Skill, Strategy, and a Statement Win
At Fight For It 25, the 145lb Kickboxing Championship delivered one of the most dominant and composed performances of the night as Devon Washington of Elevate MMA defeated Christion McRae via unanimous decision to remain undefeated at 5-0. The bout, held at the historic Grady Cole Center, showcased not only Washington’s growing technical polish but also his ability to adapt under pressure against a battle-tested opponent.
From the opening exchanges, Washington established his rhythm—measured, patient, and punishing. His blend of power and speed quickly set the tone, forcing McRae to fight off the back foot. By the final round, McCrae found himself in an unfamiliar position—down on the scorecards and searching for a finish. He landed his best shot midway through Round 5, momentarily snapping Washington’s head back, but the Elevate product absorbed it without breaking stride. Washington countered with heavy body shots and clean resets, proving not only his power but his composure. As the crowd roared and both fighters swung for the fences in the final 30 seconds, it was clear who had dictated the pace all night. When the judges’ decision came in, there was no controversy—a unanimous victory for Washington.
In the post-fight interview, the new champion radiated confidence but remained grounded. “One more kickboxing fight with someone tough,” he said. “Prove myself one more time and then head into MMA.” His coach’s philosophy—mastering each range and rule set before stepping into the cage—has clearly paid dividends. Washington’s evolution from a strong athlete into a polished striker has been deliberate, and it showed. With his fifth straight win and a belt now around his waist, he’s proven he can manage weight, pacing, and pressure with equal precision.
For McRae, a veteran of multiple combat sports, it was a rare setback but a valuable test. For Washington, it was confirmation of skill, preparation, and purpose. As the Fight For It crowd chanted his name and his team celebrated ringside, one truth became clear: Devon Washington isn’t just the 145lb champion—he’s a blueprint for the next generation of Elevate MMA’s success.