The win improved Taylor’s professional record to 7-3 while the loss dropped Fickett to 35-7.

Taylor had Fickett on his heels early then secured a quick takedown. On the ground, Taylor connected with heavy shots to Fickett’s head, one of which opened a two-inch gash on his forehead just above his right eye. Though Fickett tried to block the assault, Taylor continued the ground and pound barrage to force the referee to halt the bout at the 1:42 mark of the first round awarding Taylor the victory via TKO.

“We saw a great and unique vibe today,” said Scott Woodworth, president of Sycuan Ringside Promotions, which promoted the event. “The fans loved the fights. The energy was out of this world. It’s was raw, intense and powerful. It was fun to sit back and observe the excitement as a fan and as a promoter. We sold every seat in the house. We were turning people away at the box office. I can say that future MMA shows are in the works here at Sycuan. We now have a successful model to build from.”

In the night’s other featured bout Ian McCall of Laguna Nigel, Calif. won a unanimous decision against San Diego-native Kevin Dunsmoor in a three round bantamweight bout.