In his first main event, Leon “The Professional” Hill delivered spectacularly, headlining Cage Warriors Dublin with a highlight-reel first-round head-kick knockout.
Fighting in front of a sold-out RDS Arena, the Irishman electrified the home crowd, landing a devastating high kick before finishing the job with ground-and-pound.
Earlier on the card, Maximus Lally remained undefeated after edging out returning fan-favourite Ben Ellis in a thrilling back-and-forth battle. The 22-year-old secured a split-decision victory to the delight of a heavily pro-Lally crowd.
Ger Harris had a big moment of his own, showing raw emotion as he got back to winning ways with a statement submission. Adam Darby continued to impress as well, dominating across three punishing rounds in another show-stealing performance.
Rising Irish lightweight Conor McCarthy further cemented his status as a star in the making, showcasing sharp striking on his way to another impressive points win on home soil.
Keith Keogh set the tone for the main card in frantic fashion, handing Damien McKenna his first professional loss with a slick submission.
The prelims were just as explosive. Gary Rooney ignited the crowd with a unique rear-naked choke variation he dubbed “The Rooney Choke”, instantly marking himself as a contender for the £5k Performance of the Night bonus. Jamie McGowan and Manuel Del Valle also made statements with emphatic finishes that silenced the Dublin faithful.
Eimear Darcy added to the home victories with a dominant return to form, putting on a commanding display.
In the end, it was Rooney who walked away £5k richer courtesy of That Prize Guy, his inventive submission sealing the Performance of the Night honours.
FIGHT RESULTS
MAIN CARD
Leon Hill defeated Yan Blasco via KO (head kick and punches) after 0:53 of round 1
Max Lally defeated Ben Ellis via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27) after 3 rounds
Ger Harris defeated Jonny Touma via Submission (rear-naked choke) after 2:57 of round 1
Adam Darby defeated Robert Constantin via TKO punches and elbow) after 3:41 of round 3
Conor McCarthy defeated Diego Visanzay via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-27) after 3 rounds
Keith Keogh defeated Damien McKenna via Submission (rear-naked choke) after 2:01 of round 1
PRELIMS
Manuel Del Valle defeated Stephen Costello via Standing TKO (punches) after 4:21 of round 2
Anthony Orozco defeated Aldo Pereira via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27) after 3 rounds
Gabriele Galluccio defeated Ryan Shelley via Unanimous decision after 3 rounds (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Gary Rooney defeated Gary ‘Priestly via Submission (rear-naked choke) after 3:12 of round 1
Jamie McGowan defeated Joe Doyle via TKO (Knee to the body and punches) after 0:45 of round 1
Norbert Pietrzak defeated Trevor Makengo via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) after 3 rounds
Eimear Darcy defeated Justyna Kulinska via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) after 3 rounds
Kenny Mokhonoana defeated Damon Donald via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) after 3 rounds