Maui's Brandon Visher, reigning 145-pound Up and Up Extreme Cage Fighting state champion, remained undefeated by beating previously unbeaten Isaac de Jesus of California Saturday in a mixed martial arts event at Blaisdell Arena.

Visher improved to 16-0 with a third-round TKO at Up and Up: 3, the first mixed martial arts event on O'ahu sanctioned under the state's new regulations that took effect July 1.

In his first title defense since winning the the belt on Maui in June, Visher caught a few big shots early but maintained control for all three rounds before winning at 1:00 due to strikes.

"In the cage, you never show your opponent any sign of weakness," Visher said. "This was seriously one of the most challenging fights for me. I landed a few really solid shots early on and thought I'd be able to end the fight sooner, but Isaac has the heart of a giant and it took a lot to finish him off."

De Jesus (11-1) entered the cage with a resume that included bouts with Strikeforce.

"In my career, I've fought some of the best in California," de Jesus said. "I've fought at 155 before and can tell you that Brandon has the power of a higher weight-class (fighter). I was caught off guard because I came in bigger and thought I was stronger. But after feeling his power, I have a lot more respect for him."

Visher has breezed through the local competition and, after a convincing win over de Jesus, is looking to move into the Mainland fight circuit.

"I've got my highlight tapes going around," Visher said. "I have people on the inside trying to work on bigger Mainland promotions. I hope this fight caught their attention."

De Jesus believes that Visher will do well against top-tier competitors.

"He definitely out-powered me with his hands," de Jesus said. "I think that given the opportunity, he could compete in the states and do great."

In the co-main event, Harris Sarmiento defeated Michael Brightmon by unanimous decision in a 155-pound bout.

Also on the main card, Mark Oshiro (135 pounds) defeated Fhillipe Chavez by triangle choke at 0:51 in second round and Dylan Clay (170 pounds) defeated Koa Ramos by triangle choke at 2:08 in the first round.

On the undercard, Tafa Samuela defeated Vili Fonokalafi by armbar at 2:58 in the second. Colin McKenzie defeated Jay Bolos by rear naked choke at 1:04 in the first. Zane Kamaka defeated Brusky Lewis by unanimous decision. Justin Alhamvra defeated Lenny Hernandez by guillotine choke at 2:57 in the first.

In other bouts, Paea Pongo defeated Christian Dayondon by guillotine choke at 1:13 in the first. Brandon Naleieha defeated Joseph Enaenaby by TKO on a referee stoppage due to strikes at 2:59 in the first round. Maki Pitolo defeated Endrew Setefano by rear naked choke at 2:02 in the third round. John Rosa defeated Makana Vertido by rear naked choke at 2:25 in the first round.