Watson retains TFC lightweight belt

HAMMOND, Ind. -- Lightweight Kyle Watson wrapped up last Saturday's Total Fight Challenge with a well-earned victory over his lean and lanky opponent, DeCarlo Johnson. Johnson, known for his monstrous reach and impressive striking abilities, looked to keep the fight standing, but opted for the takedown after the first minute of round one. Watson put his jiu-jitsu to work and nearly closed the fight with a triangle choke during the last 10 seconds of the first round.

Round two was nearly a carbon copy of the first, but Watson was able to catch Johnson at 2:42 and tap him out via triangle choke. With this win, Watson retained ownership of the TFC lightweight belt.

A significant highlight came from the bantamweight division as Torres Martial Arts fighter Albert Arevala scored his first win by defeating Demetrius Williams through a split decision. Arevala had Williams in trouble at the end of the first round with a tight triangle, but Williams edged his way out of the ring to force a restart. Arevala dominated the second round with a very active guard and captured the judges' decision.

The much-anticipated MMA debut of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu champion Christian Uflacker came with little surprise. Uflacker faced off against Kori Trussell and wasted little time taking Trussell to the mat. Once the two combatants hit the ground, Uflacker sliced through Trussell's guard, mounted him, encouraged Trussell to turn over with a barrage of punches, and sunk the rear naked choke halfway into the first round.

The heavyweight division produced a no contest ruling due to unsportsmanlike conduct. At the start of the fight, Joe Fierro extended his hand to bump knuckles with his opponent, Phil Prianpafillo. Prianpafillo decided to bump knuckles with Fierro's face instead -- twice. It was an obvious two-punch cheap shot, momentarily knocking Fierro unconscious, and the crowd vocalized its disapproval by booing Prianpafillo out of the ring. The judges were quick to rule the match a no contest.

A portion of the proceeds from Saturday's event were donated to the Illinois Freedom Run. The money will be used to help buy fallen soldier nameplates for the Middle East Conflict Wall Memorial. The fights were also dedicated to all war veterans, police officers, fireman, and emergency responders.

Kyle Watson def. DeCarlo Johnson by Submission (Triangle Choke) at 2:42, R2Jeff Gerlick def. Josh Turner by Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 4:15, R1Cleo Walker def. Seth Rackie by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:03, R1Dan Bolden def. Rob Morro by Unanimous DecisionPhil Prianpafillo vs. Joe Fierro was Ruled a No ContestAlbert Arevala def. Demetrius Williams by Split DecisionDan New def. Steve Styx by Submission (Armbar), R1Martin Jimenez def. Miguel Gamez by TKO at 0:42, R2Kenny Thomas def. Marc Singlar by TKO at 3:06, R1Ryan King def. Dan Fierro by TKO at 2:06, R1Christian Uflacker def. Kori Trussell by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:21, R1Pete Silva def. Eric Perez by TKO at 0:13, R2Milan Miltunivic def. Tom Regep by Submission (Triangle/Armbar) at 1:54, R1