In what was expected to be a contest filled with heroic action, the headlining “Battle at Bellagio III” Superfight between K-1 superstar Ray Sefo and American martial arts fighting star Marvin Eastman produced heart-throbbing, controversial warfare both during and after the bout that saw Sefo earn a controversial, first round technical knockout win.
Eastman, whose role in the event was switched from that of tournament fighter to Superfight competitor after Sefo’s originally scheduled opponent withdrew from the event earlier this week, did not hesitate to pursue Sefo from the outset of their matchup. Likewise, Sefo was willing to trade blows immediately and sent the 35-year-old Eastman reeling back with a right hook to the body in the opening seconds of the bout.
After an exchange of punches left Sefo the worse for wear, the New Zealand native quickly retaliated with a roundhouse kick that caught Eastman and opened a cut around the area of his left eye. The ringside physician momentarily stopped the bout to examine the damage and, moments later, ordered the action to resume.
Sefo immediately smothered Eastman and pinned him against the ropes. A barrage of punches from Sefo surprisingly prompted the referee to step in and call an end to the bout at the 1:32 mark of the opening round.
Furious with what he thought was a premature stoppage, Eastman voiced his opinion to the referee and other officials who had stepped in the squared circle. Sefo approached Eastman and attempted to embrace him, but Eastman refused the gesture and insisted to the New Zealander that he wanted to continue fighting. Sefo smiled and waved Eastman on, after which, Eastman charged Sefo. A right hook from Sefo floored Eastman. Eastman stood up and, once again, attacked Sefo. An all-out scuffle between corners erupted and the Las Vegas police on hand for the event rushed into the ring to put a stop to the mayhem.