Lightweights Tom Nolan and Charlie Campbell kicked off the UFC Perth main card on Saturday, with the event having taken several hits ahead of Fight Night.
Justin Tafa, Junior Tafa, and Oban Elliott had all withdrawn from the card during Fight Week, while Doo-Ho Choi had previously dropped out. Four fights, four somewhat recognizable names, and an overall lack of star power had led to sluggish ticket sales for the promotion’s return to the RAC Arena on Saturday – not that the fighters themselves were likely to dwell on it.
Nolan started the first round with a good body kick at range. Campbell circled away and landed a good low leg kick of his own. Fighting out of the southpaw stance, Nolan was hit with a massive left hand that dropped him to the floor. Campbell marched forward looking to close the contest, but Nolan returned fire to keep the charging Campbell at bay. Midway through the first round, Campbell was getting the better of boxing exchanges on the inside. Both fighters stood and traded big blows in the center of the cage, with Nolan looking to do his work in the clinch.
A fast first round saw Nolan now on the attack and drop Campbell with a overhand right in the clinch. Pressing Campbell against the fence Nolan landed a takedown, expertly sliding his arm around the neck of his opponent. Moving to the back with full control of Campbell, Tom Nolan was able to lock in a rear naked choke submission. This was a massive win the young career of Tom Nolan, who just fought through adversity to finish another dangerous prospect in the division. At 6’3, Nolan has massive potential at 155-pounds.
In his post fight interview Nolan stated that he “just received his black belt” and was happy to get his first professional submission win.
Official Result: Tom Nolan def. Charlie Campbell by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 4:08
