Cage Rage is one of the biggest mixed martial competitions in Europe since it began in 2002. Cage Rage has attracted some of the best fighters from around the world. Cage Rage 8 Knights of the octagon, was no exception and saw an awesome fight card of domestic and international bouts, kicking off the evening with Peter Tiarks Vs Ian Butlin for the featherweight title, and top of the bill was the middleweight title bout between Lee Murray (UFC veteran) and Anderson Silva (Pride veteran) with the winners of each bout being interviewed by TV celebrity Richard Blackwood.

Pete Tiarks Vs Ian Butlin
Featherweight Title Bout

This is Pete Tiarks first title defence after beating Ricky Moore for the belt at Cage Rage 4. It was a very technical bout with much of the time spent on the ground; Ian Butlin looked strong in the first round working well but never quite regained control. In the second and third rounds Peter Tiarks took advantage of Ian Butlins takedowns i and was able to sink in a triangle choke / armbar to keep hold of the featherweight title belt.

Suley Mahmoud Vs James Nicholls

This one looked as though it was going to go to the ground early, as both fighters had stated in their pre-fight interviews that they were going for an early submission. The first round started strong for both guys with both men throwing low leg kicks followed by a high clinch. Suley threw in some knees which caught James below the belt they were separated while James recovered. The second round started similarly to the first with both men going to the ground and James taking side mount from this position he is able to rain down blows before Suley powers his way to his feet, forcing James to the back of the cage. Suley wins a double leg takedown and throws some shots of his own, this time James is able to get back to his feet where he strikes Suley with an incredible knee to the ribs, followed by a knee to the head the ref stops the fight James Nicholls wins by TKO.

Mark Epstein Vs Silvio de Souza

Mark is a crowd favourite and gets a warm welcome from the crowd as he enters the cage, this fight pleased the crowd as it began with both men trading punches and low kicks, this forced Silvio to shoot in and take the fight to ground as Mark seemed to be landing his punches more frequently, but this was not an advantage for the Brazilian as Mark seemed to be taking advantage of the stand up rule which frustrated Silvio this gave Mark a clean advantage. The fight continued this way for thee rounds, Mark continued his barrage of strikes mixing in combinations throughout the third round. Mark wins by judge’s unanimous decision.

Sol Gilbert Vs Jean Francois Lenogue

Sol Gilbert is a strong striker from a boxing background, while Jean Francois Lenouge is a striker with a background in Vothuat a vietnese martial art. Jean starts strong, quickly forcing Sol to the back of the cage in a high clinch. Jean was able to take Sol down but Sol managed to wrestle his way back to his feet, which saw both men in a wild exchange of punches. Jean Francois forced Sol to the back of the cage again winning the takedown, Sol did a good job of defending on the ground. Round two saw Sol throw some good low kicks followed by good right hands, again Jean forced the fight to the floor with the Frenchman throwing strikes from guard, which seemed to briefly amuse Sol. Sol was able to trap Jeans left arm in an armbar, where Jean was forced to tap. Sol wins by submission.

Jeremy Bailey Vs Phil Gildea

This fight got much attention as it proved to be a grudge match after Jeremy had defeated Phil at Cage Rage two, with both men trading words as they entered the cage. In an act of rage Jeremy struck Phil with a good right hand, the crowd were disappointed with this behaviour and the arena filled with the sound of people booing. Jeremy was given a point deduction and the bout began with both men trading low kicks trying to land big shots, which would sink their opponent. The fight went to the ground, with Jeremy in half guard and Phil, whist in this position was clearly looking for a big shot to end the fight. Phil stood up and threw some aggressive leg kicks. Jeremy was able to retaliate only to be knocked to the floor by a huge right hand from Phil. Jeremy invited Phil to the ground but Phil declined the invitation and Jeremy was called back to his feet. Round two started as round one ended with both men trading low kicks and big shots, the fight was over when Jeremy let off a big shot putting Phil out for the count, but this was quickly followed by a malicious attack on Jeremys part as he leaped in to stomp his opponent but was quickly apprehended by the ref Grant Waterman. Jeremy was subsequently disqualified to the applause of the crowd. Phil Gildea wins due to disqualification.

Matt Ewin Vs Damien Riccio

Matt Ewin and Damien Riccio both have similar fighting styles preferring to take their opponents down, where they initiate the ground and pound technique, both men start by feeling their distance throwing low leg kicks before Damien Riccio is able to win a takedown, where he strikes Matt using his shoulder. Matt eventually forces a stale mate and both fighters get stood back up. The next round is similar to the first with Matt throwing a powerful looking low kick to Damiens thigh. Matts confidence consumes him as he attempts a high kick, Damien retaliates with a devastating left hook which sent Matt to the canvas. The ref stops the fight Damien Riccio wins by TKO

Ryan Robinson Vs Kuljit Degun 
Heavyweight Title Bout

As this fight began Kuljit took advantage throwing big shots and leg kicks, the fight quickly went to the ground where Kuljit tried to sit up to let off some strikes. Ryan’s defence was impressive frustrating Kuljit.. Ryan attempted an armbar but Kuljit was able to power his way out and back to his feet, Ryan was able to strike Kuljit with a good knee. The second round saw Kuljit throw some heavy leg kicks forcing Ryan to take a south paw stance, as the low kicks began to hurt Kuljit threw a high kick that sent Ryan to the floor. Kuljit follows Ryan to the floor throwing heavy shots. Ryan is able to turn it around and ends up in Kuljits guard stepping back Ryan suddenly leaps forward over the legs of his opponent, landing in full mount. Throwing punch after punch forcing Kuljit to tap. It is a good win for Ryan but as Ryan is handed his title belt Ian Freeman steps in and challenges Ryan for the title at Cage Rage 9 in November.

Ricky Salhan Vs Leigh Remedios

Leigh and Ricky have both been on the MMA scene for a while, and this was a classic bout of grappler Vs striker both fighters started well with Ricky throwing punches, Leigh quickly shot in for the takedown only to be slammed into the canvas by Ricky. Leigh quickly moved his legs high on Ricky’s back only for Ricky to stand up in the same position. Ricky eventually slams Leigh to his back again but Leigh seemed unfazed by it and jumped straight to his feet. Leigh then got the takedown and worked to a full mount position, where he began to strike Ricky before securing an impressive armbar that forced Ricky to tap.

James Zikic Vs Matthias Riccio

Matthias came out strong throwing left and right hands as the fight went to ground James quickly secured guard. James attempted a couple of armbars whilst Matthias attempted a heel hook, the fight then briefly went to its feet before James was able to get to Matthias back, and flatten him out before sinking a rear choke only for the bell to go as Matthias tapped with both corners protesting. The second round began and James seemed to pick straight up from where he left off, with James taking side mount on the floor. Matthias turned his back only for James to take advantage and sink a rear naked choke, this time forcing a clear tap and a shot at Michael Bisping for the Cage Rage LHW title.

Mark Weir Vs Johil de Oliveira

Both guys rush out of their stalls with Johil getting a quick takedown, immediately grabbing hold of Marks leg trying to secure an ankle lock, but Mark looked unconcerned as he struck Johil to the left and right side of the head, swelling the side of Johils face Mark was able to free his leg and attempted a neck crank before Johil escaped, only to find himself mounted by Mark who quickly transferred himself to a triangle / armbar where Johil was forced to tap, it was an impressive victory for Mark Weir.

Lee Murray Vs Anderson Silva

Both guys looked strong as Lee opened the round with a big right that missed. Anderson looked focused as he avoided Lee’s hands only to retaliate with a high Kick that Lee partially blocked. The power still sent Lee to the back of the cage Both guys clinched and Anderson stomped at Lee’s feet, the ref separated both men where they quickly clinched again after Anderson threw some heavy leg kicks. Anderson was able to throw a knee into Lee’s ribs where both men went to the ground. Anderson attempted an armbar only for Lee to power his way out, both men go to the ground where the round finishes with Anderson in Lee’s half guard. The second round starts with both men trading shots. Anderson seems to land a good combination. The fight again goes to the ground but Lee stands up throwing kicks to Anderson Silva’s legs, once back to his feet Anderson throws a high kick followed by a jumping high kick which missed, the fight goes to ground again where Lee quickly makes his way back to his feet only for Silva to punish Lees front leg with low kicks that seemed to slow Murray’s movement. The third round and Silva starts to trade with Lee, mixing in combinations of low kicks and high kicks, a punch from Anderson saw Lee hit the back of the cage, where Anderson followed up with some more shots. Lee seemed to be unconcerned by this and continues to tie Anderson up until they are both stood up by the referee. Anderson continues to strike Murray’s front leg until he is able to force a takedown landing in side mount. The bell rings and Anderson Silva is crowned cage rage middleweight title champion by the judge’s unanimous decision.