CFFC 158 results: Ethan Pauley stops Liam Hamill, Eman Hardy upsets Cornell Beachem Jr.

Ohio natives come up short in featured bouts at sold-out Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati

CINCINNATI – Ethan Pauley (9-2 MMA, 1-1 CFFC) and Eman Hardy (3-1 MMA, 2-1 CFFC) each ventured into hostile territory in the featured bouts of Friday's CFFC 158, and both emerged with spectacular results.

In the night's main event, Pauley forced Liam Hamill (4-2 MMA, 0-2 CFFC) to quit on the stool after the opening round, while the co-feature saw Hardy score a second-round TKO over the heavily favored Cornell Beachem Jr. (4-2 MMA, 0-1 CFFC). The two bouts closed out the action at a sold-out Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati, with the main card streaming live on UFC FIGHT PASS.

Despite priding himself in his grappling abilities, Pauley's striking was on full display from the start in the main event, constantly walking forward and looking to trade. Hamill did his best to answer on the feet, though it was clear Pauley was getting the best of the exchanges and his opponent was wilting under the pressure.

Hamill scored a takedown in the closing seconds of the opening frame, but Pauley countered with several stiff elbows from his back that landed to the temple and ear. As the round ended, Hamill complained of the location of the strikes, though referee Chad Trukovich made it clear they had been deemed legal.

Hamill remained seated against the cage throughout the round break, rising only to his feet after being pulled up by his uncle and coach, Matt Hamill. From there the fighter let Trukovich know he wasn't interested in continuing, and the contest was waved off.

Meanwhile, in the co-main event, Hardy set the tone early, knocking out his opponent's mouthpiece with the first jab he threw. Beachem Jr. immediately replaced it and scored a quick takedown on the restart, though he was unable to hold the position. A few sharp kicks to the leg followed, but it was just about all of the offense he was able to muster. Instead, it was Hardy who flashed capable takedown defense and slick striking to take control of the fight.

Nasty kicks to the body and pinpoint punches quickly took their toll, and Hardy's confidence grew with each moment that passed, dropping his hands to his side and taunting his opponent between attacks. When Beacherm Jr. toppled to the canvas on a missed haymaker, Hardy happily took top position and peppered him with punches. Beachem Jr. survived until the bell, but his exhuastion was evident.

As the second round unfolded, Hardy was patient in picking his shots, eventually digging to the body and sending Beachem Jr. to the canvas. Hardy followed with additional strikes on the floor, and the bout was waved off at the 2:38 mark of the frame.

Complete CFFC 158 results include:

MAIN CARD

• Ethan Pauley def. Liam Hamill via TKO (retirement) – Round 1, 5:00

• Eman Hardy def. Cornell Beachem Jr. via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 2:38

• Aziz Khaydarov def. Blayne Richards via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

• Keanan Patershuk def. Jimmy Hinel via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

• Darius Patterson def. Adryan Grundy via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

• Matt Hammerstone def. Michael Pino via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 0:17

PRELIMINARY CARD

• CJ LaFragola def. Jonathan Ramsay via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

• NextGen: Shawn Livingston vs. Jahmon Spiller declared a draw (28-28, 28-28, 28-28)

• NextGen: Ryland Kimble def. Drake Battista via split decision 28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

• NextGen: Berea Clark def. Sarah Terhaar via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 1:23

• NextGen: Josh Sarasnick def. Mana Stivers via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)