BTC 26: Rumble in the Rapids delivered an unforgettable night of MMA action at the Americana Resort in Niagara Falls, Ontario. From championship drama to explosive knockouts, here’s a complete breakdown of the results, key moments of the night and interviews with the fighters:

Main Event: Joash “Honey Badger” Walkins def. Adam “Maverick” Assenza for the BTC Lightweight Championship

Photo by Roderick Pritchard (@roderick_pritchard_photography)

The lightweight title changed hands in a thrilling main event as Trinidad & Tobago’s Joash Walkins dethroned reigning champion Adam Assenza. Walkins showcased his dynamic striking throughout the bout, starting strong by dropping Assenza with a crisp combination in the first round. He followed up with a devastating step-through elbow that opened a nasty cut on the champion’s face, forcing Assenza to fight through adversity for the remainder of the contest. Walkins took home the first two rounds, edging out a closely contested strike-heavy battle and punctuating the rounds with the highlights above.

Despite the early damage, Assenza demonstrated the heart of a champion, pushing forward and finding success in the third and final round. Assenza mounted a spirited comeback, winning the frame on all three judges' scorecards with a barrage of leg kicks, crisp combinations and relentless pressure until the final bell. However, the effort wasn’t enough to overturn the early dominance of Walkins, who earned a unanimous decision victory to claim the BTC Lightweight Championship.

The “Honey Badger” impressed fans with his composure, precision, and ability to rise to the occasion under the brightest lights. Walkins’ win not only moves his record to an impressive 16-1 but also cements him as the 5th lightweight champion in BTC history.

Joash Walkins: “I would like to take out the 145 champ and 135 champ for BTC. I'm coming from two divisions strong. Coming here to prove myself… to prove myself to the world. That I deserve a UFC contract. I deserve to compete with the best of the best in the world. And guess what? I know I can beat all of them.”

For Assenza, the loss marks the end of his current lightweight reign, but his gritty performance, fan-favourite style and impressive late surge proved why he’s one of the most respected fighters in BTC Fight history.

This main event served as a fitting capstone for an incredible night of fights, with Walkins’ victory adding another chapter to the ever-growing history of BTC Fight Promotions.

Co-Main Event: James “The Suplex Kid” Clarke def. Gabe “Samurai” Sagman via Unanimous Decision

Former BTC flyweight champion James Clarke made a triumphant return to the cage, defeating the ever-dangerous Gabe Sagman in a tactical three-round war. Clarke’s wrestling pedigree was on full display as he controlled the pace and position throughout the fight, using timely takedowns and stifling top control to negate Sagman’s BJJ black belt skills.

Sagman showcased resilience and creative submission attempts off his back and also landed the most consequential strike of the match, an uppercut that staggered Clarke, but struggled to stave off “The Suplex Kid” and his relentless grappling offence long enough to mount his own. Sagman, though disappointed, demonstrated his toughness and will always remain a perennial contender in the flyweight division.

The win re-establishes Clarke as a force in the flyweight division and with an impressive 10-4 record positions him for a potential title fight in the near future.

James Clarke: “I put my whole my heart and my soul into this, and I lost my mind in the process.

It's a crazy sport, but, like I said, I love this, it's my life. They said earlier that me and Gabe Sagman had mad beef. Anyone trying to take my dreams away from me, it's personal. Some dreams had to die for others to live.”

Bobby Poulter def. Chris Chapman via Injury TKO

The clash between Bobby Poulter and Chris Chapman ended unusually and dramatically, as a TKO due to an eye injury marked Poulter as the victor.

The first round remained fairly even on the feet as both men landed solid combos. Poulter attempted to get the fight to the ground on several occasions but could only keep Chapman down for a moment before he got back to his feet.

Early in the second round, Poulter threw a jab at Chapman’s head, but Chapman immediately signalled to the referee, indicating trouble with his eye. The official initially paused the fight, allowing the cageside doctor to examine Chapman.

Chapman was deemed unable to continue due to the damage sustained, and the referee declared the bout a TKO victory in Poulter’s favor.

The win moves Poulter’s record to 6-2, continuing his rise as a promising contender in the BTC ranks with 4 victories including 3 finishes.

After the fight, Poulter addressed the crowd: “I thought I landed a clean jab right on the eye socket, and then that was it. But you know, a wins a win. If Chapman wants to run it back, I’m more than happy to.

I want to stay active, I had an interview with The Ultimate Fighter this week. I'm looking to get on that show. If not, I'm trying to get another fight ASAP. January, February, whenever we can get on. Let's let's keep this rolling, man. Let's keep this rolling.”

Clay “The Bear” Pye def. Ljae Simminz via KO

Clay Pye continued to establish himself as one of Canada’s most promising prospects with a jaw-dropping first-round knockout of Ljae Simminz.

The bout began with Simminz attempting to use his long-range striking to dictate the pace. Pye quickly closed the distance several times via striking to start grappling exchanges but was warded off by Simminz’ wrestling defence. Pye continued to chase Simminz and eventually cornered him where he unleashed a perfectly timed left hand that sent Simminz to the canvas, forcing the referee to step in and stop the bout just over a minute into the action.

Pye’s dominance is becoming a hallmark of his career. His ability to utilize his elite wrestling pedigree with newly found devastating power has made him a nightmare matchup for anyone in the welterweight division. With this win, Pye maintains his undefeated record and will certainly make a massive move up the Canadian rankings.

Clay Pye: “I said it once. I'll say it again. This bear's got paws, baby. Everybody's got the right to bear arms. Come get some.

I've been in camp all year just waiting for fights, waiting for fights. Fights kept falling through. Then I had Cesar, and then I had Ljae, back to back. So I think, you know, it's winter time, the Bear's got a hibernate, and, I might take a little bit of break. But if something pops up, you know I'm ready.”

The victory also secured Clay Pye the $500 Franklin Coach Lines Performance of the Night Bonus.

Alana “The Alanamal” Cook def. Nikola Kacperska via Unanimous Decision

Alana Cook continued her rise in the bantamweight division with a hard-fought decision victory over Nikola Kacperska.

Cook’s grappling and clinch control were the keys to her success, as she consistently outworked Kacperska in close quarters. While Kacperska landed a few sharp counters in the stand-up exchanges, Cook’s pace and pressure proved too much for the Polish-American fighter to handle.

Training out of Niagara Top Team, Cook looks more confident with every fight and has firmly positioned herself as a bantamweight contender to watch.

Alana Cook: “She hit me with that first punch. I was like, oh fuck yeah, I'm wrestling. Yeah, this chick hits hard. So much respect for Nikola. It has been such a dream to get back in the cage. I'm so grateful that she came and showed up like a warrior.

Since I've been out my wrestling has definitely leveled up. I’m always going to have that ugly style, I think, there's no making it too pretty, but I definitely feel like I've levelled up and I’m just so grateful for all my coaches and all they've done for me.

I said win or lose, I want to fight again within three months. Like I take enough fucking time off [with] two surgeries. I don't think anyone can want to blame me for quitting, but I just don't have that quitting me. So let's let's go man.”

Michael Asiffo def. César "The Hulk" Bonilla via TKO/RSC (Round 1, 0:27)

In the opening bout of the evening, Michael Asiffo delivered a statement performance, earning his first professional victory with a lightning-fast TKO over César Bonilla.

Asiffo wasted no time, immediately pressuring Bonilla but perfectly placed strike caught Bonilla early sending him to the canvas. Asiffo appeared tentative to enter the guard of the BJJ black belt but eventually followed up with relentless ground-and-pound to secure the stoppage in just 27 seconds. This victory ties for the 4th fastest victory in BTC history moving Asiffo into the BTC Hall of Records.

For Asiffo, the win is a huge confidence boost and marks the start of what could be a massive turning point in his professional career.

Asiffo: “It's overwhelming. When I lost my last fight last year, around June, I was broken and embarrassed. And I think a lot of people around my family know that. And I was despondent for a while. I went back on the horse, just to get back up again, only to tear my ACL. And again I was broken and despondent. So to come out here tonight and get the W man, I feel like Derrick Rose on the 50-point night.

I know it's easy to say, you know, be happy for the winner, but Cesar trained really hard. And Cesar is a legend in the Toronto jiu-jitsu community. And I want everyone to give a hand to Cesar as well for coming out here and putting his heart on the line.”

BTC 26 Results

BTC Staff