Hieron took out his frustration on the face of Chris Kennedy, scoring a unanimous decision over the fellow Las Vegan in the co-main event of Saturday night's mixed martial arts card at the Thomas & Mack Center.

"It was a long layoff, man," Hieron said. "I've been sitting on the sideline for six months, playing the cheerleader."

Hieron was the welterweight champion of the International Fight League, which went defunct this year. He then signed with Affliction MMA and was supposed to compete on the card that was scheduled for Saturday night at the Thomas & Mack.

That card was canceled last month, again leaving Hieron's next fight in limbo. Then, "A Night of Combat 2" was put together to fill the empty slot at the arena. Hieron jumped at the opportunity.

But the tense moments weren't over for Hieron. His original opponent, Bryson Kamaka, was not allowed to compete by the Nevada Athletic Commission.

So on one day's notice, Kennedy stepped up to face Hieron.

It wasn't such a good idea.

Hieron had Kennedy on his back for about 14 minutes of the 15-minute bout.

In the other featured bout, Hector Ramirez scored a unanimous decision over kickboxing legend Rick Roufus.

Roufus was superior in the standup, winning the first round by keeping the fight on his feet. But Ramirez dominated the final two rounds by taking Roufus to the ground and holding him there.

Mike Pyle, another Las Vegan who was to appear on the Affliction card, made quick work of Brian Gassaway, submitting him by armbar late in the first round.

Las Vegan Elena "Baby Doll" Reid continued her successful transition into MMA with a quick victory. Reid showcased the boxing skills that made her a world champion in the sport and knocked out Stephanie Palmer in 53 seconds.

The win moved Reid to 2-0 with two knockouts in her new discipline. As a boxer, she is the Women's International Boxing Association flyweight champion with a 19-3-5 record.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509.