With strategic performance, Sergio Pettis beats Juan Archuleta and wins the bantamweight belt at Bellator 258

S. Pettis after winning the Bellator bantamweight belt Photo: Twitter

Bellator's bantamweight division (up to 61,2kg) has a new champion. With an excellent stand-up performance and excellent takedown defense, Sérgio Pettis defeated Juan Archuleta in a unanimous decision by the judges and took the belt home. The coronation took place at Bellator 258 which took place this Friday (7) in Uncasville, Connecticut (USA).

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The first round of the title dispute began with the two most measured athletes, trying one blow or another to score. Juan Archuleta tried to put Sergio Pettis down, but the challenger resisted. The Spaniard tried to be more aggressive throughout the period, but Pettis responded well to attack attempts and the round ended without any major emotions.

The two athletes began the second round looking for open exchanges. Archuleta put Pettis down and landed in mount but the challenger showed excellent takedown defense. The champion tried to enter Sergio's range of action but was unable to be effective. The Spaniard was more incisive, however, the challenger's counter punches left the belt owner on alert. Even without the two fighters showing strength, the challenger was slightly superior.

The third round began with Archuleta attacking with left hooks that were almost always answered by Pettis. The champion insisted, once again without success, on taking the challenger to the cage. Sergio was trying to hit Juan's nose, which was bleeding a little.

Frustrated with his unsuccessful takedown attempt, Juan Archuleta suffered from the direct shots that Pettis countered. The North American began to take control of the fight and be more effective in attacks. The challenger used his greater speed to hit the champion, who had difficulty finding Sergio.

In the final round, Archuleta returned with the same frustrated strategy of taking down Pettis, who remained standing without any major difficulties. With two minutes left in the fight, Juan managed to lift and take down the challenger but was not in a favorable position for a submission attempt. The champion tried hard but was unable to keep Pettis on the ground for long and the fight ended.