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weight.
Round 1
Bellator 269 kicks off in my hometown of Moscow at CSKA Arena, the
same venue where the UFC helds its own historic event in late 2019.
Kicking off the event, young featherweight prospects clash, as
Englishman Aiden Lee (9-5) makes the trip into hostile territory to
take on Russian Alexender Osetrov (8-2). Referee Kevin McCarthy
will start the evening in Moscow. Osetrov starts the fight with a
solid leg kick. Lee is firing technical front kicks, but the
Russian avoids them. Lee tests him with a head kick, but Osetrov
blocks and tries to counter with a punch, which is blocked. Both
men are searching for the range, Lee more with kicks and Osetrov
more with punches. Osetrov scores on a body punch and soon after
may have hurt Lee with a short hook as they clinch. They disengage
and Lee looks okay. Osetrov goes for a big overhand left that
misses. Osetrov telegraphes too much and gets hit with a Lee
straight counter. Osetrov lands a body kick now, drawing applause
from the crowd. Osetrov scores with another body kick but misses
the follow-up leg kick. Lee throws a few straight punches, but
Osetrov’s boxing defense is very solid, avoiding all of them.
Osetrov lands with a left cross and while he throws a number of
follow-up punches, Lee dips out of range. Osetrov is too
telegraphed again, and gets clipped behind the ear with a short
punch that hurts him very badly. Lee immediately jumps over him,
takes the back with both hooks, and hunts for a rear naked choke.
Osetrov is too dazed to defend properly and Lee gets it locked in.
Osetrov has to tap and the crowd is stunned in silence. Very
impressive victory by the Englishman on the road.
The Official Result
Aiden Lee def. Alexender Osetrov via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
at 3:41 of Round 1
Round 1
Next up, Armenian and capable Bellator veteran Grachik Bozinyan
(11-4), who gave a tough fight to Austin Vanderford, faces Alexey
Shurkevich (12-4). The oddsmakers have this a complete pick’em.
Getting this assigment is referee Bryan Miner. Bozinyan is reckless
coming forward and partially eats a Shurkevich overhand right,
although Bozinyan’s chin holds steady. Shurkevich fires a solid 1-2
that Bozinyan avoids, and then runs away as Bozinyan gives chase.
They throw a series of power punches in the pocket and Shurkevich
gets the better of it, flooring and hurting Bozinyan with a
perfect, tightly arced left hook. He pursues Bozinyan to the bottom
and tries to land ground-and-pound, although the Armenian has
partially recovered. Shurkevich lands a huge right hand with
Bozinyan’s head flat against the canvas, causing a sickening thud.
He continues to work, sporadically hitting some big blows.
Eventually, Bozinyan goes for a heel hook, but Shurkevich defends
it well, spinning with the movements. Shurkevich bides his time,
and at the right time, standing almost fully up, unloads with
clean, hard punches, beginning with a monster left, that leave
Bozinyan completely unconsciousness. Sensational performance by
Shurkevich, who defeated a very tough foe.
The Official Result
Alexey Shurkevich def. Grachik Bozinyan via KO (Punches) at 2:25 of
Round 1
Round 1
Long-time Bellator veteran Brian Moore (14-7), who is a solid 5-3
in the promotion, travels from his native Ireland to face 22
year-old Russian prospect Nikita Mikhailov (7-1), who hasn’t fought
in 2.5 years. Referee Bryan Minor will again be the third man in
the cage. Mikhailov begins the battle with a lightning-fast
spinning back roundhouse kick, though it still misses. Moore inches
forward looking for a punch, although an early overhand right
misses. Mikhailov responds with a flying switch-knee, though it too
misses. Mikhailov goes to something more basic, working for a
single-leg in the clinch, and he gets it, dumping Moore to the
floor. Moore scrambles up almost instantly however, and gets back
up, with Mikhailov in a headlock, landing a few knees to the body
of the young Russian. Moore goes for a possible guillotine, but
this allows Mikhailov to pick him up and slam him to the canvas.
Moore posts up to get on his feet, but Mikhailov has a rear
waistlock. He tries to break the base, but doesn’t quite manage.
Moore tries to flip, but ends up on his back. Moore does, however,
try for a reverse triangle from the bottom in north-south position.
Mikhailov stays calm, however, and works to get out. Eventually, he
does, and explodes with punches. Some miss, but a number land, and
Moore covers up. Moore tries to get up, but Mikhailov pushes him
back down and lands several hard right hands for good measure.
Mikhailov now gets his elbows involved, alternating slashing elbows
with brutal punches as Moore is badly bleeding. Mikhailov lands a
huge left elbow with 15 seconds left. Very close to a 10-8 here.
10-9 Mikhailov.
Round 2
Mikhailov starts off with a nice head kick that Moore blocks.
Mikhailov does land a nice leg kick, though. He soon decides to
grapple, shooting a blast double and getting Moore onto the canvas.
Moore gets up almost immediately, and they grapple along the fence,
with Mikhailov attacking the hips. Eventually, he succeeds, dumping
Moore back down to the floor. Mikhailov is in side control, looking
to pass and landing short blows. Moore manages to get it to full
guard, but now his head against the cage with Mikhailov pushing
hard, reducing the ability to wall-walk. In fact, Moore tries to
wall-walk, but Mikhailov grabs his wrist and keeps him grounded.
Mikhailov continues peppering a bloody Moore with short punches as
Moore’s attempts to get back up are less dynamic. Eventually he
does hip-escape and stands up, with Mikhailov holding on to a rear
waist-lock. It’s not for long, though, as Mikhailov picks him up
and sends him back down with a nice mat return, this time in the
center of the cage, away from the fence. Mikhailov goes back to
work with short punches. Moore hip-escapes again with about 45
seconds left, but Mikhailov stays glued to him and soon forces him
down yet again. Mikhailov lans a nice left hammerfist with about 25
seconds left, and continues controlling the wrists well. Moore
tries to get up with about 10 seconds left, but can’t quite do it
by the time the round ends. 10-9 Mikhailov.
Round 3
Mikhailov begins the round with another head kick, which Moore
blocks. Moore is cautious in the striking now, worried about the
takedown. Indeed, Mikhailov shoots in on a single, and while Moore
appears to defend well initially, Mikhailov runs the pipe and gets
a rear waist-lock. Things become even worse for Moore, as he gives
up the back and Mikhailov gets both hooks in. However, Mikhailov is
very high, and thus goes for a Suloev stretch. He is unsuccessful
and eventually falls off. An attempt at a leg-lock is unsuccessful
and Moore is on top. Mikhailov is reckless in immediately trying to
get up and Moore takes his back with both hooks in, and is now
threatening with a rear-naked choke! What a crazy and sudden
turn-around! However, Mikhailov stays calm and hand-fights well to
stay alive. Moore lands the occasional short blow, but each time he
goes for the choke, Mikhailov has his supporting arm restrained and
correctly turns his head away from the crook of the arm. With 80
seconds left, Mikhailov tries to open the body triangle Moore has
on, but is unsuccessful. With about a minute left, Moore lands a
few short punches and several awkward elbows to the head. He
switches to an armbar with 25 seconds left, abandoning his
position. Mikhailov keeps his arm close, though, and the fight ends
before Moore can either extend it or Mikhailov can get out.
Mikhailov celebrates to end the fight, happy to have escaped some
serious danger in the final stanza. 10-9 Moore (29-28
Mikhailov).
The Official Result
Nikita Mikhailov def. Brian Moore via Unanimous Decision (29-28,
29-28, 29-28)
Round 1
Next up we have a rare women’s catchweight bout, this one at 130
pounds. Frenchwoman Stephanie Page (5-2) makes the trip to fight
Irina Alekseeva (3-1), who has the ridiculous nickname of “Russian
Ronda”. This version of Ronda is very slightly favored against
Page. Referee Kevin MacDonald will keep them honest. The women
trade leg kicks to begin, the match, as Alekseeva looks massively
larger than her oppponent, which the commentators point out. Page
lands a few quick, but not especially hard leg kicks. Alekseeva
lumbers forward and eats a straight left. Alekseeva badly misses on
a leg kick. Alekseeva badly, slowly telegraphs a clinch, but gets
it, anyways. They battle in the clinch, and Page is holding her
own. Alekseeva lands a few short punches, trying to bully the
Frenchwoman with her superior size. Page gets a little separation
with 2 minutes left, and Alekseeva decides to bail, missing a knee
on her way out. Page tags her with a leg kick. Page partially lands
an overhand right. Alekseeva hits her with a straight right that
snaps her head back and returns to a clinch against the cage with a
minute left. Alekseeva lands a knee to the body. Alekseeva lands a
few short punches, but Page turns her around. Page goes for a
takedown of her own, but it’s ill-advised, as Alekseeva pushes her
over and takes her down. She does little with the position, but
lands a few short punches to end the round. Close round, but the
takedown gave it to Alekseeva. 10-9 Alekseeva.
Round 2
Page cautiously throws a leg kick to begin the round, which misses.
A follow-up does land, however. She moves laterally and soon lands
another one. Alekseeva throws a leg kick of her own, but it’s
easily checked and Page then lands another one of her own. She
continues circling on the outside and lands yet another one. Soon,
Alekseeva rushes forward wildly with a headlock, but is rewarded
with a takedown nonetheless. Alekseeva begins land right hands to
the body. Alekseeva postures up fully, holding onto Page’s feet, a
dangerous game if Page knows how to upkick. She eventually reuturns
to the guard and lands a few hammerfists. Page locks on the closed
full guard. She opens up for a possible triangle, but to no avail.
Page uses her feet to push Alekseeva off and get back to her feet,
although Alekseeva immediately pushes her hard into the cage. Page
goes for a high knee, but Alekseeva catches her and slams her back
down to the canvas. Alekseeva goes to work with knees to the body.
Page posts up against the cage, though Alekseeva attacks her base.
Page manages to fully stand up, though. Alekseeva executes a judo
throw, although it seems to be more pure physical strength.
Alekseeva goes for a possible guillotine from three-quarters mount,
but Page hangs tough as the round ends. 10-9 Alekseeva.
Round 3
Alekseeva begins the final stanza with a successful leg kick of her
own. Alekseeva throws a slow jab that is easily blocked. Page isn’t
attacking though, being wary of the takedown. Alekseeva lumbers
forward with a kick, has it caught, but Page misses the follow-up
punches. Alekseeva lands a front push-kick but doesn’t follow it up
with much. Page lands a leg kick. Alekseeva comes forward with
punches, misses, but lands a body kick. Alekseeva decides to go
back to the clinch, pushing Page against the cage and landing a few
knees to the legs. Page is actually the one with double underhooks,
though, and she uses them to throw Alekseeva off with about 1:45
remaining. Page scores a nice 1-2 and then a leg kick, easily the
best sequence of the round. Alekseeva clinches again with 70
seconds remaining. She grinds for a takedown, but can’t get it
against the much smaller woman. Alekseeva is reckless and actually
allows Page to get a standing RNC briefly, although she twists out
of it. The round ends. 10-9 Page (29-28 Alekseeva)
The Official Result
Irina Alekseeva def. Stephanie Ielo Page via Unanimous Decision
(30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Round 1
Now at women’s flyweight, Polish Katarzyna Sadura (4-4) faces
Darina Mazyduk (3-1). Mazyduk is a modest favorite, and if she
triumphs, this will be by far her biggest win, as everyone else she
defeated was 0-0 at the time. In Mazyduk’s defense, her lone loss,
via decision, came against a fighter currently 5-0. Referee Kevin
MacDonald gets this assignment. Mazyduk fires off punches to begin
with her chin upright, but none land. She is winging wild punches
and again, none land, although Sadura gets a straight right
through. They exchange body kicks, both of which are blocked.
Sadura lands a couple fo straight rights as Mazdyuk has her hands
completely down. Sadura throws a 1-2, with the right hand clipping
Mazdyuk. Sadura lands a solid front-kick to the body and then lands
a second one, which Mazdyuk simply eats. A wild Sadura overhand
right barely misses. Mazdyuk scores wiht a straight right, possibly
her first solid connection of the fight. Mazdyuk comes forward,
swarming with punches, although they largely miss. Sadura responds
with a few more front-kicks to the body. Sadura lands a stiff jab
that Mazdyuk again doesn’t even try to defend, but simply eats.
Sadura throws several attacks, with a body kick landing. Mazdyuk
lands a leg kick. Sadura partially lands another front kick to the
body. She lands another one and barely misses an overhand right.
She scores with a straight right, however, and Mazdyuk’s attempts
to counter are unsuccessful. Mazdyuk fires jabs that barely miss.
Sadura throws a 1-2 while Mazdyuk throws a body kick, but both
miss. Sadura lands a right hand. Mazdyuk gets aggressive as the
round ends, but it’s Sadura tagging her with clean punches. 10-9
Sadura.
Round 2
Mazdyuk throws a slow kick to begin the round and Sadura partially
connects on a right cross. Mazdyuk throws more slow kicks, but
Sadura easily retreats. Sadura lands a body kick of her own. They
exchange blows, and Sadura gets the better of them with more body
kicks. A Sadura head kick slightly gets through. Saura lands a jab
and touches Mazdyuk with part of her right cross. Sadura lands a
leg kick and as Mazdyuk lumbers forward, barely misses a 1-2.
Sadura touches Mazdyuk with another 1-2. Mazdyuk scores a very weak
leg kick, but she isn’t doing much now. Her punches are very slow
and pawing now, with Sadura easily evading them. Sadura hits her
with an overhand right, although there is little on it. After
Sadura misses a 1-2, Mazdyuk clinches, but Sadura easily gets her
off, hitting her with knees. After Sadura partially lands a 1-2,
Mazdyuk falls over, more from exhaustion than anything, and Sadura
dives on her with hammerfists. Mazdyuk has given up, and referee
Kevin MacDonald stops it. Mazdyuk was famous for beating up a 500
pound male blogger, but professional female fighters, even those
with a 4-4 record, are much better!
The Official Result
Katarzyna Sadura def. Darina Mazdyuk via TKO (Punches) at 3:17 of
Round 2
Round 1
In the final prelim, Fedor’s former protege, Kiril Sidelnikov
(12-6), once even nicknamed “Baby Fedor”, is now a 33 year-old,
5’11”, 264 pound heavyweight who is still a big favorite against
Scotsman Rab Truesdale (10-7), who was choked out in round 1 in a
fight just 3 months ago. Referee Jacob Montalvo will be keeping a
keen eye on the action. Truesdale starts with a leg kick. He throws
a fast 1-2, but it misses, and Sidelnikov barely misses his own
counter. Truesdale partially lands a jab. A Truesdale overhand
right misses and he misses a Sidelnikov right hand. Sidelnikov
lands a jab, and then a couple of hard hooks on the inside that
stun Truesdale temporarily. He recovers and lands a leg kick.
Sidelnikov stalks him and lands a hard hook to the body. Sidelnikov
catches a Truesdale leg kick and takes him down, pounding away from
the top. He gets to half-guard and then begins unloading with
elbows, one after the other, as Truesdale just stays on his back
eating them. Referee Jacob Montalvo asks him to move, he doesn’t,
and the fight is over. A one-sided beatdown by Sidelnikov!
The Official Result
Kirill Sidelnikov def. Rab Truesdale via TKO (Elbows) at 2:01 of
Round 1
Round 1
Opening up the main card, we have a truly marquee match-up, as
excellent middleweight contender Anatoly Tokov (29-3), undefeated
in Bellator at 5-0 with 4 stoppages, takes on tough Sharaf
Davlatmurodov (18-3-1) from Tajikistan. Getting the best view of
the action will be referee Kevin MacDonald. Davlatmurodov starts
off with a leg kick, but is countered by a straight right that puts
him down, although that seems to be more an issue of balance than
anything. They are largely cautious to start, doubly so being
training partners. Davlatmurodov decides to clinch against the cage
a little over a minute into the contest. They are largely
stalemated, although Tokov lands a few knees to the body and legs.
Tokov spins off the cage and they return to range. Davlatmurodov
misses a head kick. Tokov lands a nice 1-2, and soon after, it’s
him pushing Davlatmurodov into the cage. They push hard against one
another, but neither does much. Eventually, Tokov pushes him off
while landing a solid knee to the body. Davlatmurodov barely misses
a nice left hook. They trade punches in the pocket, but each man
moves his head out of the way. Davlatmurodov goes back to the
clinch. Tokov responds with a nice guillotine attempt, forcing
Davlatmurodov to the ground. They both scramble on the ground, with
Tokov eventually getting top position. He lands a few punches to
end the stanza. 10-9 Tokov.
Round 2
Tokov throws a leg kick to begin the round, which Davlatmurodov
checks. Davlatmurodov throws a solid body kick that partially gets
through. Tokov lands a hard leg kick. Tokov is a little wild coming
forward and eats a Davlatmurodov right hand. He recovers and the
two training partners touch gloves. Tokov lands a nice 1-2 and uses
it to clinch. He gets Davlatmurodov down to his butt, and as
Davlatmurodov tries to get up, he completes the takedown. Tokov
continues moving from the top, trying to take the back as
Davlatmurodov builds his base back up against the cage. Tokov is
landing short little punches, draped all over his opponent.
Eventually, Davlatmurodov gets back up and spins off. Davlatmurodov
partially lands a lead right hand with 80 seconds left. He lands a
glancing body kick as Tokov again clinches. This time Davlatmurodov
pushes forward and briefly gets Tokov down, although Tokov
continues wrestling. They run into a stalemate with about 30
seconds left with Davlatmurodov holding Tokov’s head down, but
Tokov pushes throw and gets top position with 20 seconds left. As
the round ends, he lands a glancing elbow. A very close round that
could have gone either way. 10-9 Tokov.
Round 3
Davlatmurodov opens up with a probing inside leg kicks. Tokov mises
a jab. However, he then throws a 1-2 and the right cross lands
solidly, getting Davlatmurodov’s attention. Tokov lands a stiff
jab. He partially lands two right hands to follow up. He then
blocks several Davlatmurodov head kicks. Davlatmurodov throws a
front kick to the body, but it’s a little labored and thus does
little damage despite touching Tokov. Both men have slowed down
with about 3 minutes left in the round. They throw punches in the
pocket, with Tokov going for straights and Davlatmurodov trying to
counter with uppercuts, but neither lands. Davlatmurodov leans
forward and while he mostly evades Tokov’s punches, a right hook
partially gets him. Tokov pumps the jab, with the second touching
Davlatmurodov. Tokov tries for a takedown, but Davlatmurodov stuffs
him easily and then tries one of his own. Both men end up clinching
against the cage, with Tokov pushing him. Tokov lands a knee below
the belt line and Kevin MacDonald separates them. They resume, now
in the center of the cage. Davlatmurodov lands a nifty short left
hand off a 1-2 from the southpaw. Tokov clinches and then gets a
nice throw, putting Davlatmurodov on his back. Tokov is in side
control and soon steps over into full mount. He lands a single
right hand and then Davlatmurodov explodes up, getting all the way
to his feet. It’s then him who throws Tokov down. Tokov scrambles,
but Davlatmurodov takes the back. He is too high to even attempt a
rear-naked choke, and the fight ends. A solid win for Tokov, but
not an especially brilliant one. His opponent being skilled and
tough himself, as well as a training partner surely didn’t help
matters. 10-9 Tokov (30-27 Tokov)
The Official Result
Anatoly Tokov def. Sharaf Davlatmurodov via Split Decision (28-29,
29-28, 29-28)
Round 1
At a 160 pound catchweight affair, we have one of the largest
mismatches in a major organization when undefeated Usman
Nurmagomedov (13-0) faces Finnish Patrik Pietila (11-8).
Nurmagomedov is a -4500 favorite some places. Yes, you read that
correctly. Perhaps this would be a good time to note that Russians
and Finns have fought several wars against one another over the
centuries and don’t like one another. Keeping this one civilized
will be again be referee Kevin MacDonald. Pietila begins with a leg
kick that lands. Nurmagomedov misses one of his own. Nurmagomedov
goes for a spinning back roundhouse kick that misses. Nurmagomedov
continues kicking, missing a head kick but partially connecting
with a front push-kick. Pietila comes forward and Nurmagomedov
immediately changes levels and gets a double-leg takedown. He is in
the half-guard now, working hard to pass. Nurmagomedov scores with
a few short punches and elbows, but none are especially hard.
Nurmagomedov moves to side control, but Pietila quickly regains
half-guard. Nurmagomedov scores on two solid elbows that thud off
Pietila’s head. Nurmagomedov tries to get his leg free to move to
full mount, but the Finn hangs tough for now. Nurmagomedov scores
on another short elbow as Pietila tries to get up, but is easily
stymied. Nurmagomedov gets a knee on belly but his attempt to get
to mount is thwarted. He gets into side control, howeer, and then
steps over into three-quarters mount, landing a nice left hand.
Pietila struggles to get out, but gives up his back. Nurmagomedov
instantly gets both hooks in and locks in a rear-naked choke.
Pietila is tough, however, fighting off the initial one. However,
Nurmagomedov is undeterred and attempts another one, this attempt
with a different grip. It’s on very tight and Pietila has no choice
but to tap. This fight went exactly as expected.
The Official Result
Usman Nurmagomedov def. Patrik Pietila via Submission (Rear-Naked
Choke) at 4:06 of Round 1
Round 1
In the co-main, former Bellator heavyweight champion Vitaly Minakov
(22-1), considered perhaps the best heavyweight outside the UFC for
the past 7 years, faces skilled 28 year-old Said Sowma (7-2), who
blasted Ronny Markes in a minute with punches in his last outing
and whose record should be 8-1, as he was robbed against Tyrell
Fortune. Referee Bryan Miner gets this intriguing showdown. Both
men are training partners and begin the fight cautiously. Minakov
throws a few leg kicks, but Sowma, circling well on the outside,
evades them all. A Sowma jab misses. Minakov misses another leg
kick, as Sowma continues moving well. Minakov tries to stalk him
against the cage, but Sowma simply keeps circling away. Sowma lands
a leg kick, although it has little on it. 2 minutes in, and little
has happened. Minakov finally opens up with a series of straight
punches, which Sowma dodges all of, but it gives Minakov a chance
to clinch. Once there, he scores a nice outside trip that gets
Sowma down. Minakov quickly postures all the way up, scoring a few
kicks to the thighs of the downed Sowma and hunting for a big
punch. However, Sowma evades and quickly, neatly gets back to his
feet. They return to the striking. Sowma touches Minakov with a
front kick to the head. Sowma lands another light leg kick. Minakov
comes forward with a big 1-2 and the right cross connects, causing
Sowma to stumble around the cage, although partially from being
off-balance. Sowma walks right into a huge Minakov jab that
stumbles him yet again. Sowma is now on his bike, purely circling,
although Minakov is taking matters cautiously. Minakov throws off a
3 punch combination that partially gets through and again hurts
Sowma. A Minakov leg kick is checked but still affects Sowma, who
still looks wobbly. The round ends. 10-9 Minakov.
Round 2
Minakov lands a powerful leg kick to begin the round. Sowma returns
the favor, hurting Minakov, who is hopping one one leg for a brief
moment. He lands a second, although this one is not as hard.
Minakov retaliates soon after with a big leg kick of his own, now
hurting Sowma! Quite a difference from Round 1 and the
non-committal leg kicks there. Minakov throws punches, but Sowma
manages to dodge all of them. They trade punches in the pocket, all
missing, but then Sowma comes forward and right into another heavy
Minakov jab that stops him in his tracks. Not long after, Minakov
lands another big leg kick that damages Sowma. Sowma is now
thinking defense again, circling on the outside, and eats another
solid leg kick. Sowma tries a few of his own, but Minakov defends
better, avoiding them. Sowma misses a left hook while retreating.
Minakov fires punches, misses, and then Sowma tries to counter, but
Minakov evades well. Minakov lands another leg kick. Sowma tries a
head kick which is blocked. Minakov lands a body kick and then
Sowma spins around, missing a leg kick. Minakov scores another
inside leg kick. Minakov lands an overhand right but is partially
countered by a 1-2. Minakov goes to the body with punches, scoring,
and adds another leg kick. Sowma lands a leg kick and jab, but then
gets hit with another hard jab by Minakov. Clear round for Minakov
and I don’t understand why the commentators are claiming Sowma
might have evened it up. 10-9 Minakov.
Round 3
Minakov goes for a leg kick that misses. Sowma lands a leg kick of
his own and misses a follow-up jab. Minakov goes for a big left
hook but Sowma is well out of the way, continuing to circle well.
Minakov lands a leg kick soon after. Minakov throws a right cross
that is blocked and Sowma partially counters with a 1-2. Sowma
misses a jab and Minakov evades a follow-up leg kick. Minakov
reaches on a left jab but misses. Minakov partially lands a leg
kick. Sowma lands a nice leg kick and misses a follow-up left hook.
Minakov connects on a big spinning backfist, the most damaging
connection of the round. Minakov then follows it up with a few
follow-up right hands that hit the mark. Minakov tries another
spinning backfist, this one blocked. However, Minakov is trying to
pull his fingers back into place, as he evidently broke them.
Referee Bryan Miner correctly stops the fight due to injury. A
disappointing result for Minakov. Sowma stayed tough, although it’s
hard to call this a highly impressive victory, as I had Minakov up
20-18 and winning round 3.
The Official Result
Said Sowma def. Vitaly Minakov via TKO (Injury) at 3:08 of Round
3
Round 1
In the main event, Fedor Emelianenko (39-6), arguably the greatest
fighter in MMA history, looks for his 40th victory at the age of 45
against tough and talented veteran Timothy Johnson (15-7), whose
last fight was a decision loss to Fedor’s pupil Valentin Moldavsky
for the Bellator interim heavyweight title. Johnson is only about a
-180 favorite despite Fedor’s age and chin concerns. Referee Jacob
Montalvo gets the final call of the card. Johnson tries a right
cross to begin the fight which Fedor jumps out of the way of. Fedor
partially gets a right hand through and Johnson’s counters miss.
Johnson misses a leg kick. Fedor connects on another right hand and
they trade punches in the pocket, with the faster Fedor getting the
better of it. Johnson misses a couple of punches as Fedor still
moves very well. Johnson comes forward with punches again and
partially connects with the right hand this time. Johnson throws a
right hook that Fedor ducks under, nailing Johnson cleanly with a
left hook and then, as Johnson is still reeling, immediately
follows up with a gorgeous right hook that puts Johnson completely
out. Wow! Even at 45 years old, there are very few heavyweights in
the world who can move as quickly and fluidly, or hit as hard as
Fedor Emelianenko can!
The Official Result
Fedor Emelianenko def. Timothy Johnson via KO (Punches) at 1:46 of
Round 1