Kirkland’s Brent Knopp defended his middleweight title for the first time Saturday night, defeating Cory Devela during the CageSport MMA event held at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma. It was the main event on a ten-fight CageSport XXVIII card.

The first round of the championship fight was primarily controlled by Devela. The challenger came out fast, pinning Knopp against the cage and hitting him with a plethora of shots. Devela was able to eventually get the fight to the ground where he came close to locking in a rear naked choke that would have ended the fight. But an intense hand battle battle prevented him from getting anything secured.

Back on their feet, with limited time left remaining in the first round, Knopp threw a devastating hook that dropped Devela to the canvas. Right as Knopp moved in to take advantage the bell sounded to end the first.

The fighters’ power was on display during the next two rounds, as both Knopp and Devela continuously exchanged hard-hitting blows. But Knopp’s endurance gave him an advantage as the fight went on. He was able to finish Devela during the fourth round by forcing his opponent to the ground. Devela, who was visibly tired, could not stop the relentless pursuit by Knopp and the referee stepped in at the two-minute and 37-second mark to stop the fight.

The victory marked Knopp’s first official defense of his middleweight title and improved his record to 5-0.