Arturo Izquierdo makes his professional mixed martial arts debut on November 7 at Cage Warriors 212 in the UK capital. The fighter from Haro, La Rioja, joins a contingent of up to six Spanish athletes featured on the card, which the promotion has branded as a “Spanish Showcase.” This event is set to be a historic date for both Spanish and Riojan mixed martial arts.
Izquierdo enters the professional ranks following an amateur career defined by selective competition. He signed a five-fight contract with the promotion, which he described as within reach of very few for a newcomer. His transition to the professional level follows a period of intense training, including a nearly three-year stint in Alicante that ended in 2023, and subsequent sessions at the K.O. Warrior Club in Logroño under José Ignacio Barruetabeña. He began his journey seven years ago at the Haro Fight gym.
Matchup against Hany Musleh
He will compete in the under-70 kilogram division against Hany Musleh, a Syrian fighter based in the United Kingdom. Musleh holds a 1-2 record in Cage Warriors heading into the event. Izquierdo noted that his opponent relies heavily on wrestling, cage pressure, and wall work. He added that Musleh is “stronger and bigger” but dislikes exchanging strikes. Izquierdo believes that by analyzing patterns, he can neutralize the Syrian’s base.
Izquierdo, who focuses on jiu-jitsu and grappling, stated that his game plan involves neutralizing Musleh’s wrestling base. He anticipates that his own striking and grappling technical improvements will be evident during the bout. “I have better jiu-jitsu than him and also better striking,” Izquierdo said. “I haven’t shown it in my amateur fights, but it’s time to do it.”
Path to the professional stage
The debut was originally scheduled for March but was canceled one week prior due to an opponent withdrawal. Izquierdo’s path to this event began seven years ago in Haro, where he initially trained in kickboxing after leaving a background in football. He credits his development to his association with Ander Sánchez, the first fighter from La Rioja to debut in Cage Warriors.
Reflecting on his progression, Izquierdo emphasized that his commitment to the sport intensified during the pandemic. He describes his current status as a personal journey rather than a pursuit of public recognition. “I signed up to train because I enjoyed it a lot and the hours flew by on the mat,” he said. “I never thought I was going to get something financial or something bigger on a personal level.”
Ambitions beyond the UK capital debut
While Izquierdo acknowledges the UFC as a goal, he maintains a focus on the immediate challenge. He cited the Cage Warriors championship, previously held by fighters such as Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria, as a primary motivator for his career.
The event is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. local time on November 7. Regarding his immediate future, Izquierdo stated: The important thing is the present,
noting that for him, the present does not go beyond tomorrow in the British capital, adding: Things are going to happen that will surprise more than one person.
