Bellator gets it right on Nov. 4
by Brian Woodman Jr. on 11/05/16
Bellator nails when they place style over substance. Never mind the UFC cast-offs -- just bring in good fights with internally-cultivated talent. That is what the organization did on Nov. 4 at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville during Bellator 163.
The main card opened with Javy Ayala (10-5) knocking out Sergei Kharitonov (23-6) 16 seconds into their heavyweight fight with a right cross that sent the Russian flying backward. It was particularly impressive when one considers that Kharitonov was considered the popular favorite.
The event ended with Phil Davis (17-3), who was also considered an underdog by some, dominating Liam McGeary (11-1) for five rounds and securing his light heavyweight belt. It marked McGeary’s first defeat, which he handled with grace and class. Although McGeary is known for his interesting submission skills, Foster used his wrestling background to keep him off balance.
The second fight on the main card was a catchweight bout between Neiman Gracie (5-0) and Rudy Bears (16-5). Gracie brought his submission skills to bear quickly, and while it looked like he was attempting a leg triangle choke among the tangle of limbs, he actually secured a submission at 4:39 using an arm bar.
The next fight was a brutal 90-second welterweight slugfest between Waterford’s Brennan Ward (14-4) and Saad Awad (19-9). It ended with Ward, who made a name for himself in one of Bellator's middleweight tournaments, securing a knockout.
The preliminary results were;
Ed Ruth (1-0) secured a TKO of Dustin Collins-Miles (0-1) at 3:19 in the first round.
Tyrell Fortune (1-0) secured a TKO of Cody Miskell (0-1) at 2:22 in the first round.
Tim Caron (6-0) secured a TKO of Steve Skrzat (8-9) at 1:22 in the first round.
Hannah Regina (1-0) submitted Sarah Payant (1-4) with an arm bar at 4:51 in the first round.
Blair Tugman (9-6) earned a decision over Walter Smith-Ciotto (4-5, 1 no contest).
Christopher Foster (10-4) of Middletown earned a decision over Thomas English (6-7) with two judges scoring it 30-27 and one scoring it 29-28.
Tyler King (12-4) submitted Josh Diekman (15-8, 1 no contest) with a rear naked choke at 1:39 in the second round.
Carlos Corriea (2-0) earned a split decision over Ilya Kotau (1-2).
Vinicius De Jesus (5-1) submitted James Boran (6-1) with a rear naked choke at 1:55 in the second round.
Look for retrospective commentary on the event here over the next few days.
