P. Pitbull defeated Kleber Koike in Bellator x RIZIN. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
After regaining and defending the Bellator featherweight belt (up to 65,7kg) in 2022, Patricio pitbull He closed the year with a flourish by defeating RIZIN champion Kleber Koike in a challenge promoted by the two organizations on New Year's Eve at the traditional Saitama Super Arena, in Japan.
With the usual precision and power, Patricio pitbull He dictated the pace of the fight from the beginning, frustrated his rival's strong grappling game and took victory via unanimous decision by the judges.
Acting for the first time away from Bellator's circular cage since December 2009, Patricio pitbull won his third victory in the RIZIN ring in 2022. Kleber Koike, on the other hand, was defeated after seven consecutive submission victories.
Precise and powerful, Patricio Pitbull frustrates Kleber Koike's game to take the victory
-Patricio pitbull and Kleber Koike started the duel studying each other in the center of the ring. Koike started investing in kicks and tried a takedown in the first minute, but Patricio defended well. Patricio pitbull he put Kleber Koike on his back against the ropes and worked with good jab and straight combinations. Koike tried another takedown, Patricio reversed it and threw strong kicks at the fallen opponent. Back on his feet, Pitbull continued to press, while Koike tried to keep the distance with kicks. Koike unleashed a combination of jab, straight and kick, but the blows stopped in the Bellator champion's guard. Patriciau accelerated with a boxing combination and Koike looked for the clinch. In the final stretch of the round, Koike managed a beautiful takedown, but did not stabilize the position.
The beginning of the second round was also a study session between the two athletes. The first blow was Patricio pitbull, with a powerful kick to the leg from Kleber Koike. Koike accelerated and chased Pitbull with a cross body combination. The two exchanged several low kicks and kicks to the waist. In an attack from Koike, Pitbull connected a good sequence ending with an uppercut. The Bellator champion landed a powerful cross, which shook Koike's head.
Unlike the initial rounds, the third round had action from the first seconds, with Patricio pitbull exploring the crusaders a lot. Kleber Koike closed the distance and made a sacrifice takedown, but Pitbull got up easily and threw several kicks at his rival's leg, who remained with his back on the ground. Back on his feet, Koike threw some kicks and landed a front stomp on Pitbull's face. The RIZIN champion managed to reach the clinch, take down Pitbull and land on top. Patricio managed to get up again. Koike used kicks and knees to get closer to Patricio and apply another sacrifice takedown. The Bellator champion stood up once again and remained that way until the end of the fight.
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