, referee Marc Goddard stopped the fight after watching a lethargic Kusch struggle to get to his feet several times in the frame.

In the co-main event, Jim Alers didn’t get the title shot he was hoping for, but he made a serious case for receiving a chance at the CWFC featherweight crown in the near future. Alers submitted Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Marcio Cesar with a D’arce choke at 2:27 of the second round to earn his second straight finish within the promotion.

The Alliance Jiu-Jitsu Orlando product set the tone in the first five minutes. He wobbled Cesar with a combination, landed a series of knees in the clinch and executed a beautiful lateral drop. He continued to surge in round two, dropping his adversary with a counter right hand after catching a kick before moving to side control. Shortly thereafter, Alers secured the choke and set his sights on champion Conor McGregor.

“I feel amazing. I want my belt; let’s do it,” Alers said. “Conor, I wish that you get well fast. Heal up fast so we can make this fight happen.”

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Photo by Dolly Clew