Louis Smolka silenced the Irish crowd with a convincing second round submission win over hometown hero Paddy Holohan in the main event of UFC Fight Night 76.
Holohan put in a spirited effort, trying to soften up Smolka on the feet and then dragging him to the ground, but the Hawaiian was more than equal to the task.
Holohan tapped out to a rear naked choke at 4:09 of the second frame. In Irish style, he thanked the fans and congratulated his opponent, adding he was going to have “a cup of tea” afterwards.
The two flyweights reminded many fight fans today that the flyweight division can indeed be an exciting one.
Neil Seery and Tom Breese secured performances of the night while Darren Till and Nicholas Damby earned Fight-of-the-Night. Each fighter earned a $50,000 USD bonus.
Welcome back to The Crossfire.
MMA Crossfire Expert Kenai Andrews on the main card.
Courtesy UFC/Zuffa LLC.NEIL SEERY VS JON DELOS REYES
Neil Seery attempts to celebrates his victory over Jon Delos Reyes in their flyweight fight during the UFC event at 3Arena on October 24, 2015 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)WINNER: NEIL SEERY VIA SUBMISSON R2 4:12
ANDREWS PREDICTION: JON DELOS REYES VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION
Andrews: A good performance by Reyes was overcome by a better performance by Seery. He initiated the action and survived the takedowns of Reyes, making sure to clamp a guillotine afterwards. After several attempts, it worked. A good win.
NICOLAS DALBY VS DARREN TILL
Darren Till and Nicolas Dalby raise their hands as the judges give them a draw in their welterweight fight during the UFC event at 3Arena on October 24, 2015 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)WINNER: MAJORITY DRAW (29-28 TILL, 28-28, 28-28)
ANDREWS PREDICTION: NICHOLAS DALBY VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION
Andrews: Till was cruising to victory until suffering a separated shoulder in the third round, which allowed Dalby to dominate it. Dalby must have gotten 10-8s from the judges to get the draw. Dalby showed why its always important to never give up in a fight.
NORMAN PARKE VS REZA MADADI
Norman Parke kicks Reza Madadi in their lightweight fight during the UFC event at 3Arena on October 24, 2015 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)WINNER: NORMAN PARKE VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
ANDREWS PREDICTION: REZA MADADI VIA UNANIMOUS DECISION
Andrews: There was not much action in this one. Parke was the superior fighter on the feet and used his striking to keep Madadi at bay. Mad Dog could not get the fight to the ground. A good win for Parke.
MAIN EVENT
PADDY HOLOHAN VS LOUIS SMOLKA
Paddy Holohan exchanges punches with Louis Smolka in their flyweight fight during the UFC event at 3Arena on October 24, 2015 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)WINNER: LOUIS SMOLKA VIA SUBMISSION R2 4:09
ANDREWS PREDICTION: PADDY HOLOHAN VIA SUBMISSION
Andrews: A real battle but Smolka survived the onslaught of Holohan and landed a lot of strikes of his own. He also outsmarted Holohan on the ground. This fight saved UFC Dublin.
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