Yancy Medeiros makes most of the Hawaii homecoming

HONOLULU – Yancy Medeiros’ Bellator debut was a success – and it couldn’t have happened in a place and venue more meaningful to him.

In front of his home island crowd, Medeiros (16-8 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) defeated Emmanuel Sanchez (20-8 MMA, 12-7 BMMA) by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27). and sent the Neal S. Blaisdell Center, including pal Nate Diaz, into a frenzy.

From the opening bell, Medeiros and Sanchez knocked it out. When Sanchez tried to bring Medeiros down, he successfully defended himself – a topic for the rest of the fight. Sanchez had his moments in the batting department, rocking Medeiros multiple times with his punches. Sanchez’s leg kicks were spot on.

That #Bella279 Main card is live and it starts with a thunderous homecoming for Yancy Medeiros (@ymedeiros), who meets Emmanuel Sanchez.

Results: https://t.co/HOfHPCaMHB pic.twitter.com/OLljPi47vu

— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) April 24, 2022

Things were going solidly for Sanchez every lap until they weren’t. Medeiros rallied with his striking and landed wobbling shots. In the final round, Medeiros pointed to the center of the cage and the two knocked him out. The exchange leaned towards Medeiros, who eventually won the fight.

Yancy Medeiros heated up the Honolulu crowd — inclusive @NateDiaz209 – with his #Bella279 to win. 🏝 pic.twitter.com/schHPc2D0M7

— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) April 24, 2022

The fight was a one-off fight for Medeiros, who split from the UFC in 2021. The win gave the Oahu native a four-man fight and could lead to more chances with Bellator.

For Sanchez, the defeat is the fourth in a row. Sanchez moved up to lightweight for this fight after several failed featherweight title attempts.

• Defeated Yancy Medeiros. Emmanuel Sanchez by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
• Defeated Goiti Yamauchi. Levan Chokheli via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 3:49
• Defeated Bobby King. Keoni Diggs by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
• Dayana defeated Silva. Janay Harding by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Justin Gonzales defeated. Kai Kamaka via split decision (28-29, 30-27, 29-28)
• Lance Gibson Jr defeated. Nainoa Dung by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-25, 30-25)