Caged Thunder Brings MMA Back to Cleveland With High-Stakes Fight Card

MMA returns to Downtown Cleveland for the first time in a decade when Caged Thunder: Fight Night in the Land takes over Huntington Convention Center on May 23.

The stacked fight card blends hometown talent, professional debuts and rising prospects with national ambitions, as Cleveland fighters step into the cage alongside competitors from across the country.

Eric Jarvis, chief business officer for Caged Thunder, sees this as a turning point for local MMA fights. “This is something we want Cleveland to expect every year,” he says. “That’s the ultimate goal.”

Among the night’s biggest matchups is undefeated pro Ben “Mudbug” Willeford, a former Cleveland State wrestling standout representing Strong Style Fight Team. He faces Orlando-based Luis “Prince” Perez in a bout Jarvis says could help launch Willeford toward UFC contention.

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Another hometown storyline centers on Chase “The Archangel” Archangelo, the former undefeated Caged Thunder amateur welterweight champion and viral kindergarten gym teacher, as he makes his professional debut against Lorain fighter Sam McGuigan.

Fan favorites Dusty “The Warrior” Shaffer and Matt “The Hammer” Hammerstone also return in a professional featherweight clash.

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“We’ve got popular local names, high-level talent and fights with real stakes,” Jarvis says. “It’s going to be a huge night for Cleveland MMA.”

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