HONOLULU – Yancy Medeiros’s return home was special.
The MMA veteran won his Bellator debut on Saturday, snapped a four-fight losing streak, put on one of the best fights in 2022 – and he did it all in his first fight back in Hawaii in 13 years. Medeiros (16-8 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) outpointed former Bellator title challenger Emmanuel Sanchez in a wild brawl that open up the main card for Bellator 279.
It was a magical night for Medeiros and one of the best wins of his fighting career.
“It’s been five fights since a victory, so it was good to break that losing streak and be at home,” Medeiros told MMA Junkie at the Bellator 279 post-fight press conference. “Everything happened for a reason last year and Bellator gave me this opportunity to fight in Hawaii.
“Honestly, this was probably one of the worst fight camps with injuries and everything but it was the best fight week for me. Everything was meant to be together. I had injuries, I was sick throughout fight camp, but the aloha and the mana of Hawaii just kept me going. … This week was surreal for me because I got to represent. Thank you, Bellator, for letting me do this for Hawaii. I really appreciate this. .. I hope to give you guys a show again.”
This was Medeiros’ first fight since his UFC release in 2021. He fought for the Las-Vegas based company from 2013 to 2021. During that stretch, he headlined an event and notched notable wins over John Makdessi, Erick Silva, and Alex Oliveira.
This fight with Bellator was only a one-fight deal, but “The Kid” hopes it becomes more than that.
“Bellator, I’m here to put on a show everywhere I go, in any venue,” Medeiros said. “I’m always going to promote this love and aloha so come hire this kid.”
