KMA Sydney product Theo Christakos was crowned the 2016 Brace welterweight champion on Saturday night in Canberra, overcoming a ground attack from Rick Alchin before stopping the Central Coast native with punches on the canvas.
Streamed live on UFC Fight Pass, the final offering for the year from the promotion took place at the AIS Arena in Canberra. All up the night saw three titles claimed with Darwin Sagurit and Alex Macdonald also taking out the bantamweight and lightweight titles respectively.
Somewhat of an underdog going into the bout, Christakos overcame a d’arce choke attempt from Alchin before unleashing a barrage of ground strikes until the ref stepped in and waved it off in the first round. It was second time’s a charm for the Sydney fighter after falling to Benny Alloway in the 2015 championship tournament final.
In a clash of hard hitting bantamweights, ATT Sydney product Darwin Sagurit saw out an early flurry from Richie Ivory before dropping the Irish fighter with a right hand and sealing the deal with hammerfists on the ground. Sagurit continues to look impressive in the division with additional 2016 first round KO victories against Byron Cowell and one of the best bantamweights Australia has seen in Gustavo Falciroli.
In the opening championship tournament fight of the evening, Brisbane based Kiwi Alex Macdonald ground out a well-deserved unanimous decision against Adelaide’s Anthony Bynoe.
The next offering from the promotion takes place March 4 on the Gold Coast with Jesse Medina taking on Michael Tobin in the Main event.
Results:
- Theo Christakos def. Rick Alchin via TKO, Rd 1, 4:37 – 2016 welterweight tournament championship
- Darwin Sagurit def. Richie Ivory via KO, Rd 1, 0:53 – 2016 bantamweight tournament championship
- Alex Macdonald def. Anthony Bynoe via Decision (Unanimous) – 2016 lightweight tournament championship
- Caitlin McEwen def. Jess Doueihi via TKO, Rd 2, 2:57
- Cameron Rowston def. Reza Almasi via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke), Rd 1, 3:44
