Darragh Kelly Makes It A Quick Night With First-Round Submission

After a 9-0 amateur run, Darragh Kelly is now a perfect 8-0 as a pro thus far. The former IMMAF medalist has fought almost all of his pro bouts in Bellator and PFL, and six of his wins have come via a finish. The SBG Ireland product last fought in June, scoring a third-round submission of Mike Hamel.

Bakhtiyor Abduloev is a 13-year veteran of the sport who has won 10 of his 11 fights thus far. Abduloev is a striking specialist who has scored finishes in eight of his victories. This will be his first fight since September 2022, when he stopped Can Aslaner.

Who will come out on top in this lightweight showcase?

Round 1

Kelly presses forward right away. Small back kick that lands to the legs for Abduloev. Right hand from Kelly, and we’ve got a clinch exchange against the fence. Kelly with an explosive takedown, bringing the two toward the center of the SmartCage. Kelly uses shoulder pressure to try and flatten Abduloev out. Abduloev counters and looks to get up his guard. Abduloev gets Kelly out of position, gets back to his feet, and he trips Kelly. Abduloev isn’t on top for long, though, as Kelly gets back in control with a sweep. Abduloev tries to reverse, but Kelly gets to his back quickly.

Kelly slickly gets his arm under the neck and squeezes, and he scores the tap!

https://x.com/PFLMMA/status/1971610959190888901

Darragh Kelly takes care of business quickly!

OFFICIAL RESULT

Darragh Kelly def. Bakhtiyor Abduloev via first-round submission (rear-naked choke, 2:27) in a lightweight showcase bout.