Kennedy Maciel was definitely one of the favorites heading into the brown belt light featherweight, and this time, the smart money paid out.

Kennedy's pathway to the podium was packed with tough challenges, perhaps none more so than his final with TLI's Malachi Edmond.  Malachi slapped on a tight triangle early in the match, but Kennedy remained calm and survived what would have been a fight-ending moment for most competitors.  It remained a close bout throughout with Kennedy winning  the match by four points at the end of regulation

"I had to swallow the feeling of losing a year ago...  and I came back today and won.  I still can’t believe that this has happened. As far as getting the black belt – it was not the focus for the day – but it’s a great surprise.  I didn’t think about it at all, but now that I have it, it means everything.  This is my entire life."

Watch Kennedy Maciel's Road To Gold Below

• Match 1: Kennedy Maciel vs Huseyn Eldar
• Match 2: Kennedy Maciel vs Ethan Crelinsten
• Match 3: Kennedy Maciel vs Vincent Saenz
• Match 4: Kennedy Maciel vs Igor Silva
• Final: Kennedy Maciel vs Malachi Edmond