Bader is the new Bellator light heavyweight champion (Photo: Reproduction/Youtube)
Ryan bader It couldn't have a better debut in its new home. Despite a less than exciting performance, the debutant became Bellator's light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg) by dethroning Phil Davis by split decision of the judges (49×46, 47×48, 49×46), in the fight that closed the preliminary card of Bellator 180, held this Saturday (24), in New York (USA), at the legendary Madison Square Garden gym .
This was Bader's second victory over Davis. They had already faced each other in the UFC, in 2015, with Bader winning. Mr. Wonderful, who had won the belt in his last duel, when he dominated Liam McGeary, broke a streak of four victories in the franchise.
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THE FIGHT
The fight started quite studiously, as expected. After the first minute, Davis tried to take Bader down, without success. The challenger tried to throw some punch combinations, while the champion bet on low kicks. The duel remained tepid, much to the dissatisfaction of the audience, who booed a few times. Davis continued to surround Bader until the end of the round, but to no avail.
The second half started in a similar way, with Davis taking the initiative, but Bader connecting the best blows. The champion risked a beautiful high kick, but it went empty. The dispute returned to a lukewarm pace, without much action from both sides, except for a good kick to the belt applied by the challenger. In the final seconds, Bader landed a strong high kick on his rival, securing the advantage of the round.
Phi returned more aggressive, applying a good superman punch on the opponent. But he stopped there. What was seen in the following minutes was more of the same: a lot of movement and few effective strikes on both sides, causing boos from the public. Davis started to risk straight lefts, but Bader responded with jabs to the champion's face. In the final stretch, the challenger landed a good takedown on Davis, who, on the ground, defended himself efficiently, sweeping and ending the round on top.
More tired, the two returned to the fourth round even more cautious. Davis, however, tried to surprise with a sequence of crosses followed by a high kick, but was unsuccessful. Bader, in turn, continued to insist on jabs and kicks to the waist. Visibly more tired, Ryan started to walk backwards, while Davis tried to pressure.
The scenario was repeated in the decisive round, with the champion being more active, while Bader tried to surprise with the counterattack. In the center of the cage, the two rehearsed a stand-up, but soon returned to being cautious. Bader, however, applied another takedown to the champion, who quickly got up. With the fight standing, Phil, who had a cut under his left eye, continued to surround his rival in the octagon, but was unable to be effective.
James Gallagher runs over Chinzo Machida
Gallagher submitted Machida in R1 (Photo: Reproduction/Twitter ScottCoker)
In the clash of generations between Chinzo Machida, aged 40, and James Gallagher, of 20, better for the young fighter. With an impeccable performance, the Irishman took no notice of Lyoto's older brother and won by submission at 2:22 of the first round. This was the seventh victory on Gallagher's record, which remains undefeated and with 100% success rate. In Bellator, there are already four victories, which puts him close to a title fight. Machida, in turn, suffered his third defeat in eight career fights, his first in the organization.
The fight started with the two circulating around the cage, with Gallagher surrounding the Brazilian. The Irishman quickly took down, went to mount and took Machida's back. Without any major difficulties, James lassoed Chinzo's neck and locked in a rear naked choke, forcing his opponent to give three taps and give up.
PRELIMINARY CARD
Light Heavyweight: Ryan bader derrotou Phil Davis by split decision of the judges (49×46, 47×48, 49×46)
Feather weight: James Gallagher derrotou Chinzo Machida via submission (rear naked choke) at 2m22s of R1
Flyweight: Heather Hardy defeated Alice Yauger via TKO at 4:47 of R3
Lightweight: Ryan Couture defeated Haim Gozali via unanimous decision (30×26, 30×27, 30×27)
Middleweight: Anthony Giacchina defeated Jerome Mickle via submission (choke) at 3:40 of R3
Welterweight: Hugh McKenna defeated John Salgado via submission (kimura) at 4:06 of R1
Flyweight: Matt Rizzo defeated Sergio da Silva via submission (arm triangle) at 3:48 of R3
Lightweight: Bradley Desir defeated Nate Grebb via TKO at 2:54 of R1
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