The Cage Warriors 189 event at the palapellicone in Rome, Italy, witnessed a mixed martial arts (MMA) bout brimming with political undertones as Irish fighter Paddy McCrory faced off against Israelí Shuki Farage. The fight,held on May 31,2025,concluded with a unanimous decision victory for McCrory.

Throughout the three-round contest, which lasted a full fifteen minutes, “Free Palestine” could be heard shouted by McCrory while striking blows to his opponent. Following his victory, McCrory further expressed his support by raising a Palestinian flag in the ring.

Fighter Profiles: McCrory vs. Farage

Paddy McCray, a 27-year-old native of West Belfast, Northern Ireland, boasts a professional record of 6 wins and 1 defeat. Standing at 1.91 meters and weighing 88.2 kg, he competes in the middleweight division and hones his skills at Fight Academy Ireland. He is currently ranked 11th among professional middleweights in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

“Free Palestine”

Shuki Farage, hailing from Ramla, Israel, has a professional record of 2 wins and 2 losses. With a height of 1.93 meters and a weight of 88.1 kg, he also competes in the middleweight division, training at the Michaelson Brothers gym.Farage’s Instagram account indicates that he served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), with images circulating on social media showing him in military uniform during operations in Gaza.

Cage Warriors: A Breeding Ground for UFC Talent

cage Warriors, established in 2001, has become a prominent European MMA promotion. It has served as a launchpad for fighters who have gone on to achieve prominence in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), including Irish superstar Conor McGregor and british champion Michael Bisping. Cage Warriors events, primarily based in London, are broadcast internationally via UFC Fight Pass and other specialized channels.