Bellator 98: Cooper versus Shlemenko
by Brian Woodman Jr. on 09/07/13
Reigning Bellator Middleweight Champion Alexander Shlemenko of Omsk, Russia fought Brett Cooper of Long Beach, California during the main event for Bellator 98. It came off an exciting opening to Bellator's latest middleweight tournament.
First Round: Mostly stand up with Shlemenko attempting an estimated five spinning back fists. Cooper pushed Shlemenko against the fence during a takedown attempt.
Second Round: Both men came out throwing lots of kicks. They clinch at 3:11. Shlemenko attempts more spinning back fists but Cooper scores a takedown. They get up at 2:19. There is a furious exchange of punches and Shlemeno, now bloodied, is visibly shaken. Cooper gets him against the fence and scores a double leg takedown as the round ends.
Third Round: More punches, kicks and knees are thrown. Shlemenko takes a few brutal shots, but throws up his hands shortly after as if in defiance. Cooper takes down Shlemennko, but fighters are on their feet shortly afterward.
Round Four: Shlemenko opens the round by flooring Cooper. Shlemenko is more dominant and energetic during the stand up. It goes back and forth. Both men are eating shots with Cooper becoming more aggressive. Shlemenko ends the round by nearly landing a spinning back kick in Cooper's face.
Round Five: More exchanges, then Shlemenko takes down Cooper. They are on their feet at about 1:40. Shlemenko scores another take down. They are on their feet with less than a minute left. Shlemenko takes Cooper down again.
The winner by unanimous decision; Shlemenko.
