Long Island MMA’s Hugh McKenna victorious at Madison Square Garden

Hugh McKenna of Long Island MMA proved he belonged on the big stage. In round one, at 4:06, he finished John Salgado via submission. McKenna fought out of New York, NY. McKenna kicked off the prelims for Bellator 180 at Madison Square Garden.

McKenna showed up with Long Island MMA coach and UFC fighter, Ryan LaFlare in his corner. The bout took place at 169-pound catchweight. McKenna, 15 –years younger than his opponent, impressed the hometown crowd with his slam.

Shortly after slamming Salgado to the canvas, McKenna worked in a kimura, earning him his first professional win and a submission in front of Madison Square Garden. The submission came at 4:06 of round one.

Kyle Carroll

Kyle Carroll is a Long Island, N.Y. native and avid MMA and amateur wrestling fan. He has been a part of the wrestling community for nearly 20 years. Carroll has six years of experience coaching high school wrestling. His father coached high school wrestling over 35 years, passing on his strong knowledge. Carroll has been reporting MMA news since January 2011. The former wrestler’s coverage includes the 2012 U.S. Olympic Wrestling Team Trials, 2013 & 2016 NCAA D1 Wrestling Championship, and numerous MMA events (Bellator MMA, King of the Cage, North American Fighting Championship, and Glory).

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