G. Mousasi defeats D. Lima and becomes Bellator middleweight champion for the second time. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook Bellator
The middleweight (83,9kg) met his new, old, king in Bellator 250. In the main fight of the event, held this Thursday (29), in Connecticut (USA), the former champion of the category, Gegard Mousasi, he used all the experience he acquired over the years and won the belt, which was vacant, by controlling and winning Douglas lima in the unanimous decision of the judges. This was the second time that Mousasi became the organization's champion.
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The duo competed for the belt because Rafael Lovato Jr, former number one, had to give it up and, later, retire, after being diagnosed with cavernoma, a rare disease in the brain region.
The fight
Used to fighting at light heavyweight (93kg) and middleweight, Mousasi didn't want to take any risks on his feet and opted to take down Douglas, welterweight champion (77,6kg), less than a minute into the fight. The Brazilian even tried to resist, but his opponent stuck to it, got what he wanted and, on his back, threw several punches. Douglas got up, but then suffered another fall, ended up at the bottom and was attacked.
In the second round, Mousasi had less respect for the Brazilian's striking and was better on his feet, attacking with jabs, without exposing himself to Douglas' power. In the end, the athlete still managed to take his opponent down, causing more damage.
The third round was more of the same. Mousasi walked forward, attacking intelligently with jabs and kicks, while Douglas just retreated and, fearful, threw few strikes.
In the fourth round, Mousasi again confused Douglas and, again, went for a takedown in the first minute. He managed to lift the Brazilian and take him to the ground, but Douglas recovered. Standing up, the Brazilian landed low kicks, but always retreating and got the worst of the punches.
In the last round, Mousasi slowed down and preferred to manage the advantage he gained during the fight. Upon realizing this posture, Douglas was aggressive and landed good strikes in his exchange, however, in the final part, he was unable to avoid a new takedown attempt by Mousasi.
After the traditional 25 minutes, the judges declared Mousasi the winner of the fight and, consequently, middleweight champion for the second time in the organization. In turn, Douglas turns his attention to welterweight, the weight in which he is champion.
Corrales wins battle against Girtz
At featherweight, Bellator veterans Henry Corrales and Brandon Girtz had a very busy fight. Right from the beginning it became clear that the first would bet on more technical striking, choosing better strikes, while the second would attack based on power and in any way possible.
The 15 minutes were quite intense and Corrales' calmness, jabs and low kicks made the difference against Gritz's overhands. The victory ends the bad phase and eliminates any risk of being cut, as the fighter had lost the last two fights. In turn, Girtz lost the second consecutive duel and sees his stay in the organization at risk.
Bellator 250 results
MAIN CARD
Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Gegard Mousasi derrotou Douglas lima in the unanimous decision of the judges (48-47, 49-46, 49-46) – Fight for the belt
Catchweight: Henry Corrales defeated Brandon Girtz via split decision (30-27, 27-30, 30-27)
Middleweight (up to 83,9kg): Dalton Rosta defeated Ty Gwerder by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Heavyweight (up to 120,2kg): Jake Hager defeated Brandon Calton via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29.28)
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Sabah Homasi defeated Bobby Voelker by knockout at 0m20s of R2
Middleweight (up to 83,9kg): Johnny Eblen defeated Taylor Johnson via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Married weight: Adam Borics defeated Erick Sanchez via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Catchweight: Cody Law defeated Orlando Ortega via submission at 2:41 of R1
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