Short notice, big performances: Wolves’ Den athletes shine in Iowa cage wars.
The Wolves’ Den Training Center made its presence felt last night at TruRev MMA in Burlington, Iowa, as two of our rising fighters stepped into the cage and delivered action-packed performances that had the crowd on their feet.
Niko Karidis Goes to War in 135lb Thriller
In the first bout of the night for the team, Niko Karidis accepted a tough fight on just one week’s notice—and delivered a war. Facing the experienced Justin Newman in the 135lb division, Niko showcased his grit, cardio, and striking under fire. The two traded heavy shots and relentless pressure in a bout that had fans roaring from start to finish.
Despite the short prep time, Niko held his own and pushed the pace, leaving many in the crowd stunned when the judges handed Newman a controversial split decision victory. It was a razor-close contest, and Niko walked away with the respect of everyone in the arena. This fight proved that Karidis is a serious contender at bantamweight, even on minimal prep time.
Xander Cassidy Stays Undefeated with First-Round Submission
Stealing the show later in the night, Xander Cassidy continued his rapid rise in the lightweight division. Coming off a first-round finish at Rival FC in Kentucky, Cassidy was back in the cage on less than three weeks’ notice and didn’t miss a beat.
Facing Richard “The Silencer” Sturek at 155lbs, Xander wasted no time imposing his game plan. With crisp entries and seamless transitions, he secured a dominant first-round submission—extending his amateur record to 2-0.
What makes Xander’s rise so impressive? He’s only been training for a year.
The buzz is building fast: Xander is emerging as one of the most exciting prospects to come out of The Wolves’ Den in recent memory.
The Wolves Are Just Getting Started
Both fighters showed the toughness, technique, and team spirit that define the Wolves’ Den Training Center. Whether it’s taking fights on short notice or chasing finishes, our athletes are making a statement in cages across the Midwest.
Stay tuned for more big announcements, fight news, and future matchups as our team continues to grow and put Lake Saint Louis on the MMA map.
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