It wasn't quite the way Falaniko Vitale expected to become a champion again, but after a stunning first-round defeat of Ricky Shivers in the championship round of a four-man tournament for the X1 world middleweight title, Vitale isn't complaining.

"This feels awesome," Vitale said. "I'm just happy to be on the top again, and I'm going to hold on to this for a long time."

In the main event of last night's X1 "Champions" card at the Blaisdell Arena, Vitale got Shivers to duck with a left-hook feint then drove his shin into Shivers' forehead with a flying knee. The blow opened a three-inch gash on Shivers' head, forcing his corner to throw in the towel just 49 seconds into the match.

Immediately after the bout, an angry Shivers called for a rematch.

"That was a lucky shot," he said. "I can beat that guy. That's my belt."

Vitale was unmoved.

"He can say whatever he wants to say," Vitale said. "I have a lot of respect for him as a fighter. He's just young and stupid."

Vitale won a two-round decision over Joey Guel to advance to the final.

In the other preliminary fight, Shivers made short work of Kenny Ento, prevailing with a flurry of straight lefts and looping rights until the bout was stopped 1 minute and 18 seconds into the first.

The evening featured five championship bouts in all, as well as the MMA debut of Mia St. John.

Forty-four seconds into her mixed-martial arts career, St. John was already the proud owner of an undefeated record and one ooh-inspiring knockout.

St. John easily dispatched Rhonda Gallegoes with a straight right 44 seconds into the first round of her bout.

"That's my best punch," St. John said. "I was a little afraid because of her lack of experience. I was worried that she'd come out a little wild, but when she came out in more of a boxing stance, I felt better."

Earlier, Eddie Yagin held off "Dirty" Dave Moreno in a grueling three-round decision to retain his X1 super-middleweight title.

Yagin pressed his advantage with a right hook and a kick that appeared to catch Moreno below the belt. As Moreno dropped his hands, anticipating a referee's timeout, Yagin hit him with a straight left and two body kicks.

For the second time in two months, Chad Reiner defeated Mark Moreno, this time for the welterweight title.

With less than a minute into the third, Reiner lifted Moreno from the ropes, carried him to the center of the ring, and delivered a body slam that injured Moreno's ribs. Moreno conceded the match seconds later.

In other bouts, Ron Waterman beat Analu Brash by second-round submission to win the middleweight title and "Sugar" Shane Nelson outlasted Kaleo Kwan to retain his lightweight championship.

RESULTS

140 pounds, amateur: Alan Hashimoto def. Jared Iha, (decision, second round). 140 pounds, amateur: Keola Silva def. Gary Rebalisza (TKO, first round). 170 pounds, state amateur title: Sean Sakata def. Steve Farmer (TKO, second round). 155 pounds: Ikaika Moreno def. Aaron Steele (injury stoppage, first round). 175 pounds: Luke Cadina def. Brenna Kamaka (decision, third round). Heavyweight: Lolohea Mahe def. Des Miner (TKO, first round). 190 pounds: Rich Anderson def. Cheyenne Padeken (TKO, third round). Heavyweight: Doug Hiu def. Eric Edwards (decision, third round). Heavyweight: Wesley Correira def. Jake Faagai (injury stoppage, first round). 170 pounds: Michael Brightmon def. Anthony Torres (decision, third round)

Super-lightweight championship: Eddie Yagin def. Dave Moreno (decision, third round). Middleweight championship tournament: Ricky Shivers def. Kenny Ento (TKO, first round); Falaniko Vitale def. Joey Guel (decision, second round). Lightweight championship: "Sugar" Shane Nelson def. Kaleo Kwan (decision, third round). Women's: Mia St. John def. Rhonda Gallegoes (KO, first round). Welterweight championship: Chad Reiner def. Mark Moreno (TKO, third round). Heavyweight championship: Ron Waterman def. Analu Brown (submission, second round).

Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.