Rival FC Showdown: First Round Finishes in Paducah
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Rival FC delivered a chaotic night of regional MMA action with hometown favorites, explosive knockouts, controversy, and a suspension that had fans talking.
Paduchah, KY May 9th 2026, Rival FC returned to knights of Columbus for a banger of a showdown. as legends from the region clashed, so announcing their final fights. Rival FC was blessed to have regional favorites, Will Caylor, Michael Fairhurst, and Kestin Mcclain on the card. more incredible than anything were the debut fighters with first round finishes, some independent, other with a mixed background.
Special shout to Kayden Cody, representing Screaming Eagles Combatives Program, out of Fort Cambell KY who showed up on a debut fight, and ended Israel Binkley, a 3-4 career fighter in the first round via rear naked choke after a vicious ground and pound.
Rival FC managed to pump out several first round finishes before the end of the night, notable the the 135 amateur title fight event, where Michael Fairhurst (Bushido MMA) finished Joey Henderson (independent) in the first round via technical knock out. Before getting himself suspended for a year, for cussing out the commissioner and drinking on the canvas.
One of Michaels inspirations Will Caylor who also fought on the card, also managed a first round finish against Charlie nelliger. During a clinch early into the first round, will managed to lock up a strong wizard, before sweeping into a kimura submission, where he finished from side control. allegedly following the match, Nelliger took to social media in rage, and blocked his competitor. Will said “In 30 fights, I never seen this before lol” on facebook discussing the matter.
You can recap all the drama and action by checking out the pre & post fight press interviews via jmurrayathletics or checkout the full fights at knucklesandwich with brandon anderson, and make sure to follow everything jmurrayathletics for more regional and national sports updates!
watch the pre fight drama from Rival FC 4 here:
Watch the full event here through Knucklesandwich:
Rival FC 4 Post Fight Interviews:
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