An accomplished amateur kickboxing and jiu-jitsu champion, Nate Kelly has had a successful transition to amateur MMA. Known for his aggressiveness in pursuing the finish, Kelly made his PFL debut in December, submitting Callum Seaton. He followed that up with a first-round submission of Jordan Elliott in his Bellator debut in Belfast in March.

 

A purple belt in jiu-jitsu, Paul Nolan has had his own successful transition into the sport. A grappling specialist, all four of Nolan's wins have come via submission. Nolan, who makes his Bellator debut today, submitted Michael Swann in his most recent fight in March.

 

Both men will look to impress in this amateur flyweight contest.

 

 

Round 1

 

Kelly coming forward, throwing a couple of kicks and trying to take control. High kick by Kelly. Nolan comes inside for a takedown, but Kelly manages to grab a hold of the leg. Imari roll, and the two are back on the feet. Kelly now gets a takedown of his own. Open-palm strikes from Kelly, as he lays in half-guard. Kelly manages to posture up and goes for a rear-naked choke. Nolan defends well, but Kelly has his back, trying to get hooks in.

 

Kelly manages to spin through and grab a hold of Nolan’s arm! Kelly has got an armbar locked in! Nolan tries to spin out, but he can’t. Nolan taps!

 

 

In front of a home crowd, Nate Kelly delivers another solid performance as he nears a pro debut!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Nate Kelly def. Paul Nolan via first-round submission (armbar, 1:49)