The still-undefeated Alabama native needed only one round to end the bout, ending San Nicolas in three minutes and 32 seconds via referee stoppage.
“I feel good and I’m just excited for this opportunity,” said Lassiter, now holding three wins and no losses.
San Nicolas literally kicked off to a running start, colliding with Lassiter in the middle of the cage and trading punches. Lassiter calmly absorbed a knee to the abdomen and kept his distance before launching well-timed strikes.
Moments later, San Nicolas was on the ground and weighed down by the 260-pounder. Lassiter pounded his opponent with full control from a side mount.
“It was just a combination of strikes. I really was just focusing on precision punches and not just throwing wild punches. It had a better effect,” said Lassiter.
When asked about his three-win streak he noted, “It’s cool, I’m just humble about it and I’m blessed. I just thank God for all my victories.”
Friday night’s triple main event also included Guam’s Mike “Attack” Limiac, who submitted “Badd” Brad Palacios via arm bar in the first round.
Limiac – representing Guahan Top Team – evened his record to four wins and four losses.
Both fighters switched to their ground game early in the round as Palacios shifted to a guard position. Limiac landed several head blows before aiming for his arm.
Meanwhile, The Ultimate Fighter contestant JJ Ambrose returned to island for the second time since winning in Trench Warz 13: “Vengeance” last October.
Ambrose was scheduled against Trench Tech’s Fasi “Quikdraw” Jesse but faced Robert Palacios instead. Ambrose swiftly ended the bout after causing Palacios to tap out 1:59 into the first round.
“In here I was planning on using a little bit of Muay Thai but unfortunately when a guy tries to wrestle you, you have to wrestle back,” he said in an interview.
Palacios scuffled with a few strikes in the opening seconds and immediately turned to the ground. A flurry of strikes named Ambrose the winner, giving him his second straight win on island. He now has 16 wins and three losses.
“I felt like he pulled guard which was a silly move because he had a better chance in the stand-up area. When I got into mount, it was just a matter of time.”
Ambrose, who appeared on season 12 of TUF, is a brown belt in jiu jitsu and has been training Muay Thai in Thailand for the past year. He said he would have preferred to fight Jesse because “he’s a more seasoned veteran.”
According to Trench Tech president Cuki Alvarez, Jesse refused to fight due to weight issues. Ambrose currently weighs 162 lbs. while Jesse weighs 152 lbs.
Ambrose looks forward to returning to Saipan for a future bout.
“I would definitely like to come back to Saipan. It’s a beautiful place and Cuki Alvarez is a really good promoter. It’s very fortunate fighting with a promoter that actually fights and he understands the game more than most people.”
Alvarez clinches featherweight title
Earlier, Shane “Pikaboo” Alvarez took the spotlight after going five full rounds versus Marianas Elite’s Derrick “El Peligro” Rangamar.
Alvarez notched his seventh straight win and remained unbeaten via unanimous decision.
A last minute change pushed both fighters to two extra rounds, with Alvarez attempting a chain of submission moves.
Rangamar, barely able to stand up after the third round, countered two kimura attempts and charged for a rear naked choke hold. He fended off a series of blows from Alvarez but nearly went down after an open kick to the face. Alvarez missed on a triangle choke hold attempt and settled for a rear naked instead. Both spent most of the fifth round wrestling on the ground.
“I’m so happy that I’m finally the champion. I worked hard for this belt,” said Alvarez.
“I was really tired and I was gassed out but in my mind I didn’t want to quit and I wanted that belt. I didn’t give up. He’s a strong guy and I attempted all those submissions but he held it off.”
Rangamar hoped to add the belt under Marianas Elite, alongside Pacific X-treme Combat heavyweight champion Kelvin Fitial.
In other mixed martial arts bouts, Maitai Charley handed Kyle Pablo his first loss 3:52 into round two via referee stoppage.
Brandon Camacho won his bout by forfeit after a no-show from Danny Santos.
Walt Florencio, Frankie Ramangao, and Vince Masga all utilized rear-naked choke holds to win their respective bouts.
Josh “Chaos” Duenas also tapped out Kevin Miranda via triangle choke 35 seconds into the first round.
In kickboxing, Frank Muna won by verbal submission versus Pete Keju. A unanimous decision favored Jordan Ogo, who went three rounds against Jared Santos.
Jacob Ilo defeated Guam’s John Garcia by split decision while Regino Mundo downed Justin Dizon by unanimous decision.
In boxing, Mark “The Dark” Nuique conquered Team Zalaka’s Franklin Agulto via verbal tap out 2:37 into round two.
A ladies’ exhibition boxing bout was also held between Guam’s Gianna Sarusal and Tara Namauleg.
