Befan Hall speaks on his spectacular win at Cage Warriors Academy Wales, where he defeated long-time rival Tallon Jones.
What Went Down for Befan Hall
Cage Warriors Academy Wales 9 saw a plethora of fantastic fights start to finish. With a stacked undercard coming to a close, Befan Hall made the walk in his quest for gold, a fight many dubbed as the “people’s main event”. He faced off against rival Tallon Jones, who had previously defeated Befan in 2021 via second round submission. With the flyweight title on the line, both fighters appeared poised and ready for action.
The Championship Fight Recap
Round one begins and Tallon immediately opens up with a front kick that sends Befan to the mat. Befan pops back up and circles away. The two begin a lengthy back and forth striking exchange where an amazing display of skill had fans roaring for more. Befan attempts a few takedowns which were well defended by Tallon. The bell rings for round two, Tallon flips the bird at Befan, who takes the centre of the cage and sticks his tounge out appearing unbothered by his opponent. Round two begins and the two again engage in a great back and forth striking exchange. Befan looks to take the fight to the ground, and this is exactly where it ended. With both fighters scrambling for top position, Befan shows his high level grappling skills and sinks in a rear naked choke for the finish. Befan Hall submits Tallon Jones in the second round. Friends and family erupted and cheered for the young Welshman as he was embraced by his coaches. Befan’s hand was raised was and announced as the new Flyweight champion.
Interview with Befan Hall
First of all how does it feel to be the new Cage Warriors Academy Wales flyweight Champion?
It feels good to finally be the champ, it emits something I’ve envisioned since starting my journey here. It’s amazing to have such a following, hearing the crowd go wild as I entered the cage and when I got the tap I’m forever grateful. As a fighter, there are moments you live for, to hear the crowd cheering your name getting you pumped ready for war is one of them.
How was your camp leading up to this fight? You mentioned this has been the most challenging so far. Now that’s paid off, how do you feel about future camps?
It was hard and long, a few injuries picked up some worse than others but I’m glad I was able to get in there and compete and get the win, and the belt. Future camps will be the same 110%. I’m at the top of the division now it’s time to stay at the top.
Your opponent Tallon Jones showed some great skills, did anything surprise you about his performance from the last time you met?
No nothing surprised me, I knew what he was going to do when we agreed to fight, but I also knew what I was going to do and I did it.
Hall on Brining the Belt to Shore MMA
You won the title alongside teammate Levi Batchelor, how does it feel to bring another belt home to Shore MMA?
Over the moon to bring home the belt to Shore MMA, we’ve said it all along we are the best gym about. We have it all from cage warriors champions to Bellator contenders to UFC contenders and even the amateur’s coming up will reach that level.
Do you believe there is still a rivalry between yourself and Tallon? Would you like to meet again in the future?
The rivalry will always be there. Do I think I will fight him again? Who knows? We may dance for a third time if he gets a good streak going, if not, then no.
What’s next for Befan Hall? What does your 2023 road map look like?
Maybe defend my belt in June. I’m going to fight in the four nations and try and get out to the IMMAF when it comes around and defend my belt towards the end of the year.
Finally, is there anyone you’d like to thank or give a shoutout to following your performance?
Just thank you to my coach Richard Shore, we all know what he’s been through for us to have him still coaching and cornering us is unbelievable really. He’s a motivation for all of us.
There we have it, Befan speaks on his victorious performance, future plans and potential rematch against Tallon in the future.
Featured image credits to Cage Warriors Academy Wales
