DUBLIN – In a grudge match between talented strikers, it was Michael Page (15-1 MMA, 11-1 BMMA) who proved superior, knocking out Richard Kiely (3-2 MMA, 1-1 BMMA) in the opening round.
The welterweight bout was part of the Bellator Europe 4 card at 3Arena in Dublin. The card streamed on the Bellator app.
Page came out with his hands low, pointing at his chin, and Kiely responded by flipping him the middle finger, bringing an early warning for sportsmanship from referee Dan Miragliotta. On the restart, Page was able to twirl an off-balance Kiely to the floor, then followed down and started to deliver a few punishing shots on the ground. But when the showboating got to be a little too much for Miragliotta, he stepped in and deducted a point, bringing the fight back to the feet in a rather curious decision.
Fortunately for Page, it wouldn’t matter.
On the restart, Page delivered a beautiful flying knee that landed clean, sending Kiely to the canvas. Page didn’t bother following this time, instead mockingly wobbling on the feet while Miragliotta moved over Kiely and waved off the contest at the 2:47 mark of the first frame.
After the bout, Page said he’s in pursuit of a rematch with Douglas Lima, who handed “MVP” his first professional loss.
Up-to-the-minute Bellator on Europe 4 results include:
- Michael Page def. Richard Kiely via knockout (flying knee) – Round 1, 2:47
- Peter Queally def. Ryan Scope via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:07
