After submitting Jon Fitch, Neiman Gracie praises opponent: 'One of the best in history'

N. Gracie (right) praises J. Fitch (left). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @neimangracie

The highlight of Bellator 246, held on Saturday (12), in Connecticut, USA, was supposed to be the bantamweight (61,2kg) belt fight, however Neiman Gracie stole the show. The Brazilian beat veteran Jon Fitch by submission in the second round, retired him and had a commendable attitude both in the ring and at the press conference. The jiu-jitsu specialist chose this as the biggest victory of his career, praised the North American and invited him to train together.

See too

Dana White reveals that she asked Donald Trump for help to prevent the execution of an Iranian fighter

Video: About to fight at UFC Las Vegas 11, Khamzat Chimaev offers help to homeless man in the USA

In conflict with the UFC, president of Bellator once again claims that he has the best light heavyweights in MMA

“How can you not respect an athlete like Jon Fitch? He is one of the best in history and this is one of the biggest victories of my career. Fitch is one of the best welterweights of all time. You may like it or not, but it is. He has fought and beaten every welterweight imaginable and has only lost to champions. Fitch is very tough! I'm a big fan and I asked him to come to New York and train with me and teach me some things, because I have a lot to learn from him. The first submission blew out Fitch's knee and he screamed, but didn't hit. The second was very tight, but he defended himself well. It was a great fight and I'm very happy”, praised Neiman.

Neiman's last appearance was, precisely, when he fought for the company's welterweight (77,6kg) belt, in June 2019, and he believes that the good victory over one of the most important names in the category puts him, more once, close to challenger position.

“In my opinion, Fitch was the number one challenger. He drew with MacDonald, but should have won. So that puts me first, for sure. If I don't fight for the belt in the next round, I'll face whoever is at the top. I can't wait for my next fight. I want to fight again this year. Lima will fight next month, so maybe we can fight in December, if he returns to welterweight,” he concluded.

Neiman Gracie he debuted for Bellator in 2015, when he had only competed in two MMA fights. For the organization, the athlete competed in nine fights and won eight, seven of which by submission. The first and only defeat of his career was imposed by Rory McDonald, in a fight valid for the welterweight title (77,6kg)