Matiss Zaharovs has proven himself to be a dangerous striker, securing all six of his victories thus far in MMA via stoppage, including four first-round KO/TKOs. Zaharovs, prior to making his PFL debut in June, had two victories that lasted 1:16 combined. An SBG Ireland product, Zaharovs appeared at the PFL Europe card in Newcastle this past June, dropping a decision to Lewis McGrillen-Evans.

 

Brian Hyslop will be competing in his first fight in six years tonight with his first opportunity on a major MMA stage. Hyslop, like Zaharvos, comes into tonight’s contest sporting a 6-3 record, including four straight wins to start off his career. Hyslop’s last fight came in June 2018, where he was stopped by Cheya Saleem.

 

Will one of these two be able to nab the finish in this showcase bout?

 

 

Round 1

 

One-two by Hyslop to start. Low kick from Hyslop. And another. Zaharovs trying to push forward. Zaharovs blocks a kick. Strong, blitzing combination from Hyslop. One-two from Zaharovs. Front kick missed for Zaharovs. Low kick from Hyslop, but Zaharovs lands a left hand. Low kick from Hyslop. Another left hand from Zaharovs. Hyslop with a left hand. Kick to the body from Zaharovs. Another strong kick from Zaharovs. Low kick from Zaharovs. Front kick by Zaharovs. Big combination coming forward for Hyslop. Strong left hook by Zaharovs, but Hyslop counters with a straight left. Low kick from Zaharovs. Another combination by Hyslop.

 

Hyslop presses forward and gets Zaharovs to the fence. Zaharovs reverses the position and hits a body shot on the break. Knee from Zaharovs. A couple of left hooks from Hyslop miss. Strong kick from Zaharovs. Another knee from Zaharovs. Accidental cup check. One-two from Hyslop. Strong body kick from Hyslop. Spinning kick from Zaharovs. Zaharovs lands a right hand. A couple of kicks land for Hyslop. Hyslop comes forward and presses Zaharovs to the fence. Zaharovs landing left hands in the clinch. Zaharovs goes for a takedown, but it’s Hyslop who lands on top. The two return to the feet, and Zaharvos lands one more takedown before the end of the round.

 

 

Round 2

 

An exchange right from the start. The two trade kicks. Zaharovs clinches and lands a strong knee. The fight goes to the ground with Zaharovs on top. Zaharovs in top guard, throwing strong punches. Hyslop closes up the guard, but Zaharovs works through it. A couple of left hands from Zaharovs. Zaharovs continuing to work. Shoulder strike by Zaharovs. The two now by the fence, with Zaharovs landing left hand after left hand. Hyslop trying to sit up against the fence, but Zaharovs pressures, and he appears to be looking for a D’Arce choke.

 

Zaharovs continuing to pressure from the top. Hyslop gets an underhook in, but Zaharovs maintains his top control. Zaharovs looking for a kimura, but he quickly abandons the position to maintain the top position. Hyslop looks to get back up, but he leaves his neck open and Zaharovs goes for a choke. Hyslop manages to get out of it, however. Zaharovs, however, quickly gets to Hyslop’s back and locks up a body triangle. He gets the choke and he gets the tap!

 

Matiss Zaharovs with an impressive performance tonight to secure the W!

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Matiss Zaharovs defeats Brian Hyslop by 2nd round submission (4:18) [RNC] in a bantamweight showcase fight