Empire MMA 13: Santos vs. Lopez – Medellín Shines on Fight Night

Empire MMA 13 lit up Canal Park Telemedellín in Medellín, 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.

Empire MMA 12 Delivers a Night of Explosive Finishes in Barranquilla

On July 19, 2025, Empire MMA returned with its 12th installment—Empire MMA 12—lighting up the Coliseo Suga Baby Rojas in Barranquilla, Colombia. The event, promoted by Empire MMA Colombia, featured ten professional MMA bouts, highlighted by an electrifying championship battle and a slew of decisive finishes. (Tapology)

Main Event: Jhon “Tacha” Rodríguez Claims Bantamweight Title

The night’s pinnacle clash saw reigning bantamweight Jhon "Tacha" Rodríguez (13‑3‑0) defend his title against challenger Miguel Ángel Sosa (8‑5‑0). Rodríguez emerged victorious via TKO after landing a devastating series of knees, forcing the referee to halt the action at 2:22 of the third round. (Tapology)

Noteworthy Performances from the Main Card

The undercard did not disappoint—with several fighters showcasing early finishes:

  • Juan Puerta choked out Dionel Sosa with a rear-naked choke just 2:00 into round one. (Tapology)

  • Carlos Tardio (now 11‑1) overwhelmed Jeisson Bayona via ground‑and‑pound TKO in the third round at 1:08. (Tapology)

  • In a fierce display of striking, Juan Pablo Gómez secured a TKO with elbows at 4:12 of round three against Eduardo Gil. (Tapology)

  • Sergio Fuentes locked in a rear-naked choke submission, defeating Hector Soler at 2:05 in round one. (Tapology)

  • Stiven Bedoya scored a sharp KO via punches just 3:01 into round one against Luis Pérez. (Tapology)

  • Future showboating continued with Mauricio Castro knocking out Ronald Castro at 4:06 of round one. (Combat Registry)

  • Fabián Solano wrapped up Ángel Luis Montero with a TKO (punches) in round two at 3:16. (Tapology)

  • On the preliminary card, Stephany Suesca also achieved a TKO (punches), finishing Isabel Chiriboga in just 1:14 of the opening round. (Tapology)

  • Another early finish came when Santiago Giraldo Taborda overwhelmed Naztian Arciniegas with a TKO via strikes at 1:55 in round one. (Tapology)

Event Summary at a Glance

Feature Details Date & Venue July 19, 2025 — Coliseo Suga Baby Rojas, Barranquilla, Colombia Main Event Jhon “Tacha” Rodríguez def. Miguel Ángel Sosa — Bantamweight TKO, Round 3 (2:22) Total Bouts 10 professional fights Action Highlights Several early stoppages via TKOs, KOs, and a submission Fan Buzz Tapology users nailed every pick—perfect predictions made

Empire MMA 12 delivered a rapid-fire evening of high-intensity matchups and finishes, affirming the promotion’s growing influence in Latin America’s MMA scene. Looking ahead, the momentum from these standout performances sets the stage for even bigger matchups in the future.

Empire MMA 11 Ignites Santiago as Carlos Tardio Shines

Santiago, Chile — April 5, 2025 – Empire MMA 11 delivered a night of raw intensity and electrifying moments in Santiago, Chile, but no fighter made a bigger statement than Carlos Tardio. The Bolivian powerhouse reminded the world why he’s one of the most dangerous prospects in the sport, bringing his record to an impressive 8–1 and stamping himself as a future title contender.

The Rise of Carlos Tardio

While the card featured heavy-hitting action across divisions, it was Tardio’s performance against veteran Cristian Barraza (9–9) that stole the spotlight. Tardio showed off his trademark aggression and polished technique, overwhelming Barraza with a combination of precision striking, relentless pressure, and cage control. Fans in Santiago erupted as Tardio imposed his will, further fueling speculation that he’s on a fast track to championship contention.

Tardio, already building a reputation as the “Spanish Hammer,” is quickly becoming one of the most talked-about fighters in the Empire MMA roster. With each outing, his mix of raw power and calculated fight IQ is setting him apart from the pack.

Other Notable Fights

  • Laura Marcela Cañon (4–1) continued to prove herself as one of the most promising women’s fighters in Latin America, going toe-to-toe with Brazil’s Thaiany Lopes (5–2).

  • Rising phenom Vicente Bahamondes (3–0) extended his undefeated streak against the gritty Jonathan Insignares (3–3).

  • Alison Vargas (1–0) made a strong debut performance versus Maria Jose Huircan (1–4), showing flashes of star potential.

Empire MMA’s Next Big Star

If Empire MMA 11 had one clear storyline, it was the ascension of Carlos Tardio. The promotion is thriving as the premier MMA stage in South America, and Tardio’s emergence as a dominant force adds even more intrigue to its growing roster of talent. With his unique blend of charisma, fight-ending ability, and relentless drive, the question isn’t if Tardio will headline a future Empire event — it’s when.

Empire MMA 11 was his night. The next one might be his era.

Empire MMA 10: Hernandez Claims Featherweight Gold in Stunning Fashion

Medellín, Colombia — March 29, 2025 — Empire MMA 10 will be remembered for one fight above all others: the night Francisco Hernandez seized glory and etched his name into Colombian combat sports history. In front of a roaring Medellín crowd, Hernandez demolished the previously unbeaten Delio “El Tigre” Lopez to capture the vacant ESM Featherweight Championship with a thunderous first-round TKO.

A Championship Performance

From the opening bell, the stakes were clear — two warriors fighting not just for a belt, but for the right to lead the featherweight division into a new era. Lopez (4–0–1), nicknamed El Tigre, had been touted as the next unstoppable force, a rising star with an aura of invincibility. Hernandez, however, walked in with fire in his eyes and something to prove.

The fight was a whirlwind. Lopez tried to establish his pace early, but Hernandez countered with precision and controlled aggression. At 4:16 of Round 1, Hernandez landed a brutal combination that sent shockwaves through the arena. The referee stepped in, sealing Hernandez’s triumph and igniting the Medellín crowd in celebration.

A Star is Born

For Hernandez (now 5–2), this victory wasn’t just about winning gold — it was about proving he belongs at the top. His explosive finish over a fighter as hyped as Lopez will be replayed in highlight reels across Latin America. Hernandez’s post-fight celebration, clutching the featherweight strap with tears in his eyes, was a moment fans will never forget.

“This is just the beginning,” Hernandez declared in the cage. “Empire MMA is my home, and I plan to defend this belt with everything I’ve got.”

The Ripple Effect

The outcome of the main event sends shockwaves through Empire MMA’s featherweight division:

  • Lopez’s first career loss leaves questions about his future and how he’ll bounce back.

  • Hernandez’s decisive win puts a target on his back, as contenders across the roster will be gunning for the newly crowned champion.

  • The promotion now has a fresh face of the featherweight division, and Hernandez’s combination of grit, finishing power, and Colombian pride makes him the perfect figurehead.

A Night to Remember

While the undercard delivered fireworks — from Juan Pablo Gomez’s perfectly timed KO at 5:00 of Round 1 to Sergio Fuentes’ slick brabo choke submission — the night belonged to Francisco Hernandez. Empire MMA 10 wasn’t just another fight card. It was a coronation.

Hernandez didn’t just win a belt. He became the standard-bearer of Empire MMA’s featherweight division — and maybe the next superstar to carry Latin American MMA onto the global stage.

Empire MMA 9: Alberth Bahamondes Stamps His Name in History with Lightning-Quick Submission

Medellín, Colombia — September 13, 2024 — If there was ever a night where a new star was born, it was at Empire MMA 9. Alberth Bahamondes walked into Medellín with confidence, and in just over two minutes, he walked out with an entire arena chanting his name.

A Statement Main Event

Matched against the battle-tested Jesús Oswaldo Cardoso Castillo, Bahamondes wasted no time showing why he’s considered one of the most dangerous submission specialists in the region. After a brief feeling-out exchange, Bahamondes pounced on an opening and, with surgical precision, locked in a perfect armbar at 2:18 of Round 1.

The tap came fast. The crowd erupted even faster. Bahamondes had not just won a fight — he had made a statement to the entire featherweight division: “I’m here, and I’m coming for the crown.”

The Making of a Future Champion

What sets Bahamondes apart isn’t just his grappling mastery — it’s the aura. He carries himself like a star, blending ferocity with composure. His ability to stay calm under pressure and then explode with fight-ending precision has analysts already calling him a future Empire MMA champion.

In a promotion built on warriors who embody South America’s fighting spirit, Bahamondes stands out as the next torchbearer. He doesn’t just fight to win — he fights to dominate.

Reactions & Ripple Effects

  • Fans in Medellín left the arena buzzing, chanting his name and flooding social media with highlight clips of the armbar.

  • Commentators hailed the finish as one of the cleanest submissions in Empire MMA history.

  • The division is now on notice: Bahamondes’s meteoric rise has shifted the landscape, and anyone with title ambitions will have to go through him.

The Empire’s New Star

Empire MMA 9 will be remembered for its chaos and carnage, but history will write it as the night Alberth Bahamondes announced himself as the new face of Empire MMA. With his combination of technical brilliance, finishing ability, and charisma, he has all the tools to become not just a champion — but a superstar.

Bahamondes didn’t just win in Medellín. He arrived.