In pictures: Blaine McGill marks professional MMA debut with stunning first round stoppage at The Everglades

THE TALENTED Blaine McGill made a bold statement on his professional Mixed Martial Arts debut at a packed-out Everglades Hotel on the brilliant Chaos Fighting Championships 26 event on Saturday night.

The explosive Derry man had to cope with the late withdrawal of his Scottish opponent Adam Wallace but he wasn’t to be deterred.

With a late replacement secured in Muaiyad Mohamed representing Eagles MMA, the local barber made swift work with a stunning first round stoppage in the headline bout to get his professional career in the cage off to the perfect start.

Hundreds of fight fans turned out to the Prehen venue for what was a thrilling night. Our photographer was there to capture these fantastic photographs.