Ian ‘The Machine’ Freeman’s attempt at a comeback ended in crushing defeat on Saturday night at Wembley Arena as Cage Rage presented their seventeenth show, subtitled ‘The Ultimate Challenge’.

Freeman, the heavy crowd favourite in this challenge for the Cage Rage World Light-Heavyweight Title, was knocked into next week by Dutch master Melvin Manhoef courtesy of a scintillating knockout just 17 seconds into round one. It was a crushing blow which must have made Freeman reconsider retirement, while confirming Manhoef’s growing reputation as the scariest man in the UK fight scene. Freeman looked in great shape, trimmed down to 205lbs for the fight, but sadly for him ‘The Machine’ had no opportunity to show his skills as he ate several Manhoef punches before flopping to the mat in a knockout which sent the crowd wild.

Cage Rage 17: ‘Ultimate Challenge’
Saturday, July 1
Wembley Arena, London

Dean Bray def. Darren Geisha
Rear Naked Choke at 3:03 of R1

Robbie Olivier def. Mark Chen
Rear Naked Choke at 3:11 of R1

Phil Norman def. David Bielkheden
Unanimous Decision

Paul Daley def. Ross Mason
Unanimous Decision

Adbul Mohamed def. Jean Silva
Majority Decision

Pierre Guillet def. Daijiro Matsui
TKO (Doctor Stoppage - Cut) at 4:08 of R2

Mark Epstein def. Dave Legeno
KO at 0:45 of R1

Robert Berry def. Henry Miller
TKO (Ref Stoppage - Strikes) at 1:06 of R1

Zelg Galesic def. Curtis Stout
Armbar - at 1:10 of R1

Gilbert Yvel def. Fabiano Scherner
TKO (Ref Stoppage - Strikes) at 1:30 of R1

Rob Broughton def. James Thompson
TKO (Ref Stoppage - Strikes) at 0:49 of R3

Melvin Manhoef def. Ian Freeman
KO at 0:17 of R1