Miami, FL– Ireland’s Frans Mlambo (13-5)hoisted his country’s flag proudly and became a $100,000 richer after defeating Spain’s Kevin Cordero (14-3) in the toughest tournament in sports, Copa Combate.

The one-night tournament at 135 pounds featured eight men representing their country respectively.

The final event for Combate Global of 2021, Copa Combate featured a quarterfinal and semifinal fights, which where one five-minute round, where the final was battled over three five minute rounds.

In addition to winning the tournament and cash, Mlambo earned a shot against Combate Global’s bantamweight champion David Martinez. The fight is anticipated for early next year.

The final fight of the tournament was full of emotion and back-and-forth drama.

Right from the start, the charismatic Mlambo, who has served as a sparring partner for Conor McGregor, landed clean shots. But Cordero, who wore a poker face throughout the tournament, wasn’t shy about exchanging with his foe.

The fight later went to the ground, but Cordero nearly got caught in a guillotine choke, but was able to escape and proceed to the second round.

The second round was a near mirror image of the first episode. Cordero took Mlambo down and was to get his opponent’s back. However, the result Cordero searched for didn’t come to life.

In the last round, the emotion continued and both men laid it all in la jaula trading heavy shots throughout the final chapter of the fight. However, Mlambo connected the most shots compared to his opponent.

Earlier in the tournament, Cordero defeated Argentina’s Luciano Ramos via split decision and knocked out United States Leo Muniz in the semi-finals to make it into the finals.

Meanwhile, Mlambo defeated Peru’s Jose Zararuz in a controversial split decision and routed Cristian Barraza by unanimous decision in the semifinal.

“This win means so much to me. I’m finally going to marry my girlfriend of 12 years. My life has changed so much,” Mlambo said after the fight.

Results:

Frans Mlambo defeated Kevin Cordero via split decision– tournament final

Kevin Cordero defeated Leo Muniz via knockout – Round 1, 4:57 – tournament semifinal

Frans Mlambo defeated Cristian Barraza via unanimous decision  – tournament semifinal

Kevin Cordero defeated Luciano Ramos via split decision– tournament quarterfinal

Leo Muniz defeated Pierre Daguzan via TKO – Round 1, 3:53 – tournament quarterfinal

Cristian Barraza defeated Carlos Briseno via unanimous decision – tournament quarterfinal

Frans Mlambo defeated Jose Zarauz via split decision  – tournament quarterfinal

OTHER BOUTS

Ricky Bandejas defeated Alan Cantu via unanimous decision  – Copa Combate alternate bout

Diego Gomez Manzur defeated Felipe Vargas via unanimous decision  – Copa Combate alternate bout

Rosselyn Chavira defeated Tyler Schaefer via split decision

Caroline Gallardo defeated Criszaida Adames via unanimous decision