Garry claims first round KO to extend unbeaten MMA record

Irish fighter Ian Garry extended his unbeaten MMA record to 12-0-0 after a hugely impressive first round knockout against Daniel Rodriguez in the UFC.

The Irish welterweight was facing the biggest test of his career to date against Rodriguez in Charlotte but he made short work of his more experienced opponent.

In the build-up to the fight, Garry had predicted that he would win thanks to a "right high kick" and that was exactly how it played out.

With 2:15 left in in the first round, Garry stepped up to Rodriguez and unleashed a high right kick to the head, sending the Los Angeles fighter to the canvas.

Garry quickly swarmed his dazed opponent with a series of powerful punches and referee Dan Miragliotta stepped in to end the contest.

"No disrespect to D-Rod, but I knew I was better," Garry said afterwards.

"I told you a big key in this fight was going to be that right leg.

"That high kick was beautiful, it was just timing, shin to chin. That's all you need in this game."

There was also a victory for Dublin-based Brazillian, Johnny Walker, in the light heavyweight division.

The John Kavanagh-trained fighter was the co-headline bout on the UFC 288 card and enjoyed a comfortable points victory over Anthony Smith, which puts him in the top five in the division.