BOSS FIGHT XLIX: JENKINS vs DONOVAN LIVE!

ROUND ONE: The first round of the first Welterweight Championship Grand Prix Quarterfinals bout opens with Ray Rogers, a seasoned striker moving up in weight with Championship aspirations in mind, looking to establish his dominance on the feet, while Connor Bouchard, the slightly younger prospect making his Union GP debut, aims to close the distance and engage in clinch work. Rogers starts off with sharp jabs, testing Bouchard’s defense, and follows up with a stiff right cross that forces Bouchard to adjust. Bouchard, however, quickly finds his rhythm, slipping under a hook and securing a body lock, pushing Rogers against the cage. Bouchard’s clinch work is effective, as he lands a series of knees to Rogers’ midsection, softening him up for a potential takedown. Rogers tries to circle out, but Bouchard’s grip is too strong. A well-timed trip allows Bouchard to take the fight to the ground, where his Jiu-Jitsu shines. Rogers, to his credit, manages to keep his composure, using butterfly hooks to create space, but Bouchard’s pressure is relentless. As the round progresses, Bouchard secures half guard and begins working for a kimura, forcing Rogers to defend and ultimately regain guard. The crowd erupts as Rogers attempts an armbar from the bottom, but Bouchard’s submission defense is on point, and he escapes with relative ease. The round ends with Bouchard in top control, landing short elbows, giving him the edge as the horn sounds.

ROUND TWO: Rogers comes out aggressive in the second round, knowing he needs to make a statement. He switches to southpaw, hoping to confuse Bouchard, and begins to unload powerful kicks to the legs and body. Bouchard’s defense holds, but the repeated shots start to slow his movement. Rogers capitalizes with a head kick that partially lands, staggering Bouchard momentarily. Sensing an opportunity, Rogers pours on the pressure with a flurry of punches, but Bouchard wisely clinches to recover. The two exchange dirty boxing inside the clinch, with Rogers landing a few solid uppercuts, but Bouchard once again showcases his grappling prowess by securing another takedown, this time landing in side control. Bouchard works methodically, controlling Rogers’ posture and looking to transition to full mount. Rogers, however, uses his experience to create a scramble, nearly taking Bouchard’s back, but the younger fighter’s agility allows him to escape. The round closes with Bouchard maintaining control, but Rogers’ striking has visibly taken a toll, leaving both men bloodied and breathing heavily as they return to their corners.

ROUND THREE: Entering the final round, the fight is still up for grabs, with both fighters showing the wear and tear of a grueling battle. Rogers, despite the fatigue, pushes the pace with heavy punches and low kicks, trying to keep the fight standing. Bouchard, though tired, continues to move forward, eating a few shots to close the distance. He ducks under a wild right hand and drives through with a double leg takedown, planting Rogers on the canvas. Rogers’ resilience is on full display as he tries to work his way back to his feet, but Bouchard’s top game is suffocating. Bouchard transitions to mount and begins raining down punches, forcing Rogers to give up his back. With lightning speed, Bouchard locks in a rear naked choke, cinching it tight. Rogers, trapped and exhausted, has no choice but to tap, giving Bouchard the victory via submission.

Winner: Connor Bouchard by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:28 Round 3

Statistics: Ray Rogers
Punches 39/75 (52%)
Kicks 12/15 (80%)
Clinch strikes 11/20 (55%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/1 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 0/0 (0%)
Time on the ground 325 s

Statistics: Connor Bouchard
Punches 15/25 (60%)
Kicks 4/6 (67%)
Clinch strikes 18/28 (64%)
Takedowns 3/4 (75%)
GnP strikes 20/25 (80%)
Submissions 2/2 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 5/5 (100%)
Time on the ground 325 s

ROUND ONE: The first round of our second consecutive Welterweight Championship Grand Prix Quarterfinals bout begins with Mustafa Al-Masri, known for his explosiveness and relentless pace, taking the center of the octagon. Mateo de Leon, a well-rounded fighter with a sharp grappling game, takes on a cautious approach, circling on the outside and looking for openings to counter. Al-Masri quickly tests de Leon’s defenses with a stiff jab-cross combination that snaps de Leon’s head back. De Leon, unfazed, responds with a leg kick that lands with a thud, but Al-Masri shrugs it off and continues to press forward. Within the first minute, the pace is frenetic. Al-Masri switches stances fluidly, throwing a spinning back kick that just grazes de Leon’s midsection. De Leon wisely closes the distance, clinching up to neutralize Al-Masri’s striking. The two jockey for position against the cage, with de Leon landing short knees to the thigh. Al-Masri, using his strength, reverses the position and delivers a sharp elbow that opens a cut on de Leon’s forehead. As the round progresses, de Leon attempts to bring the fight to the ground, but Al-Masri’s takedown defense is solid. He sprawls effectively, creating space to land a powerful uppercut that wobbles de Leon. The crowd roars as Al-Masri smells blood, launching a barrage of punches, but de Leon’s resilience keeps him in the fight. The round ends with Al-Masri in control, showcasing his superior striking while de Leon retreats to his corner with a noticeable cut and swelling under his left eye.

ROUND TWO: The second round starts with de Leon adjusting his strategy, clearly intent on taking the fight to the ground where he feels more comfortable. Al-Masri can sense this, so he keeps his distance, peppering de Leon with jabs and low kicks. De Leon, however, catches one of the kicks and drives Al-Masri back with a powerful double leg takedown, landing in side control. The crowd watches in anticipation as de Leon begins working for a submission, attempting to isolate an arm for a kimura. Al-Masri, displaying his grappling defense, keeps his arm tucked and shifts his hips to regain half guard. De Leon remains persistent, transitioning to mount and dropping elbows, but Al-Masri’s defense holds strong. Al-Masri bucks and rolls, escaping out the back door and getting back to his feet to a loud ovation. The momentum shifts again as Al-Masri resumes his striking assault, landing a crisp right hand that rocks de Leon. With de Leon on the defensive, Al-Masri unleashes a flurry of punches, but de Leon’s heart and determination keep him in the fight. The round ends with both fighters bloodied and exhausted, but it’s clear that Al-Masri’s striking and resilience are beginning to wear Mateo de Leon down.

ROUND THREE: The final round begins with de Leon looking fatigued but determined to find a way to turn the tide. Al-Masri, on the other hand, comes out aggressively, feinting a jab before launching a devastating overhand right that lands flush on de Leon’s jaw, sending him stumbling back. Al-Masri follows up with a knee to the body, doubling de Leon over, and the crowd rises to their feet, sensing the finish. De Leon, fighting on instinct, shoots for a desperate takedown, but Al-Masri sprawls and sprawls hard, stuffing the attempt. He then grabs a front headlock and drags de Leon down to the mat. Al-Masri quickly transitions to the back, securing his hooks, and starts working for a rear naked choke. De Leon, displaying incredible grit, fights the hands and manages to escape the choke attempt, but Al-Masri’s control is relentless. With time ticking away, Al-Masri postures up and begins raining down punches from back mount, forcing de Leon to cover up. The referee watches closely as the strikes continue to land, and just as de Leon begins to show signs of recovery, Al-Masri locks in the rear naked choke again. This time, it’s deep. De Leon struggles, but with no escape in sight, he’s forced to tap out.

Winner: Mustafa Al-Masri by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:36 Round 3

Statistics: Mustafa Al-Masri
Punches 41/72 (57%)
Kicks 8/12 (67%)
Clinch strikes 4/6 (67%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 12/20 (60%)
Submissions 2/3 (67%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 207 s

Statistics: Mateo de Leon
Punches 15/27 (56%)
Kicks 4/7 (57%)
Clinch strikes 6/10 (60%)
Takedowns 1/2 (50%)
GnP strikes 8/14 (57%)
Submissions 0/1 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 2/3 (67%)
Time on the ground 207 s

ROUND ONE: As the opening bell rings, Rachel Parsons and Carter Vaughn meet in the center of the cage to kickoff the first bout of the Featherweight Championship Grand Prix. Parsons, known for her striking prowess, steps out of her corner with an orthodox stance, light on her feet, bouncing slightly as she gauges Vaughn’s reach. Vaughn, a well-rounded fighter, mirrors her stance but keeps a lower center of gravity, anticipating an early attempt at a takedown or a flurry of punches. Within the first minute, Parsons tests the waters with a crisp jab, snapping Vaughn’s head back slightly. She follows up with a swift one-two combination that Vaughn deftly parries, showing off his tight guard. Vaughn counters with a heavy leg kick that lands with a thud, momentarily disrupting Parsons’ rhythm. He then presses forward, mixing in feints to keep Parsons guessing, but she circles out and returns fire with a stinging right cross that catches Vaughn on the chin, forcing him to retreat. The back-and-forth action continues as Vaughn shoots in for a takedown, securing a single leg and driving Parsons to the mat. The crowd roars as Vaughn works to establish top control, but Parsons quickly locks her guard and threatens with an armbar. Vaughn stays calm, postures up, and lands a couple of short, sharp elbows to break Parsons’ grip, transitioning to side control. In the final moments of the round, Parsons scrambles back to her feet, her face showing signs of frustration but also determination. Vaughn, smelling blood, pushes forward with a barrage of strikes, but Parsons avoids any significant damage with slick head movement and footwork. The round ends with Vaughn pressing the action against the cage, leaving a lasting impression on the judges.

ROUND TWO: The second round begins with Vaughn looking more confident, his corner likely instructing him to capitalize on his grappling advantage. Parsons, undeterred, opens with a series of leg kicks, each one landing with increasing venom, causing Vaughn to adjust his stance. Vaughn responds by closing the distance, clinching with Parsons and working knees to the body. Parsons fires back with short punches inside the clinch, but Vaughn’s control in the clinch is evident as he muscles her against the cage. A minute in, Vaughn executes a beautifully timed trip, taking Parsons down once again. This time, he secures half guard and begins methodically working his ground and pound, targeting Parsons’ ribs and head. Parsons is visibly struggling to regain her footing, but she remains active from the bottom, attempting to create space with elbows and push-offs. The crowd can sense the shift in momentum as Vaughn grinds her down, landing measured strikes that are beginning to take their toll. Parsons eventually manages to kick off the cage and stand back up, but she’s visibly slower, her breathing labored. Vaughn stays in her face, utilizing his jab to keep her at bay while mixing in body shots that sap her energy further. Parsons, showing her grit, throws a looping hook that lands clean on Vaughn’s temple, momentarily stunning him. However, Vaughn recovers quickly and finishes the round with another successful takedown, solidifying his dominance.

ROUND THREE: Entering the final round, Parsons knows she needs something big to turn the fight in her favor. She comes out aggressively, unleashing a series of combinations that force Vaughn onto the back foot. A thunderous overhand right from Parsons connects, drawing a collective gasp from the crowd, but Vaughn’s chin holds up as he retreats to reset. Sensing urgency, Parsons continues to press forward, mixing up her strikes with kicks to the legs and body, trying to wear Vaughn down. Vaughn, believing that he’s ahead on the scorecards, shifts to a more defensive strategy, using his footwork to evade Parsons’ attacks and pick his shots. He lands a stiff jab that halts Parsons in her tracks, followed by a well placed body kick that visibly hurts her. Vaughn capitalizes by clinching up and dragging Parsons to the mat once more, where he resumes his ground and pound assault. The final minute of the round is a battle of wills. Parsons desperately tries to scramble back to her feet, but Vaughn’s control is relentless. He transitions to full mount, raining down punches as the crowd erupts. Parsons shows incredible heart, bucking her hips and forcing Vaughn to lose balance, but it’s too little too late. Vaughn ends the round in a dominant position, pounding away until the final horn sounds.

Winner: Carter Vaughn by Unanimous Decision 

Statistics: Rachel Parsons
Punches 63/158 (40%)
Kicks 12/24 (50%)
Clinch strikes 10/15 (67%)
Takedowns 0/1 (0%)
GnP strikes 8/14 (57%)
Submissions 1/2 (50%)
Clinch Attempts 4/6 (67%)
Time on the ground 370 s

Statistics: Carter Vaughn
Punches 45/108 (42%)
Kicks 7/16 (44%)
Clinch strikes 14/20 (70%)
Takedowns 5/6 (83%)
GnP strikes 34/60 (57%)
Submissions 1/1 (100%)
Clinch Attempts 5/8 (63%)
Time on the ground 370 s

ROUND ONE: The energy in the BST Center is ramping up more and more as the night goes on. We begin our second Featherweight bout of the night with Jalen Briggs and Ignacio Zambrano set to square off, both knowing what’s on the line. Briggs opens in a southpaw stance, bouncing lightly on his feet, while Zambrano keeps a tight guard. Briggs tests the waters early, flicking out a few probing jabs, but Zambrano’s defense is sharp, and within the first minute, he counters with a crisp right hand that stuns Briggs. The crowd gasps as Briggs stumbles backward, visibly rocked. Sensing an early finish, Zambrano pounces, unloading a flurry of punches — hooks and uppercuts — with Briggs covering up against the cage. A brutal right hook grazes Briggs’ temple, sending him crashing to the mat. Zambrano swarms, looking to end it, but Briggs digs deep, showing immense resilience. With the referee looming, Briggs ties up Zambrano, preventing further damage, and uses his wrestling skills to reverse the position, getting back to his feet. The crowd roars as Briggs survives the onslaught, but he’s clearly damaged, his left eye starting to swell as the round ends with Zambrano confidently strutting back to his corner.

ROUND TWO: Briggs comes out in the second round with a renewed sense of composure, seemingly having fully recovered during the break. His corner is urging him to mix in his grappling, and he follows the advice perfectly, shooting for a quick double leg takedown. Zambrano sprawls initially, but Briggs drives through, securing the takedown and landing in side control. From here, Briggs starts raining down heavy ground and pound, using his aggressiveness to control Zambrano, who is trying desperately to defend. Zambrano’s left elbow shoots out to create space, but Briggs postures up and lands two vicious elbows, creating a gnarly welt above Zambrano’s right eye. The momentum has shifted completely. Zambrano tries to escape, but Briggs maintains top control, constantly threatening with submission attempts, including an Americana that forces Zambrano to scramble. With a minute left in the round, Briggs stands up and delivers brutal hammer fists as Zambrano tries to defend. The referee watches closely, and with Zambrano covering up and not intelligently defending, Briggs unloads a barrage of punches that forces the stoppage. 

Winner: Jalen Briggs by TKO (GnP) 4:15 Round 2

Statistics: Jalen Briggs
Punches 34/60 (56%)  
Kicks 8/13 (61%)  
Clinch strikes 5/8 (63%)  
Takedowns 2/4 (50%)  
GnP strikes 24/30 (80%)  
Submissions 1/2 (50%)  
Clinch Attempts 2/3 (67%)
Time on the ground 140 s

Statistics: Ignacio Zambrano
Punches 25/48 (52%)  
Kicks 6/10 (60%)  
Clinch strikes 3/5 (60%)  
Takedowns 0/1 (0%)  
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)  
Submissions 0/0 (0%)  
Clinch Attempts 0/1 (0%) 
Time on the ground 140 s

ROUND ONE: The bout between former AWC Featherweight Champion Abbie Peterson and Katya Belinskaya began with a lot of tension as both women pace inside the cage with a calm yet focused demeanor. Peterson came out as the aggressor, launching a crisp jab-right cross combination to test Belinskaya early. Belinskaya, however, remained unfazed, maintaining her high guard in her southpaw stance and countering with a powerful body kick that echoed through the building. The first minute showcased Peterson’s volume of strikes, pushing forward with hooks and low kicks, while Belinskaya utilized her footwork, circling out of danger and picking her moments to retaliate with stinging counter lefts. About midway through the round, the fight took its first turn as Peterson pushed Belinskaya against the fence, attempting to impose her will in the clinch. She landed a couple of sharp knees to the body, but Belinskaya reversed the position with a swift underhook and delivered an elbow over the top. A quick trip takedown from Belinskaya followed, but Peterson scrambled back to her feet, showcasing her strong defensive grappling. The final minute saw a brief wild exchange, with Peterson landing a solid overhand right that wobbled Belinskaya, bringing the crowd to their feet. However, Belinskaya regained her composure, firing back with a crisp head kick just as the round closed.

ROUND TWO: The second round began with a more tactical pace, but the intensity remained high. Belinskaya adjusted her strategy, now looking to slow Peterson’s advances with well placed leg kicks and teep kicks down the middle. Peterson, determined to close the distance, marched forward, throwing heavy leather, but Belinskaya’s counters were sharp, each one stinging. A significant moment came just over a minute into the round when Belinskaya landed a perfectly timed left straight, followed by a right hook that visibly rocked Peterson. Sensing her opponent was hurt, Belinskaya pounced, driving Peterson against the cage. What followed was a brutal clinch exchange. Belinskaya locked her opponent in a Muay Thai plum, controlling Peterson’s posture and driving knees into her midsection and thighs. Peterson tried to escape, digging for underhooks and attempting to turn Belinskaya around, but Belinskaya’s clinch game proved to be too strong. A devastating knee to the head stunned Peterson, causing her knees to buckle. The referee closely watched as Belinskaya unleashed another barrage of knees, one after the other, until Peterson could no longer defend herself. The referee at this point had to step in and wave off the bout, awarding Katya Belinskaya a massive finish.

Winner: Katya Belinskaya by TKO (Knees) at 3:02 Round 2

Statistics: Abbie Peterson
Punches 21/52 (40%)
Kicks 10/15 (67%)
Clinch strikes 8/12 (67%)
Takedowns 0/1 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 2/4 (50%)
Time on the ground 5 s

Statistics: Katya Belinskaya
Punches 18/35 (51%)
Kicks 12/18 (67%)
Clinch strikes 18/25 (72%)
Takedowns 1/2 (50%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 3/4 (75%)
Time on the ground 10 s

ROUND ONE: The Welterweight Championship Grand Prix resumes with former Everest MMA Welterweight Champion Kian De Beer and kickboxing sensation  Hendrik Geen squaring off with the sound of the bell echoing through the BST Center. Both fighters circle each other cautiously, each trying to gauge the other’s movement. Kian De Beer comes out with an orthodox stance and quickly establishes his range with probing jabs. Hendrik Geen is a little more elusive, shifting in and out of range with fluid footwork, flashing a southpaw stance and looking for openings. Within the first minute, De Beer connects with a solid leg kick, chopping at Geen’s lead leg. Geen responds by closing the distance, using his excellent lateral movement to evade De Beer’s punches and countering with a stinging left cross that finds its mark. De Beer shakes it off and presses forward, looking to control the center of the cage. He lands a clean one-two combination that forces Geen back momentarily, but Geen’s composure remains intact as he absorbs the shots and circles away. The back and forth action intensifies when De Beer attempts a takedown after a clinch exchange. Geen defends it well, using an underhook to keep himself upright and firing off short elbows that graze De Beer’s temple. The fight shifts back into striking range, where De Beer lands a sharp right hand, seemingly gaining momentum. However, just as De Beer moves forward, Geen pulls off a lightning-fast head kick, disguised with a quick shift of his hips. The crowd gasps as Geen’s left shin cracks against De Beer’s skull. The sound echoes through the building, and De Beer drops instantly, his legs folding beneath him in a heap. The referee rushes in, waving off the fight before Geen can follow up, knowing De Beer is unconscious on impact.

Winner: Hendrik Geen by KO (High Kick) at 2:42 Round 1

Statistics: Kian De Beer
Punches 11/23 (47%)
Kicks 4/7 (57%)
Clinch strikes 2/5 (40%)
Takedowns 1/2 (50%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 2/2 (100%)
Time on the ground 10 s

Statistics: Hendrik Geen 
Punches 9/17 (53%)
Kicks 3/4 (75%)
Clinch strikes 3/3 (100%)
Takedowns 0/0 (0%)
GnP strikes 0/0 (0%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/1 (100%)
Time on the ground 0 s

ROUND ONE: The Co-Main Event kicks off with the final Featherweight Championship Grand Prix bout of the night. Both Isabel Azevedo and Ayumi Hikari are cautious in their approaches, looking to feel each other out. Izzi is light on her feet, darting in and out of range, while Ayumi establishes a steady rhythm with crisp, low leg kicks. Within the first minute, Azevedo probes with sharp jabs, testing Ayumi’s defense. Hikari responds with a fast inside leg kick followed by a right hook that grazes Isabel’s temple, shifting the momentum. Both fighters exchange in the center of the cage, with Azevedo landing a precise straight right that snaps Hikari’s head back. The pace quickens midway through the round, as Azevedo closes the distance, locking Ayumi in a brief clinch. Hikari defends well, using her knees to keep Isabel from advancing further, but Azevedo lands a sneaky right elbow as they disengage. The latter half of the round sees more action, with Ayumi launching a head kick that narrowly misses Azevedo’s head, eliciting a gasp from the crowd. Azevedo ends the round strong with a double leg takedown attempt, but Hikari’s excellent sprawl thwarts it. The round ends in a close back and forth, leaving the judges with a tough decision.

ROUND TWO: The second round begins with Ayumi taking more initiative, clearly trying to impose her will. She fires off a body kick that smacks Azevedo’s midsection, causing Isabel to retreat momentarily. Sensing an opportunity, Ayumi presses forward with a barrage of punches, her overhand right clipping Isabel and forcing her to cover up. Azevedo stays calm, using her footwork to circle away from the cage, but Ayumi continues to hunt her down. Midway through the round, Azevedo changes her strategy, landing a beautiful counter right hook as Hikari lunges in with a jab-cross combination. The momentum shifts as Azevedo begins to mix in leg kicks with her boxing, keeping Hikari guessing. In a key moment, Azevedo catches a kick from Hikari and drives her to the mat with a powerful single leg takedown. The crowd roars as Azevedo transitions to side control, looking to isolate Ayumi’s arm for a submission. Hikari remains composed, using her hips to create space and escape back to her feet. The round ends with both fighters exchanging strikes in a heated exchange, with Ayumi landing a solid right just before the horn.

ROUND THREE: Heading into the final round, both fighters show signs of fatigue, but neither backs down. Azevedo starts aggressively, throwing a series of jabs and leg kicks, forcing Hikari to backpedal. Ayumi switches levels, surprising Isabel with a quick double leg takedown. The crowd erupts as Hikari gains top position, but Azevedo’s defensive grappling shines through as she locks up Hikari’s posture with wrist control. Despite Hikari’s attempts to pass guard, Azevedo remains active off her back, looking for openings for a triangle choke. The fight takes a dramatic turn when Azevedo manages to kick Hikari off and scramble back to her feet. With two minutes left, both women engage in a furious exchange of punches in the center of the cage. Azevedo lands a crisp one-two combination, staggering Hikari for a brief moment, but Ayumi fires back with a stiff left hook that finds its mark. The final minute sees both fighters throwing caution to the wind, each trying to sway the judges with a strong finish. Azevedo lands a knee in the clinch, and Hikari responds with a flurry of body shots as the round ends.

After three incredibly competitive rounds, the bout goes to the judges’ scorecards. The decision is razor-thin, but Isabel Azevedo is awarded the victory via split decision. The crowd erupts for Azevedo, while Hikari, disappointed but respectful, nods to acknowledge the outcome. Both fighters embrace in the center of the cage, having given everything in this thrilling Co-Main Event.

Winner: Isabel Azevedo by Split Decision

Statistics: Isabel Azevedo
Punches 63/120 (53%)
Kicks 25/42 (60%)
Clinch strikes 8/15 (53%)
Takedowns 1/2 (50%)
GnP strikes 5/9 (56%)
Submissions 1/2 (50%)
Clinch Attempts 1/2 (50%)
Time on the ground 65 s

Statistics: Ayumi Hikari
Punches 59/114 (52%)
Kicks 30/48 (63%)
Clinch strikes 7/13 (54%)
Takedowns 1/2 (50%)
GnP strikes 4/7 (57%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 1/2 (50%)
Time on the ground 65 s

ROUND ONE: The tension in the BST Center has reached its peak as Kirk Jenkins and Jack Donovan touched gloves to kick off the highly anticipated Welterweight Championship Grand Prix Main Event. Jenkins, known to have a well-rounded skill set, opened up in a southpaw stance, feeling out his range with a series of probing jabs and low kicks. Donovan, more of a power striker, countered from an orthodox stance, keeping his guard high and looking for opportunities to unleash his heavy right hand. Within the first minute, Jenkins landed a sharp inside leg kick, briefly knocking Donovan off balance. The momentum shifted quickly as Donovan answered with a stiff overhand right, catching Jenkins on the temple, forcing him to clinch. The fighters engaged in a grappling exchange against the fence, with Jenkins looking for a body lock takedown, but Donovan’s defensive wrestling held firm. They broke apart, and Jenkins landed a crisp one-two combination off the break to end the round.

ROUND TWO: Both fighters came out more aggressive in the second round. Jenkins seemed more comfortable, establishing his range with quick footwork and snapping kicks to the legs and body. Donovan, however, closed the distance, pressuring with hooks to the body and overhands, trying to cut off Jenkins’ movement. Midway through the round, Donovan connected with a big uppercut that stunned Jenkins, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Sensing blood, Donovan pressed forward, throwing a barrage of punches, but Jenkins, showing veteran poise, slipped and fired back with a left hook, creating space. Donovan capitalized on the separation, securing a slick double leg takedown. On the ground, he controlled Jenkins in half guard, landing short elbows and body shots. The round ended with Donovan on top, grinding out control, but Jenkins showed his resilience by constantly working to defend.

ROUND THREE: With the fight seemingly even heading into the third round, both fighters looked determined to gain the upper hand. Donovan came out swinging, looking for a fight-ending blow, but Jenkins’ slick movement and sharp counters kept him at bay. Jenkins, now brimming with confidence, began mixing up his attacks, landing jabs, low kicks, and an occasional front kick to the body. Midway through the round, Jenkins went for a high kick that Donovan narrowly blocked, but the follow-up spinning back kick landed flush to Donovan’s midsection, briefly doubling him over. Sensing his chance, Jenkins pounced, clinching Donovan against the cage and landing knees to the body. Donovan, visibly fatigued, struggled to break free but defended well enough to avoid any further damage. The final minute of the round saw both men trading blows in the center of the cage, the crowd roaring with every exchange. Donovan managed to land a solid right hand, but Jenkins absorbed it well, firing back with a sharp left cross to close the round. Both fighters showed immense heart and grit, but Jenkins appeared to have done just enough to pull ahead this round.

ROUND FOUR: Jenkins started the Main Event rounds with a renewed sense of urgency, pressing forward with a series of low kicks and sharp combinations. Donovan, now showing some signs of fatigue, began to slow down, relying more on single power shots rather than combinations. Jenkins capitalized on this, constantly moving and making Donovan miss while landing his own crisp strikes. In the middle of the round, Jenkins once again took the fight to the ground, scoring a superb trip takedown after catching a kick from Donovan. From top position, Jenkins worked methodically, maintaining control in half guard while landing short elbows and punches. Donovan, though exhausted, refused to give in and managed to scramble back to his feet. The final moments of the round saw Jenkins pressing Donovan against the cage, landing knees to the thighs and body, effectively grinding out the round in his favor.

ROUND FIVE: Entering the fifth and final round, both fighters showed clear signs of fatigue, but Jenkins appeared fresher and more composed. Donovan, needing a finish, came out aggressive, throwing wild overhand rights and uppercuts, hoping to land a knockout blow. Jenkins stayed elusive, using his footwork to avoid the power shots while picking his moments to counter with straight lefts and low kicks. With two minutes remaining, Donovan goes to bull rush Jenkins against the cage, and catches him with a heavy overhand that rocks Jenkins back against the fence. Running off instinct, Jenkins clinches up with Donovan, but Donovan pours it on, landing knees to the body and head from the clinch. Jenkins, clearly fading, struggled to break free as Donovan continued to pile on the pressure. As the final seconds ticked away, Donovan put on a clinic in the clinch, landing short, precise strikes to finish the fight strong. The crowd erupted in applause as the final horn sounded, both fighters embracing in mutual respect after an all-out war.

When the fight ended, the tension in the air was heavy as all eyes locked on the judges’ scorecards. Then came the announcement — Kirk Jenkins was awarded the majority decision. Jenkins’ arms shot into the air, letting out a deep sigh of relief after a hard-fought battle. Across the cage, Donovan stood stoic, the sting of defeat in his eyes, but his spirit remained unbroken. The crowd, recognizing the warrior in him, erupted into a deafening standing ovation, their cheers a tribute to his relentless heart and unwavering grit. Both men had given everything, and the audience celebrated the unforgettable war that capped off a memorable night of fights. 

Winner: Kirk Jenkins by Majority Decision 

Statistics: Kirk Jenkins
Punches 103/172 (60%)
Kicks 35/45 (78%)
Clinch strikes 22/40 (55%)
Takedowns 2/4 (50%)
GnP strikes 17/25 (68%)
Submissions 0/1 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 4/8 (50%)
Time on the ground 105 s

Statistics: Jack Donovan
Punches 94/160 (59%)
Kicks 12/20 (60%)
Clinch strikes 19/32 (59%)
Takedowns 1/2 (50%)
GnP strikes 10/15 (67%)
Submissions 0/0 (0%)
Clinch Attempts 2/3 (67%)
Time on the ground 105 s

Venue: BST Center
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Attendance: 500
Date: September 8, 2024
Fighter Payouts: $3,705,000
Gate: $375,000

FIGHT OF THE NIGHT
Kirk Jenkins vs Jack Donovan

PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT
Connor Bouchard, Hendrik Geen

MOST VALUABLE PROMOTER
Kirk Jenkins, Jack Donovan

DISCLOSED EARNINGS
Abbie Peterson ($885,000)
Isabel Azevedo ($650,000)
Rachel Parsons ($410,000)
Kian De Beer ($310,000)
Kirk Jenkins ($250,000)
Jack Donovan ($200,000)
Jalen Briggs ($170,000)
Ray Rogers ($160,000)
Hendrik Geen ($120,000)
Connor Bouchard ($120,000)
Ignacio Zambrano ($85,000)
Ayumi Hikari ($75,000)
Katya Belinskaya ($70,000)
Carter Vaughn ($70,000)
Mustafa Al-Masri ($70,000)
Mateo de Leon ($60,000)

QUICK RECAP
Connor Bouchard def. Ray Rogers by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 2:28 Round 3
Mustafa Al-Masri def. Mateo de Leon by Submission (Rear Naked Choke) at 4:36 Round 3
Carter Vaughn def. Rachel Parsons by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)
Jalen Briggs def. Ignacio Zambrano by TKO (GnP) 4:15 Round 2
Katya Belinskaya def. Abbie Peterson by TKO (Knees) at 3:02 Round 2
Hendrik Geen def. Kian De Beer by KO (High Kick) at 2:42 Round 1
Isabel Azevedo def. Ayumi Hikari by Split Decision (29-28 x2, 29-28)
Kirk Jenkins def. Jack Donovan by Majority Decision (48-47 x2, 27-27)

EVENT EARNINGS
Ticket Sales: $375,000
Media Rights: $5,000,000
Sponsorship Deals: $10,000,000
Merchandise Sales: $200,000
Concessions: $125,000

Total Event Revenue: $15,700,000

EVENT EXPENSES
Fighter Payouts: $3,705,000
Staff Salaries: $250,000
Venue Rental: $25,000
Production Costs: $1,000,000
Medical Staff and Equipment: $500,000
Marketing and Advertising: $1,000,000
Insurance: $500,000
Miscellaneous Expenses: $500,000

Total Event Expenses: $6,980,000

Net Event Profit: $8,720,000