CRIS CYBORG scored a devastating first-round KO victory over Sinead Kavanagh to retain the Bellator women’s featherweight title. Mixed martial arts legend Cyborg locked horns with Kavanagh early on Saturday morning in the main event of Bellator 271 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood in Florida. The Brazilian went into her latest title […]
CRIS CYBORG scored a devastating first-round KO victory over Sinead Kavanagh to retain the Bellator women’s featherweight title.
Mixed martial arts legend Cyborg locked horns with Kavanagh early on Saturday morning in the main event of Bellator 271 at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood in Florida.
The Brazilian went into her latest title defence as a huge favourite over the SBG Ireland standout, who entered her maiden Bellator title fight on a two-fight win streak.
But her hopes of becoming the promotion’s first Irish champion were shattered in just over a minute-and-half.
Unsurprisingly, Slick boxer Kavanagh opted to stand and trade with the heavy-hitting Cyborg.
But a devastating counter right hand from the champion floored KO before she was finished by a series of academic hammer fists.
In her post-fight interview, the Cyborg, 36, said: “I trained really hard for this fight. I’m sorry to my team, I didn’t do anything we planned!” she laughed.
“I knew she was more of a striker, so I had the opportunity to go to my takedowns and go to my ground game.
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“But I said I want to feel her a bit in the stand-up. I’m very excited [to get] the knockout.
“I asked for Cat Zingano next, but I’ll leave it in the hands of [Bellator president] Scott Coker. I don’t choose any opponents.”
Former UFC champ Cyborg has defended her 145lb strap three times since reaching the summit of the division last January.
Bellator are fast running out of viable challenges for the MMA great, although undefeated free agent Kayla Harrison – who was cageside for the fight – could be a potential opponent down the line.
Cyborg said: “Kayla, thanks for coming to the fights. You know I really appreciate you [being] here.
“I’m here, and if you want to fight with me one day, that would be a great fight.
“But Ali [Abdelaziz, Harrison’s manager] will have to talk to the promotion to make this happen.”
Cris Cyborg def. Sinead Kavanagh via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:32
Linton Vassell def. Tyrell Fortune via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Aaron Pico def. Justin Gonzales via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Arlene Blencowe def. Pam Sorenson via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Prelims
Steve Mowry def. Rakim Cleveland via submission (Kimura) – Round 1, 3:28
Bruna Ellen def. Desiree Yanez via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Roman Faraldo def. Robert Turnquest via knockout (flying knee) – Round 1, 1:17
Cody Law def. Colton Hamm via knockout (elbows) – Round 1, 4:21
Valerie Loureda def. Taylor Turner via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
Waldo Cortes-Acosta def. Muhammed DeReese via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Ethan Hughes def. Mahmoud Sebie TKO (punches) – Round 3, 4:05
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