Empire MMA 13: Santos vs. Lopez – Medellín Shines on Fight Night
Empire MMA 13 lit up Canal Park Telemedellín in Medelín, Antioquia, Colombia on September 19, 2025, bringing fans one of the most electric nights in the promotion’s history. With a Flyweight title fight at the top and a card stacked with knockouts, submissions, and breakthrough performances, the event cemented Colombia’s growing reputation as a new hotbed for mixed martial arts.
Main Event: Ivan “O Terrivel” Santos vs. Duvan “La Maquina” Lopez (Flyweight Title)
The night’s headline fight carried all the intensity fans expected. Brazilian veteran Ivan Santos charged forward from the opening bell, throwing combinations in waves and trying to break Lopez’s rhythm. But Medellín’s own Duvan “La Maquina” Lopez showed why many consider him the future of Empire MMA.
Lopez remained composed under pressure, countering with crisp boxing and well-placed leg kicks to slow Santos’ advance. As the fight wore on, Lopez’s conditioning and sharpness became the difference. After five grueling rounds, the judges awarded Lopez a split decision victory, crowning him the new Flyweight Champion to the roar of a hometown crowd.
This was not just a title win — it was a coronation. Lopez’s triumph marked the beginning of a new era for Empire’s flyweight division.
Jorge “El Mohicano” Loaiza Silva vs. Danilo “The Mergerp” Rodriguez (Lightweight)
The co-main event featured rising lightweight prospect Jorge Loaiza Silva, who entered undefeated and determined to prove he’s ready for bigger stages. Against Danilo Rodriguez, Silva delivered another statement performance.
After testing Rodriguez on the feet, Silva unleashed a devastating body kick that folded his opponent, following up with punches until the referee waved it off at 1:59 of Round 2. The TKO pushed Silva’s record to 3-0 and had fans buzzing about his potential as a future title contender.
Andres “Vlado” Escudero vs. Jose Luis “The Joker” Saldarriaga (Lightweight)
Escudero wasted no time showing his dominance. He closed the distance quickly, put Jose Luis Saldarriaga on the canvas, and applied punishing top pressure. Within minutes, Escudero slipped to the back and locked in a rear-naked choke at 3:44 of Round 1.
It was a one-sided showcase that highlighted Escudero’s grappling pedigree and left fans eager to see him tested against tougher competition.
Juan Jose “Juanjo” Ibanez vs. Leonardo “El Lobo” Rodriguez (Lightweight)
Few fighters bring excitement like Juanjo Ibanez, and he delivered again in Medellín. Known for his speed and creativity, Ibanez wasted no time engaging with Leonardo Rodriguez. After a flurry of exchanges, Ibanez overwhelmed his opponent with a barrage of punches that forced the stoppage at 3:44 of Round 1.
The TKO win solidified Ibanez as one of Empire MMA’s most entertaining prospects — a fighter who can finish at any moment.
Mariana “A Guerreira” Salles vs. Luisa Fernanda “South Coup” Cifuentes (Flyweight)
The women’s flyweight bout featured grit, toughness, and heart. Mariana Salles set the tone early with forward pressure and crisp striking combinations. Luisa Cifuentes absorbed the punishment and battled back, but by the third round the damage took its toll.
At 2:27 of Round 3, Cifuentes could no longer continue, giving Salles a TKO victory (retirement). It was a gutsy performance that reinforced Salles as one of the division’s toughest contenders.
Emmanuel “El Piedra” Escobar vs. Cristian “El Tigre” Ayala (Flyweight)
In one of the night’s slickest finishes, Emmanuel Escobar showcased his grappling chops. After a scramble, he took Cristian Ayala’s back and sunk in a rear-naked choke, forcing the tap at 3:40 of Round 1.
The win added another quick submission to Escobar’s résumé and proved he’s a dangerous threat in the flyweight ranks.
Felipe “Raptor” Grajales vs. Jeffry “The Bullet” Gil (Featherweight)
The featherweights gave fans a tactical battle, with Felipe Grajales using his composure and striking to edge ahead of Jeffry Gil. While Gil had his moments, Grajales dictated the pace and range across all three rounds.
After fifteen minutes, the judges awarded Grajales a unanimous decision, highlighting his well-rounded skillset and ability to control tough opponents.
Nicolas “Nico” Bojaca vs. Guillermo Martinez (Flyweight)
The card kicked off with fireworks. Nicolas Bojaca lived up to his reputation as a fast starter, storming out of the gate against Guillermo Martinez. After just three and a half minutes, Bojaca connected with clean punches that dropped Martinez, forcing a TKO stoppage at 3:30 of Round 1.
The victory was a statement-making opener, igniting the crowd and setting the stage for an unforgettable night.
Final Takeaways
From start to finish, Empire MMA 13 delivered the perfect blend of drama, skill, and spectacle. Duvan Lopez’s championship coronation, Jorge Loaiza Silva’s breakout win, and a string of highlight-reel finishes proved once again why Colombia is quickly becoming a central hub for MMA talent.
With new stars emerging and champions being crowned, Empire MMA continues to carve its place as Latin America’s premier promotion. Fans in Medellín didn’t just witness a fight card — they witnessed the beginning of a new chapter in South American combat sports.
