Bryan Battle got a win in his hometown, but it wasn’t exactly one to write home about.
On Friday, Battle took on Dalton Rosta in the main event of PFL Charlotte at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, N.C. Fighting out of Charlotte, this was an opportunity for “The Butcher” to headline an event in his hometown and to finally pick up his first win, which he did, edging out Rosta over 15 minutes.
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Rosta found early success against Battle by employing consistent pressure and mixing his striking and takedown attempts. As the fight dragged on, Rosta began to slow down, and Battle started having more success. Even so, neither seemed willing to step on the gas, resulting in loud boos from the crowd, with even the commentary team acknowledging that both men were fighting “risk averse.” In the end, Battle won a split decision that even his hometown crowd wasn’t super enthused about.
The win is Battle’s first in the UFC, after losing his debut to Johnny Eblen in March. Afterward, Battle said he wanted to stay active and sent a message to his hometown fans.
“I know y’all didn’t think The Butcher was gonna lose in a fist fight in Charlotte!” Battle said in his post-fight speech. “I know y’all didn’t think The Butcher was gonna lose in a fist fight at home! That ain’t never gonna happen!”
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Check out the full PFL Charlotte results below.
Main Card
Bryan Battle def. Dalton Rosta via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Simeon Powell def. Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
Aaron Jeffery def. Josh Silveira via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
Lewis McGrillen def. Brandon Lewis via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Josh Fremd def. Jhony Gregory via TKO (punches) — 1:44, Round 2
Preliminary Card
Denis Goltsov def. Hasan Mezhiev via TKO (head kick and punches) — 0:52, Round 1
Cheyden Leialoha def. Robbie Ring via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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Cheyanne Bowers def. Elora Dana via submission (rear-naked choke) — 3:36, Round 1
Landry Ward def. Michael Boylan via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
Bruno Cappelozza def. Valentin Moldavsky via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)
Jonathan Martin def. Wilson Lopshire via unanimous decision (30-26,-30-25, 30-27)
Maxwell Djantou Nana def. Eduardo Neves via KO (body punch) — 2:01, Round 3
Trey Waters def. Trukon Carson via TKO (punches) — 4:37, Round 1
