Chatham’s Tyler Kirk Wins Michigan Combat League Title in 48 Seconds

Chatham-Kent and Redemption MMA athlete Tyler Kirk pulled off an incredible triangle submission 0:48 seconds into the first round of his title fight in Michigan on Friday night. Kirk faced local fighter Chris Bohacek for the vacant MCL 125-pound title after champion Dylan Fanslaw pulled out of the fight due to injury.

Kirk ad Bohacek stood early and Kirk had his hands low when Bohacek landed a strong overhand right, dropping Kirk to the mat. Kirk immediately shfted to guard to catch an aggressive Bohacek coming in and Kirk quickly secured the triangle choke. Bohacek stood up and tried to pull away but the technique an strength of Kirk held on despite being dazed by the punch. Bohacek then tried to escape by picking Kirk up and slamming him, a la Rampage Jackson, while throwing an illegal crushing elbow to Kirk’s eye on the way down.

Kirk suffered two fractures and a broken eye socket with that elbow, but in a clear display of courage, toughness and will, Kirk continued to hold on to the triangle forcing Bohacek to tap at 0:48 seconds of the fight.

It is an impressive victory for the 22-year old Chatham resident and Chatham Kent Secondary grad. It gives him his first MMA title and improves his record to 4-1.

It must be noted that mixed martial arts at the competitive, combat-sport level is a very tough and dangerous sport. Tyler suffered some serious injuries to his eye in his fight. While certain that Tyler will heal 100 percent, injuries must be taken into consideration when participating in MMA at a high level. Kirk fully understands that and is resting and recovering from his injuries.