Fighting for the first time since being released from the UFC following a 15-fight run, Erick Silva (20-9) survived some real trouble to score a first-round submission win over Nick Barnes (12-4). The contest served as the featured bout of Friday’s LFA 45, which aired on AXS TV from Morongo Casino Outdoor Pavilion in Cabazon, Calif. Silva opened up the contest with several kicks from range that missed, while Barnes patiently inched close enough to land a sharp jab. After a big exchange of punches, the two moved into the clinch, where a Silva takedown was countered beautifully by Barnes, who was able to reverse as they hit the canvas and briefly hold mount. However, Silva refused to stay on the floor for long, quickly scrambling back to his feet, where both men had some success. In the final minute of the opening round, Barnes landed a stiff right that sent Silva crashing to the floor.