Story By: Robert Fain - (Kauai) MMA Hawaii Staff Reporter

Winning 9 out of 12 fights, the Kaua’i fighters proved they’re a force to be reckoned with.  Not only did Kaua’i fighters dominate on the ground, but showed their improved stand up in many of the fights.  Kaua’i Knockout Championship made a major impact on the MMA scene on Kaua’i by putting on an awesome show.  From the excellent match ups to the exciting lights and sounds, the promoters of the Kaua’i Knockout Championship put on a show that will have Kaua’i fight fans looking forward to the next event.  The fights were everything they were hyped up to be,

The first fight started off with a bang, with Ericson Abalos taking on Isaac Hopps in a kickboxing match.  Both fighters showed a lot of skill and heart, trading punches and kicks all the way to the judges score cards.  Ericson pulled out a unanimous decision victory amidst the hoots and haws from his hometown fans, thus starting a roll for the Kaua’i fighters. 

Tyson Hawelu showed he is a young up and coming fighter out of Kamole Jiu Jitsu.  Even though his opponent weighed in nearly 40lbs heavier, Tyson proved that heart, determination, and a bit of skill will overcome in a fight.  Tyson showed that his stand up skills had improved tremendously.  Boxing his opponent from the start of the bout, he eventually dropped his opponent, mounted and took him out in the first round by tap out due to strikes.   

Luke Hacker and Shane Agena put on a great show of Jiu Jitsu.  Grappling for one 7 minute round, both fighters definitely didn’t want to stall time.  Luke showed his supreme guard against Shane, twice sweeping him by taking out da trash.  Luke scored 2 points each for those sweeps, winning by way of points 4-0.  Both Jiu Jitsu fighters showed a lot of skill and technique in the match. 

Weston Victorino made his way to the cage, supremely confident and extraordinarily prepared for his bout.   Surrounded by cheers from his hometown crowd, Weston was as ready as he could be.  Both fighters met in the middle of the cage, and opened by exchanging kicks.  Eddie shot in for a takedown, with Victorino slapping on a standing guillotine choke.  He then proceeded to lift him off the cage floor, walk him to his corner, and crank the choke even tighter to win by tap out.  This was a quick fight for Weston, but a great display of heart and sportsmanship from both fighters after the fight.

Have you ever heard of or seen Scott Endow fight?  Well, you have now.   Scott proved he’s going to be a force at 195lbs.  He was the most relaxed fighter of the night, walking around like he didn’t have any worries on his mind.  Let alone a fight within the next hour!  Scott demonstrated stand up like a veteran, high kicking his way to a KO.  Keep an eye out for this guy cus this Waialua bruiser can bang.   

The main event had Shane Kahananui battling Arnold Berdon.  The fight promised fireworks, but was less than spectacular.  Shortly after feeling each other out, they threw brutal leg kicks that met shin to shin.  Shane then proceeded to take Arnold down to the mat, and immediately had him tapping out.  There was confusion amongst the crowd as to why Arnold tapped out, but apparently he suffered an injury to his leg. 

Kaua’i Knockout Championship had epic battles that left the crowd satiated, but hungry for more.  The talk of the island is, “When is the next cage fight?”  Special thanks to everyone who helped make this show possible, to all the fans who came out, and to all the fighters.  To all the fighters who were injured; wishing you a speedy and complete recovery.  Hands up, chin down, see you at the next fights.