Dillon Danis stuck to his strengths on Saturday at Bellator 198, quickly scoring the submission win in his MMA debut.
When Bellator 198 touched down at the AllState Arena in Chicago, IL on Saturday, all eyes were on Dillon Danis. A jiu-jitsu ace and member of Conor McGregor’s inner circle, Danis was making his pro debut, yet was a heavy favorite against Kyle Walker. That, despite Walker having five pro fights under his belt.
Of course, it helped that Walker had lot his last two bouts by first round submission, playing to Danis’ strength.
Danis had certainly turned some heads in the build up to the fight, thanks in part to his trash talking. In the cage Saturday, he shot for a takedown early, only to have it stuffed. He then found himself tagged by a couple of crisp left hands. Danis survived those blows, and attacked with kicks, then went after another takedown. While it didn’t quite work he was able to clinch the pull guard. Danis then latched on to a leg, sinking in the leg lock (officially a toe hold by the end). It didn’t take long for Walker to tap, and Danis had the win!
Walker, post-fight, told the man who forced him to tap that “you have some talent” — and it was clear that Danis did. He will, however, need to work on his stand-up, as was made clear early against Walker.
Dillion Danis def. Kyle Walker by submission (toe hold), Round 1, 1:38
