Bernd Becker 
Cris Cyborg successfully defended her Bellator women’s featherweight title tonight when she took down Irish fighter Sinead Kavanagh in the first round. The Brazilian flyweight knocked out the Dubliner with a head kick and scored a quick submission victory before earning a post-fight interview with commentator Josh Gross.
Cris Cyborg retained her Bellator Women’s Featherweight Championship with a second round knockout of Sinead Kavanagh at inside the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Cyborg landed a barrage of punches that put Kavanagh down and out before referee Jerin Valel stepped in to end the bout.
Cris Cyborg knocked out Sinead Kavanagh in the first round of their Bellator 271 fight to retain her title.
Cyborg has already knocked out 20 opponents in her career.
In the main event of Bellator 271, reigning featherweight world champion Cris Cyborg knocked out Ireland’s Sinead Kavanagh for the 11th time in her career.
In a high-octane duel in Hollywood, Florida, Brazil’s Cyborg, 36, fought toe-to-toe with Irish attacker Kavanagh, 35.
Before the champion began the clinch against the fence, Cyborg and Kavanagh wasted little time throwing hard punches from the opening bell.
When the fight returned to boxing range, the fists flew once again, and Cyborg’s strength won out as she knocked out Kavanagh with a powerful combination at one minute and 32 seconds.
Cyborg’s victory was her 11th first-round knockout and her 20th knockout victory overall.
Cyborg acknowledged after the bout that she broke from her team’s gameplan by standing and trading instead of including wrestling into her routine.
“For this battle, I put in a lot of effort. I’m sorry to my teammates; I didn’t follow through on our plans!” She burst out laughing.
“Because I knew she was more of a striker, I was able to focus on my takedowns and ground game.” But I indicated in the stand-up that I wanted to feel her a little bit. I’m really looking forward to getting the knockout.
“Next, I requested Cat Zingano, but I’ll leave that to [Bellator president] Scott Coker. I don’t have any opponents in mind.”
Kayla Harrison, a two-time Olympic judo gold medalist and two-time PFL women’s lightweight champion, was ringside for Cyborg’s victory. Harrison is presently a free agent.
Cyborg said that she would be delighted to see her in the Bellator cage.
“Thank you for attending the bouts, Kayla. You know how much I enjoy your [being] here, “she said
“I’m here, and it would be a wonderful battle if you wanted to fight with me one day. To make this happen, Ali [Abdelaziz, Harrison’s manager] will have to speak with the promotion.”
Vassell’s grappling wits aid him to a big triumph.
Vassell was victorious against Fortune in their heavyweight bout.
With a split-decision win against American contender Tyrell Fortune in the evening’s co-main event, England’s former light heavyweight championship challenger Linton Vassell moved one step closer to title contention at heavyweight.
Vassell’s grappling talents proved pivotal as he controlled the scrambles on the ground against the former college wrestling champion in a grueling three-round match that saw both men receive illegal knees to the crotch.
As he sought for an opportunity for a rear-naked choke finish, Vassell, 38, repeatedly seized his opponent’s back and hammered Fortune, 31, with powerful ground attacks.
Fortune fought valiantly from his back to ensure the fight got to the judges, but he couldn’t stop ‘Big Swarm’ from winning his third consecutive Bellator heavyweight title with scores of 28-29, 29-28, 29-28.
Pico wins his first decision.
Aaron Pico, a rising featherweight contender, maintained his strong record by defeating former LFA featherweight champion Justin Gonzales for the first time.
Pico, 25, controlled the fight from start to finish, punishing Gonzales, 30, in the striking exchanges and then dominating the mat after repeatedly throwing him to the canvas during their 145-pound clash.
Gonzales fought valiantly throughout the fight, forcing Pico to go the distance for the first time in his career, but he was unable to prevent Pico from scoring a shutout victory on the scorecards, with scores of 30-27, 30-27, and 30-26.
Pico remarked after his triumph, “I knew it was a great effort, but I’ve had to become better.”
“It’s just that I’m so harsh on myself.” I knew I’d won, but I wanted to end these men with brutal ground and pound. I’m relieved to have won.
“Let’s go back to the drawing board, because I know it’ll be a completely other ballgame once I’m out of this cage. Let’s go to work. I’ve got to be ready for the next opponent.”
For Sorenson, Blencowe is too powerful.
Arlene Blencowe, the top-ranked women’s featherweight challenger, defeated Pam Sorenson, the former Invicta FC featherweight champion, in the main event’s first battle.
Blencowe, 38, a two-time championship contender, had a distinct edge in the striking exchanges, outboxing Sorenson, 35, throughout their 145-pound bout.
The Australian’s right hand frequently found a home, with Sorenson’s desperation takedown attempts providing the only reprieve for the American.
Blencowe’s takedown defense, on the other hand, meant she was never really threatened, and she won by unanimous decision with scores of 29-28, 30-27, and 30-27.
Cris Cyborg knocked out Sinead Kavanagh in the first round of their Bellator 271 bout. The win was Cyborg’s seventh straight title defense, and she is still the only fighter to have defended her belt seven times. Reference: cris cyborg record.
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