MMA fighter Paddy Pimblett will now face Davide Martinez at Cage Warriors 113 on March 20th.

The Liverpool fighter was initially scheduled to face Donovan Desmae, but it has been revealed he has pulled out of the contest due to personal reasons.

In his place however is Italian prospect Davide Martinez, who is on a six-fight winning streak, with three coming by stoppage in the first round.

An opponent change is beginning to come a regularity in Pimblett’s career, but that hasn’t stopped him from progressing with the contest on his surge to becoming lightweight champion.

With the 155 lbs title now vacant after Jai Herbert’s move to the UFC, ‘The Baddy’ is amongst a multitude of contenders hoping for a chance at the belt.

Victory in London should see the Next Generation MMA fighter once again challenge however.

More importantly though, the fight presents Paddy Pimblett with the chance to quickly put 2019 behind him after a year of injuries and fight cancellations.

The former CW featherweight champion is undefeated in the capital, with notables wins coming over UFC veteran Julian Erosa and Frenchman Teddy Violet in previous years.

The scheduled event is perfect for fight fans, with it correlating with the UFC event a night later on March 21st in the same venue.

A flood of Next Generation talent are on show in the month of March, but the two day period with Molly McCann and Paddy Pimblett both competing in London is vital in the trajectory of the pair’s careers.

Speaking to Cage Warriors about the contest, he said:

“I hope he’s ready for a scrap come fight night, because I’m coming to make a statement.

“I’m happy to have a new opponent to focus on, and want to thank Davide for taking the fight as he’s the only person to actually want to fight me.

“Everyone else talks the talk but doesn’t walk the walk.”

Other fighters announced for CW113 include flyweight champion Samir Faiddine, Mason Jones, Ian Garry, Morgan Charriere and more.

The event at the 02’s Indigo is sold out, but will be available on UFC Fight Pass.