Caged Steel 40 returns to Doncaster Dome with Professional/Amateur MMA and Caged Boxing, on Saturday 5th July, and the buzz is building fast. Among the many exciting matchups set to ignite the night, five returning athletes are bringing serious excitement, stories, and skills to the cage. Whether you’ve seen them fight before or are about to discover them for the first time, here’s everything you need to know…
Back in action for the first time in over a year, Liam Dunn is one of the most exciting prospects in UK MMA. Fighting out of the prestigious Carlson Gracie Hull gym under the watch of the renowned Owen Livesey, Liam brings world-class wrestling and a well-rounded game that fans can’t get enough of. A BJJ purple belt and former standout amateur (6–1), Liam’s professional record stands at 1 win, 1 loss.
His last Caged Steel appearance was ferocious, ending in a slick submission win over an experienced opponent. Now returning at middleweight, Liam takes on Iceland’s Haraldur Arnarson, a tough and familiar name to Caged Steel fans making his fifth appearance and seeking his first pro win. Expect intensity, pace and technical warfare when these two meet in the cage.
Matt Pepper is back and this time, he’s battling for a title. Representing The Kingdom Boxing Academy in Scunthorpe, Matt is stepping into a Caged Boxing title fight in the Cruiserweight division, but this won’t be your standard boxing bout. Fought in 4oz MMA gloves, fans can expect heavy hands and high stakes.
Matt has a rich Caged Steel history, first appearing in 2018, and has since fought in Caged Boxing, Amateur MMA, and Professional MMA. Now aged 42, this fight is extra special: Matt shares the card with his son, Cody Pepper, who is making his Caged Steel debut (3-2). He’ll face Liverpool’s Duane Smith, a veteran making his second Caged Steel appearance after facing Joe Lister.
Dan Cranston returns to the Caged Steel cage for the second time, representing MTK Newcastle. A composed and tactical fighter, Dan boasts an amateur record of 3 wins and 3 losses, but don’t let the numbers fool you. His last fight was a first-round doctor stoppage victory back in November 2024, since the he’s gained valuable experience, fine tuned his striking and grappling ability, and is a much sharper MMA athlete.
Now also a coach at MTK, Dan brings with him a strong team and growing fanbase. His fast, intelligent fighting style makes him a dangerous opponent at amateur level, and fans will be eager to see how he builds on his success. Dan’s set to fight Yonatan Francisco from RVK MMA, another seasoned Caged Steel athlete.
Returning for his fourth Caged Steel appearance, Jack Terry is a fighter who brings heart, grit, and entertainment. Nicknamed “The Yorkshire Terrier,” Jack is a proud Doncaster athlete fighting out of HD Performance Centre under UFC veteran Marc Diakiese. With an amateur bantamweight record of 3–3, Jack is a well-rounded martial artist but loves to strike.
He’ll be 25 by fight night and is set to face Yahya Mazel from Fight Ministry Humberston, a fight that was previously scheduled but postponed due to injury. This time, both camps confirmed the bout within 30 minutes of being offered, at exactly the same time. Don’t blink when these two meet, it’s got all the ingredients of a fan-favourite scrap.
One of the most recognisable international athletes on the Caged Steel roster, Jhoan Salinas from Iceland’s RVK gym is ready to make his professional debut. He’s no stranger to our orange cage, with six previous Caged Steel appearances, including an amateur title win and a solid 5–2 record in the amateur ranks.
Jhoan’s last outing in December 2024 against Mason Yarrow was a thrilling contest. Now, stepping up to the pro super lightweight division (74.8kg), he’s matched against Manchester’s Dec Dean of 12 Gauge MMA, a seasoned, dangerous opponent. Jhoan’s mix of relentlessness, skill and fan support makes this a must-watch moment in his career.
These five athletes, plus many more, bring experience, personality, and explosive potential to Caged Steel 40. Whether you’re backing a hometown hero or watching a new star rise, this card promises something for every fight fan.
The fight card for Caged Steel 40 is already shaping up to be an electrifying one. Confirmed bouts include:
And there’s more to come… stay tuned as additional matchups are announced soon.
Caged Steel 40 | Saturday 5th July | Doncaster Dome
Tickets from just £35
VIP options available
Write in the comments below who you’re supporting and what you predict the outcomes will be.
Experience the thrill of live MMA action like never before by attending our upcoming event. Feel the energy of the crowd, and be a part of the excitement. Being there in person allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
This looks exciting. Please let me know which of the fighters are based in Yorkshire/Lancashire or Nottinghamshire where I have press contact.
Absolutely 🫡