One of the biggest rising MMA stars coming out of Ireland, Nathan Kelly has won eight fights after dropping his first two performances in the cage. A jiu-jitsu specialist, the SBG Ireland products has six finishes thus far. This fight marks Kelly’s PFL Europe debut after three fights on the global stage, which saw him earn first-round submissions of Ben Ellis and Zachary Hicks and a unanimous decision win over Damion Nelson.

 

A striking specialist, Dimitry Solimeis makes his PFL Europe debut tonight in the main event of the PFL Europe Championship card. Coming into this bout with a 6-3 record, Solimeis saw a winning streak snapped in his most recent bout, a decision loss to Banjougou Sidibe in October.

 

We close out the PFL Europe Championship with a battle of these two featherweights talents!

 

Round 1

 

The crowd really comes alive with Kelly in this main event. Kelly with a couple of calf kicks to start things off. Kelly lands another low kick. Both men flashing their left hands at the other. Kelly comes forward and lands a hook, but Solimeis retreats out of the way. Solimeis avoids another combination. Solimeis throws a left hand and a low kick. Solimeis comes forward, but Kelly catches him in a body lock and gets Solimeis down to the mat. Kelly trying for a crucifix. Solimeis looks to defend and gets up a half-guard.

 

Solimeis uses his guard to bring himself back to his feet against the fence. Kelly kept a hold of the body lock, however. Kelly scores a trip and gets another takedown on Solimeis. Kelly uses pressure with his arms and his right leg, making it difficult for Solimeis to improve his positioning on the ground. Kelly works Solimeis over with punches. Kelly manages to spin and transition to Solimeis’s back and gets the choke! Kelly gets the tap!

 

 

Nathan Kelly scores a big win in his home country and makes it nine wins in a row!

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Nathan Kelly def. Dimitry Solimeis via first-round submission (rear-naked choke, 4:47)