Big wins for Irish fighters as Ukraine’s Yaroslav Amosov unifies title before heading back to war-zone

SportsJOE

“I’m happy because I think I gave my country a good day.”

Bellator returned to the 3 Arena in Dublin, on Saturday, for their Welterweight unification bout. Yaroslav Amosov would rematch Logan Storley in a fight that would see the champion return to action for the first time since defending his native Ukraine in the war against Russia.

A great Irish crowd also welcomed some fan favourites such as Pedro Carvalho, Peter Queally and Sinead Kavangh. The night would be filled with some great moments, amazing atmosphere and highs and lows for the fighting Irish. Dónal Long delivers his take of how things played out in Dublin.

Amosov vs Storley

Yaroslav Amosov defended his welterweight title for the first time in front of an Irish crowd that showed him a lot of love. The Ukrainian fighter showcased some excellent striking and fight intelligence in his title bout.

Storley showed some great toughness and heart in his attempt to unify the titles. However, Amosov striking and takedown defence proved too effective against the American
challenger.

Amasov now moves to a perfect 27-0 professional record. Who should he face next? The 29-year-old will take all comers, even the best of the UFC. He declared:

“Of course [I think I’m the best welterweight in the world]. I am here. If a UFC champion wants to fight, come to BELLATOR. Scott Coker will give the contract, and we’ll make the fight.”

The unified welterweight champion will spend some time with his wife and young children before returning to Ukraine to help in the defence of his homeland against Russian forces.

"Ukrainian people, I love you.

"Thank you who helped my country, please don't forget what's happening… Thank you Dublin!" @YaroslavAmosov with an emotional interview after retaining his belt at #BellatorDublin 🇺🇦pic.twitter.com/w9MuGtew0h

— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) February 26, 2023

Carvalho vs Kennedy

It was not to be for Ireland’s favourite Portuguese fighter. He faced a tough opponent in Jeremey Kennedy, who used his grappling to great use in order to neutralise Carvalho. The Portuguese fighter just couldn’t get going and tasted defeat on the judges’ scorecards.

Kennedy felt strongly about his performance, despite not feeling his best self, “Even on my worst day, I can 30-27 this guy.” He feels his performance warrants him a shot at the featherweight belt calling out Patricio Pitbull. “That’s the only fight right now.”

Queally vs Logan

Peter Queally did as he always does and got the 3Arena crowd on their feet as he walked out to an electricified crowd. Queally had a lot of success in the opening round with some excellent striking.

However, things did not go his way in the second round as a vicious elbow put the Irishman down and finished him via TKO.

Kavanagh vs Harding

Credit: Lucas Noonan | Bellator MMA

Sinead Kavanagh showcased some great boxing skills and power in her rematch bout against Janay Harding. Her timing and power proved too much for her old foe, dropping
Harding in the second round. Sinead Kavanagh gets another win in Dublin with a unanimous decision, and wants to face Cris Cyborg in Dublin at the same venue, when Bellator returns in September.

Clarke vs Sinis

Ciaran Clarke extends his winning streak to seven as his dominant display over Sinis showcased his grappling skills. His 15 minutes of dominance made sure there was no doubt
when it came to the judges scorecards, all scoring the bout 30-26 in favour of the Drogheda man.

Credit: Lucas Noonan | Bellator MMA

Moore vs Rozanski

Karl Moore overcame some big early shots and utilised his grappling in order to have a win over Rozanski. His unanimous decision win moves him to 11-2 in his pro career and extends his win streak to three.

Ward vs Shipman

Mike Shipman put on a good performance against Ireland’s Charlie Ward as he dominated across three rounds using his excellent wrestling. Shipman’s unanimous decision sees him
move to 15-4 as a professional.

Moore vs Iovine

In a fight where both men would have their moments, Moore and Iovine would go the distance in a back and forth affair. Showcasing his high level striking skills, Moore was able
to get the judges split decision after being hurt earlier in the fight.

Smullen vs Niedzielski

Richie Smullen fought off his opponents submission attempts well, regaining dominant positions on the ground on several occasions. He won via split decision after going the distance with his Polish opponent.

Kelly vs Johnson

Darragh Kelly showcased his skills in a tough fight against Dorval Johnson. He showed his well rounded mixed martial artist skills as he got a third round TKO finish.

Mokhonoana vs McIntosh

Kenny Mokhonoana had a quick night at the office as his first round TKO saw him climb to 5-0 as a professional.