Main-event Branislav Popov VS Ognjen Kovacevic
-170lb
In a welterweight bout between Ognjen Kovacevic and Branislav Popov, the fight went the distance, lasting for three rounds. Kovacevic dominated the fight with his striking, consistently landing clean shots on Popov throughout the contest. Popov attempted to close the distance and clinch with Kovacevic but was largely unsuccessful as Kovacevic showcased good footwork and defensive skills.
Kovacevic's striking accuracy and power seemed to overwhelm Popov, who struggled to mount significant offense. Kovacevic landed numerous shots to Popov's body and head, causing visible damage and rocking his opponent at times.
During his walkout, Ognjen Kovacevic entered the arena to the tune of "Clapping Your Sister's Cheeks at 3 AM," setting a tone of confidence and humor for the bout.
After three rounds of action, the judges scored the fight unanimously in favor of Ognjen Kovacevic, with all three judges scoring the fight 30-24 in his favor. Kovacevic's dominant performance earned him a well-deserved decision victory.
In his post-fight statement, Ognjen Kovacevic expressed his excitement and celebratory mood, indicating his intention to celebrate on Discord after the fight.
Co-main-event Micah Kim VS Jarred Brooks
-135lb
In a bantamweight matchup between Micah Kim and Jarred Brooks, the fight ended swiftly in the first round with a submission victory for Kim. As the bell rang to signal the start of the bout, Kim attempted a takedown, but Brooks anticipated it and evaded easily. Brooks looked to engage in the clinch, but Kim showcased good defensive movement, avoiding Brooks' strikes effectively.
However, Brooks managed to close the distance and execute a trip takedown, landing in half guard. Despite being on his back, Kim remained active, working from the bottom position. In a sudden turn of events, Kim capitalized on an opportunity, locking in a tight guillotine choke from full guard. With relentless pressure, Kim forced Brooks to tap out, securing the victory in just 38 seconds of the first round.
The impressive victory marked a successful rebound for Kim, who celebrated his submission win in front of the crowd
Denis Djeri VS Jackson Jones
-145lb
In a featherweight showdown between Jackson Jones and Denis Djeri, the fight ended swiftly in the first round with a TKO victory for Jones. As the bout commenced, Jones wasted no time in asserting his dominance, landing a series of significant strikes that caught the attention of the judges. Djeri attempted multiple takedowns but was unsuccessful, as Jones showcased excellent defensive skills and countered with precise striking.
Jones eventually backed Djeri against the cage and landed a barrage of powerful strikes, causing Djeri to stumble and lose his balance. Sensing an opportunity, Jones capitalized on Djeri's weakened state and continued to unleash a relentless onslaught of strikes, ultimately dropping Djeri to the canvas.
With Djeri unable to defend himself, the referee swiftly intervened, calling an end to the contest and awarding Jones the victory via TKO at 1 minute and 19 seconds into the first round. It was a dominating performance by Jones, who showcased his killer instinct and finishing ability.
After the fight, Djeri delivered a cryptic message, stating, "Kletva starog Janosa dolazi po vas," signaling his determination to bounce back stronger in future bouts.
Venus Flytrap VS Josh En
-155lb
In a lightweight clash between Venus Flytrap and Josh En, Flytrap emerged victorious with a first-round submission via armbar. As the bout commenced, Flytrap showcased his aggressive intent by attempting multiple takedowns, but En showcased solid defensive skills, sprawling effectively to keep the fight standing.
Despite Flytrap's failed takedown attempts, he remained undeterred and continued to press forward with striking combinations. En, however, responded with his own striking offense, albeit unable to land significant blows on Flytrap.
Flytrap eventually managed to secure a trip takedown, landing in side control where he began to unleash ground and pound strikes. Transitioning to full mount, Flytrap maintained control, peppering En with a barrage of strikes while looking for opportunities to advance his position.
As En attempted to escape the mount position, Flytrap capitalized on the opening, swiftly transitioning into an armbar submission. With impeccable technique, Flytrap applied pressure on En's arm, forcing the tap at 4 minutes and 32 seconds into the first round.
It was a dominant performance by Venus Flytrap, who showcased his versatile skill set and secured an impressive victory via submission, much to the delight of the crowd in attendance.
UNDERCARD
Azim Kaarduu VS Robert Brant
-155lb
In a lightweight bout, Azim Kaarduu faced off against Robert Brant, both hailing from Montreal. As the first round commenced, Kaarduu wasted no time, engaging Brant in the clinch and pressing him against the cage.
Despite Brant's attempt to escape the clinch, Kaarduu maintained control and eventually secured a trip takedown, landing in half guard. From this advantageous position, Kaarduu began to unleash ground and pound strikes, looking to assert dominance over his opponent.
Despite Brant's efforts to defend, Kaarduu's relentless assault started to take its toll. As Kaarduu landed a series of punishing strikes, Brant found himself rocked and unable to effectively defend himself. Sensing the opportunity, Kaarduu capitalized on Brant's vulnerability, landing a decisive elbow that rendered Brant unconscious.
With Brant unable to intelligently defend himself, the referee had no choice but to step in and stop the fight, awarding Kaarduu the victory via TKO at 2 minutes and 56 seconds into the first round.
Following his impressive performance, Kaarduu expressed gratitude to his supporters and encouraged fans to connect with him on Twitter, celebrating his victory in style.
Mbuti Bayaka VS Standen Bang
-155lb
In a lightweight showdown, Mbuti Bayaka clashed with Standen Bang, with Bayaka representing Montreal and Bang hailing from Los Angeles. As the first round kicked off, Bayaka wasted no time engaging Bang in the clinch, pressing him against the cage.
Utilizing his clinch control, Bayaka began to land a series of strikes, targeting Bang's head and body. Despite Bang's attempts to break free, Bayaka maintained dominance in the clinch, consistently finding success with his striking.
As the round progressed, Bayaka managed to secure a hip toss, maneuvering into side control on the ground. From this advantageous position, Bayaka unleashed a barrage of ground and pound strikes, causing significant damage to Bang.
Unable to mount a defense, Bang found himself rocked by Bayaka's onslaught. Sensing an opportunity, Bayaka transitioned to mount, where he continued to rain down heavy blows on his defenseless opponent.
With Bang unable to intelligently defend himself, the referee had no choice but to step in and stop the fight, awarding Bayaka the victory by knockout at 4 minutes and 54 seconds into the first round.
Following his impressive performance, Bayaka took the opportunity to interact with the crowd during his post-fight interview, undoubtedly winning over some new fans with his charismatic presence.
Joey Dibiassi VS Duane Jackson
-145lb
In a closely contested battle in the featherweight division, Duane Jackson faced off against Joey Dibiassi. The fight began with intense striking exchanges, with both fighters landing significant shots. Despite Jackson's attempts at takedowns, Dibiassi defended well and countered effectively. In the second round, Jackson secured a takedown but couldn't inflict much damage. Dibiassi showcased resilience and avoided significant harm. As the final round unfolded, Dibiassi increased his striking output, landing clean shots and defending against takedowns. The judges awarded Dibiassi a majority decision victory for his effective striking and defensive skills, despite Jackson's strong performance.
Baron Welch VS DeAndre Ward
-135lb
In a bantamweight showdown, Baron Welch clashed with DeAndre Ward. The bout began with Welch attempting a takedown, but Ward countered with a well-placed low kick. Ward capitalized on the opportunity and secured a takedown into Welch's guard. However, Welch swiftly transitioned, hunting for submissions from the bottom. As Ward passed into side control, Welch maneuvered into half guard, continuing to search for openings. Sensing an opportunity, Welch locked in a tight triangle choke from the bottom position. Despite Ward's efforts to resist, Welch secured the submission victory via triangle choke at 2 minutes and 44 seconds of the first round. Post-fight, Welch expressed his desire for a title shot, making a compelling case for his championship aspirations.
Viktor Mertel VS Javier Fuentes
-170lb
In a welterweight showdown, Viktor Mertel clashed with Javier Fuentes. As the bell rang, Mertel, known for his controversial antics, initiated the Nigerian Penile Enlargement Protocol, a move that had raised eyebrows among fans and critics alike. With a blend of bravado and skill, Mertel engaged in relentless trash-talking, proclaiming himself as the pound-for-pound number one trash talker in the game.
In the opening round, Mertel wasted no time in showcasing his striking prowess, aggressively pursuing Fuentes and dictating the pace of the fight. Despite Fuentes managing to secure a takedown and briefly control the ground game, Mertel's resilience and determination shone through.
As the second round commenced, Mertel continued his verbal onslaught while unleashing a barrage of strikes that left Fuentes visibly rattled. Displaying his self-proclaimed dominance, Mertel landed a devastating right hand that sent Fuentes crashing to the canvas, prompting the referee to step in and halt the contest after a mere 37 seconds.
Amidst the post-fight celebrations, Mertel once again stirred controversy with his bold claims of being the pound-for-pound number one trash talker, leaving the crowd both stunned and entertained by his audacious performance.
Katsumi Orochi VS Devontae Smith
-185lb
In the middleweight division, Katsumi Orochi squared off against Devontae Smith in a thrilling encounter. As the bell chimed for round one, Orochi attempted to maintain distance, but Smith swiftly closed in, initiating a clinch against the cage. Despite Orochi's efforts to break free, Smith persistently pursued the takedown, showcasing his determination.
Round two saw Orochi asserting dominance with his striking prowess, skillfully evading Smith's attacks while landing precise strikes of his own. A relentless onslaught of punches from Orochi left Smith rocked and vulnerable. Sensing an opportunity, Orochi unleashed a powerful right hand that sent Smith crashing to the canvas, securing the victory by KO at 3 minutes and 8 seconds of the second round.
With this impressive win, Katsumi Orochi demonstrated his prowess in the middleweight division, leaving the crowd in awe of his performance.
OVERVIEW
Date:2024-03-20
Attendance: 1847
KO of the night: Mbuti Bayaka
Sub of the night: Micah Kim
Fight of the night: Joey Dibiassi vs Duane Jackson
