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Alvarez, Masvidal win at Bellator I

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Bellator Fighting Championships kicked off its 23-week tournament series at the Seminole Hard Rock and Casino in Hollywood, Fla., showcasing featherweights and lightweights.

Eddie Alvarez nearly had his debut spoiled when opponent Greg Loughran dropped him with a punch in the first, but the Philadelphia native popped up quickly. After cornering Loughran, he cinched a guillotine choke that sealed the deal, sending a legion of his fans present into a frenzy.

Jorge Masvidal floored his first-round opponent, Nick Agallar, and followed with punches on the ground to wrap the fight up in 79 seconds.

"We are very pleased with this first event," said Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney. "It had great action, upsets and dominant performances. Fans in the U.S. as well as abroad get the chance to see these world-class fighters get one step closer to establishing their position amongst the elite in the game."

The fights will be aired in a two-hour special at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST on ESPN Deportes.

The next stop on Bellator's tour is April 10 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT, where welterweights will be featured.

Bellator I Full Results:Eddie Alvarez def. Greg Loughran by Submission (Guillotine Choke) at 2:44, R1 Jorge Masvidal def Nick Agallar by TKO (Strikes) at 1:19, R1 Yahir Reyes def. Nick Gonzalez by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:11, R1 Estevan Payan def. Luis Palomino by Split Decision at 5:00, R3 Joe Soto def. Ben Greer by TKO (Strikes) at 3:40, R1 Toby Imada def. Alonzo Martinez by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:26, R1

Non-Tournament Bouts:Jonathan Brookins def. Stephen Ledbetter by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:32, R1 Lorenzo Borgomeo def. Daniel Morales by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 3:46, R3 Moses Gabon def. Daniel Sarafien by Submission (Triangle Choke) at 1:33, R1 James Brasco def. Kevin Abrante by Submission (Armbar) at 2:14, R1 Gary Padilla def. Chris Decaro by TKO (Strikes) at 3:04, R2