Top Five fights of the night: Damian Darker star of the show at Warrior FC

1. Damian Darker (Elite kb) vs Lee Mckibbin (Langka thai) -80kg

An exhilarating roller coaster of a fight where both combatants had their moments but ultimately it concluded with a KO that left even the most experienced fight fans gasping.

Lee Mckibbin began brightly. He fired off combinations after finding his range early. But Damian Darker then demonstrated that if you are in the ring with him, you are always in danger. The Dubliner executed beautiful spinning heel kicks as a warning to Mckibbin.

Again round two saw Belfast man Mckibbin have success with punch combinations and leg kicks. He was on his way to winning the round before Darker stunned him with a spinning heel kick to the stomach. The referee took a standing count which Mckibbin survived. However, peril was now looming even more ominously.

In the final round the KO of the night occurred. A breath-taking spinning head kick to the jaw of Mckibbin to give Darker the abrupt victory.

This was only Damian Darker’s second K1 fight. His technique in his opening two bouts has been exemplary and we look forward to seeing him perform again soon.

2. Stephen O’Neil (Forge thai) vs Jordan Matthews (Langka thai) -68kg

An exceptional display of punishing boxing skills which ended in a devastating third round KO.

Stephen O’Neil boxed terrifically from the opening bell, pounding Jordan Matthews with combinations to the head and body.

This pattern continued in round two. Mathhews endured some wincing shots and showed the Warrior FC audience what great heart he has as well as a solid chin.

However, on the night Stephen O’Neil got everything spot on. He KO’d Matthews with a big right hand in round three.

No performance is flawless but O’Neil was outstanding and a pleasure to watch.



3. Gergo Bodis (Kamikaze) vs Tomas Marcisauskas (SBG Evolution) – 74kg

Poise. Composure. Timing. Three words associated with Gergo Bodis after his TKO stoppage of Tomas Marcisauskas.

If Bodis ever got caught with a shot he fired back rapidly in response. But for the most part his guard was tight and he did an impressive job of blocking incoming punches.

In round two Bodis back peddled but was clinical in his punch output. When he was up against the ropes, usually a position of trouble, he would either strike with the more eye-catching shots or dance out of the way and reset his position.

It was one of the most intelligent displays of the night.

Fighters need a killer instinct and Bodis demonstrated his in round three. He could have danced and blocked his way to a decision victory but he saw an opening and he relentlessly attacked Marcisauskas. The fight was eventually stopped as the referee decided Marcisauskas was shipping too much punishment.

4. Dyllan McKay (Thurles kb) vs Kenny Mokhonoana (CMAC) – 73 kg

Dyllan Mckay take a bow. The bout was only in play for less than a minute when McKay stunningly whipped a viscous left head kick which dropped Mokhonoana in an instant.

It was the first jaw dropping moment of the event.

Credit to McKay, who like Damian Darker later on, expressed concern for his opponents welfare.

On any other occassion McKay’s stoppage would have been worthy of the KO of the night. Dyllan McKay is one to look out for.

5. Paul Norton (Champion) vs Ivan Nino (Spain) – 67kg for the Intercontinental ISKA Pro Title

The variety of punches and kicks Paul Norton can hurt his opponent with is what makes him such a great fighter.

He confidently went about this fight with patience and was efficient in his striking. Ivan Nino tired at the end of round one and Norton was ruthless in response.

A kick to the lower leg of the Spaniard was enough for him to being unable to rise after the referees count.

Paul Norton now holds the ISKA Irish title and the Intercontinental belt. He told Fightstore Media before the contest that he would like an opportunity at GLORY after winning on Warrior FC.

Special mention: Maruis Bitza of Lionheart who overpowered his opponent Eddie Healy in an explosive performance which ended in a second round TKO.