An SBG Ireland product, Nate Kelly continues to hone his craft as he looks to develop into a solid overall Mixed Martial Artist. Kelly is a 15-time British National Kickboxing champion and a former amateur world kickboxing champion. Kelly, who comes into this fight sporting a 2-2 amateur record, is also a purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and a European Amateur Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion. He most recently fought at the PFL Europe Championships card this past December, scoring a submission of Callum Seaton.

 

Jordan Elliott will have the hometown advantage in this one. Born and raised in Belfast, Elliott started his amateur career with back-to-back victories in 2021. Since then, however, he has dropped three straight, losing most recently to Jurgen Koci in July.

 

With both men making their Bellator debuts here, who will get the victory in this amateur showcase that will serve as the inaugural Bellator Champions Series bout?

 

 

Round 1

 

Elliott opens up with a low kick, trying to bring the pressure. Kelly lands a counter hook. Kelly lands a low kick that rocks Elliott’s balance, allowing Kelly to score a takedown. Kelly looks for a choke but can’t get it. Elliott counters, well aware of what might be coming. Elliott wrestles his way into top position, but Kelly throws up a tight triangle. Elliott struggled to stack Kelly to counter, but the positioning might be saving Elliott from further tightness in the submission. Kelly transitions the triangle into an armbar and he gets the submission!

 

 

Nate Kelly with a strong showing to open up the action in Belfast!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Nate Kelly defeats Jordan Elliott by 1st round submission (Armbar – 1:48)