Alex Volkanovski had a successful international debut in Guam on Friday night, defeating local fighter Kyle Reyes on the Pacific Xtreme Combat 45 event.
The event took place at the University of Guam Fieldhouse.
In the opening round, Volkanovski quickly secured a trip to take the fight to the ground. There the 26 year-old Freestyle Fight Gym and Tiger Muay Thai trained fighter was able to land some short strikes before Reyes reverse escaped back to his feet. There he secured his own takedown. The 23 year-old youngster moved to side-control and then mount. Reyes positioned up and landed some strikes that forced Volkanovski to turn. Reyes attempted to lock up the rear-naked choke and as Volkanvoski turned back in, Reyes transitioned to a triangle choke from the top position Volkanovski escaped and was caught with a knee to the mid-section as they both stood up. The Australian fighter was able to finish the round strongly, securing a takedown and landing further ground-and-pound.
In the early part of the second-round, Volkanovski was again able to drag his opponent to the ground where he quickly took the back. Unable to secure the rear-naked choke, Volkanovski positioned up and landed some big punches, elbows and knees to the midsection while grounded. Reyes remained slick and dangerous off his back but Volkanovski was able to counter everything Reyes threw at him.
Both fighters exchanged early shots in the final round, before Volkanovski perfectly timed a double-leg takedown. Inside half-guard, Volkanovski continued with the ground-and-pound as the 23 year-old local fighter struggled to find a way out against his much bigger opponent in the early part of the round. Reyes did have a late opportunity to lock up a guillotine choke, but Volkanovski managed to scramble free as the buzzer went.
The judges decision came back unanimous, with Volkanovski putting himself in line for a possible shot for the featherweight title shot. In the main event Kyle Aguon, captured the bantamweight title with a split-points decision over Rolando Dy.
With the win, Volkanovski takes his professional record to 8-1 in what was his fifth straight victory. It was also the first time since Volkanovski was pushed to a decision since his debut back in 2012.
Official Results:
- Kyle Aguon def Rolando Dy via Decision (Split)
- Alex Volkanovski def Kyle Reyes via Decision (Unanimous)
- Trevin Jones def Toby Misech via Decision (Split)
- Brogan Walker def Yoojin Jung via Decision (Unanimous)
- Darren Uyenoyama def Shane Alvarez via TKO, Rd 1
- Hong Seung Chan def Tyrone Jones via Decision (Unanimous)
- Scotty Eclavea def Mike Sanchez via Decision (Unanimous)
- Vince Masga def McKlane Alfred via Decision (Unanimous)
