Darragh Kelly has already shown what he is capable of while on the Bellator stage, with five of his six performances thus far coming in Bellator. The unbeaten Kelly, under the guidance of SBG Ireland, has shown quite the ability to take control early with an aggressive approach and finish things decisively, with two victories by KO/TKO and three by submission. Kelly last fought in Dublin in June, scoring a first-round technical submission of Mathias Poiron.

 

Dmytrii Hrytsenko, however, has his own unbeaten run, coming in tonight’s fight with a 9-0 record. Though personal challenges, as well as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, have caused halts in his career that began in late 2016, Hrytsenko, who has six finishes to his credit, has continued to show resiliency and develop his skills with his work at American Top Team and Shtorm Ukraine. Hrytsenko, a teammate to former welterweight champion Yaroslav Amosov, most recently was in action at Bellator 300, scoring a decision win over Justin Montalvo.

 

Who’s 0 will stay in place tonight as the action kicks off in London?

 

 

Round 1

 

Kelly takes to the center and throws a left hook, with Hrytsenko throwing one of his own. Kelly tries to get inside, but Hrytsenko shrugs him off. Kelly lands a left hook and drives Hrytsenko into the fence for a takedown attempt. Kelly scores the takedown and gets right into mount. Hrytsenko with a hip escape to get into half guard. Kelly with a couple of strikes before Hrytsenko scrambles to his feet. Kelly, however, pushes him into the fence again. Hrytsenko gets Kelly off of him but misses a kick. Low kick from Hrytsenko. Hrytsenko with a left hand, and Kelly with a hook inside. High kick from Kelly is blocked. Round kick from Hrytsenko. Kelly misses an overhand but pushes Hrytsenko into the fence again. Knee from Hrytsenko. Low kick and a one-two from Hrytsenko.

 

Small combination from Hrytsenko. Low kick and a left hand from Hrytsenko. Uppercut from Kelly. Left hand from Kelly. One-two from Kelly. Another uppercut from Kelly, and Hrytsenko is saying he’s not hurt. Hrytsenko catches Kelly coming in, and now he’s got Kelly up against the fence. Knee by Kelly. Kelly works off the fence. Low kick from Hrytsenko. Jab from Hrytsenko, but Kelly is on the attack, firing off a flurry before another press into the fence. Hrytsenko reverses the position. Kelly misses a right hook. The two exchange. Low kick from Hrytsenko. One-two from Hrytsenko. Jab from Hrytsenko, but he gets poked in the eye.Round kick from Kelly on the fight’s resumption, but Hrytsenko catches it and brings Kelly to the fence. The fight goes to the ground as Kelly throws up his guard before the bell.

 

 

Round 2

 

Hrytsenko works his jab as Kelly goes for a one-two. Low kick from Hrytsenko. Both throw a jab. High kick and a left hand from Hrytsenko. Jab from Hrytsenko, and a combination from Kelly. Kelly catches a high kick, but Hrytsenko is keeping his balance impressively! Kelly gets inside and lands a series of uppercuts. Low kick and a couple of jabs from Kelly, who appears to be bloodied from his nose. Kelly with a clinch, but Hrytsenko shoves him off. Hrytsenko on the attack. Jab from Kelly. A series of jabs and a one-two from Hrytsenko, Kelly fires a couple of uppercuts. A combination lands for Hrytsenko. More left hands from Hrytsenko. Low kick from Hrytsenko.

 

Kelly times his takedown attempt well and gets Hrytsenko down. Hrytsenko looks to get back to his feet, but Kelly has a body lock while on Hrytsenko’s back. Kelly looking to get Hrytsenko back to the ground. Hrytsenko with some weak punches. Knee by Hrytsenko. Kelly manages to get Hrytsenko back down. Kelly with an ankle ride, keeping Hrytsenko down. Hrytsenko gets back to his feet and escapes Kelly’s hooks. Kelly with a strong left hand, and a right to follow! Kelly getting to work, but a clinch from Hrytsenko. Kelly presses Hrytsenko into the fence. Hrytsenko reverses the position. Hrytsenko scores a takedown before the end of the round. Kelly slow to get up and claiming he was low blowed, but the referee says he didn’t see one.

 

 

Round 3

 

A couple of left hands from Hrytsenko. Hrytsenko misses an uppercut. Low kick from Kelly trips up Hrytsenko! And again! Kelly gets a standing body lock on Hrytsenko and they’re against the fence once more. A groin shot against the fence and Kelly goes down in pain as the referee calls for time. The fight resumes after a break, with Hrytsenko receiving a hard warning. Kelly goes for a hook but misses. Low kick from Hrytsenko. Two solid elbows on the inside from Kelly! Kelly landing some solid left hands in a body lock against the fence as he looks for another takedown. Knee by Kelly. Knee by Hrytsenko. Kelly lifts Hrytsenko, but Hrytsenko stops the takedown attempt, and they’re against the fence once more.

 

Hrytsenko lands a knee, and it’s another low blow! Hrytsenko is going to be deducted a point! Kelly tries to get back to work with the left hand. Low kick from Hrytsenko. Hrytsenko with the jab. Kelly goes for a takedown with two minutes to go, but Hrytsenko holds his own and we’re back to the fence. Knees to the legs of Hrytsenko. Kelly still pursuing the takedown as the fight enters its last minute. Hrytsenko landing weakly with the left hand. Referee calling for more action. A couple of hooks off the break, and Kelly presses Hrytsenko against the fence again. Hrytsenko grabs onto the fence as Kelly goes for another takedown in the closing seconds. Strong right hand from Hrytsenko on the break, but it’s too late.

 

 

 

OFFICIAL RESULT

 

Darragh Kelly def. Dmytrii Hrytsenko via unanimous decision (30-26 x3)