FOUR Gwent-based fighters go to battle on the world stage on Saturday at Cage Warriors 97 in Cardiff, in what will be the biggest mixed martial arts event ever held on Welsh soil, writes Jason Batty.

The promotion has moved from the Newport Centre to the Ice Arena Wales in the capital in order to meet the growing appetite for Welsh MMA.

The sell-out crowd can expect to witness a card stacked with talent including Aberillery’s own Jack Shore, who fights for the vacant bantamweight world title.

Rising star Shore looks to maintain his unbeaten record and he’ll be in search for his ninth consecutive win in the octagon when he squares off against Omer Cankardesler in the main event.

The veteran German offers a solid test for 23-year-old Shore, having won his last two contests by TKO.

In a potential five-round fight, Shore aims to secure the gold strap by following in the footsteps of former Welsh Cage Warriors champions Jack Marshman and Brett Johns, who now ply their trade in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

The co-main event see’s Celtic Pride combatant and top prospect Mason Jones looking to keep his perfect record in check also, when he takes on Kacper Formela of Poland in a lightweight contest.

Having spent eight weeks in California fine-tuning his skills at Team Alpha Male, well-rounded former professional boxer Jones will need to utilise all his resources to put the well decorated Polish karate black belt away.

The card also features Kris Edwards, whose rise back to the top is nothing short of remarkable. Having been in touching distance of a world title shot six years ago, Edwards went on to drop five decisions on the bounce before taking two years out of the sport.

Upon his return, however, he has notched up a four-fight winning streak demonstrating his all-round game with a mixed bag of submission and knock out victories to put him back where he belongs.

Standing in front of him on Saturday is Belgium’s Brian Bouland, who boasts a record of seven wins and four knockouts.

Opening the main card on the night is 18-year old Tillery Combat fighter Cory McKenna in the woman’s strawweight division.

Having impressed in her first two professional outings with dominant wins, the teenager will look to snap the five-fight winning streak of experienced opponent Micol Di Segni in what will be Mckenna’s sternest test to date.

Cage Warriors 97 will be live on BT sport on Saturday night and will also be streamed on UFC Fight Pass.