L. Larkin defeated R. Carvalho in the judges' decision Photo: Reproduction
The preliminary card of Bellator 258 What happened this Friday (7) was not one of great joy for Brazil. The former middleweight champion (up to 83.9kg) of the organization, Raphael Carvalho was defeated by Lorenz Larkin in a split decision by the judges. Fellow Brazilian Weber Almeida lost his unbeaten record to Johnny Soto in the second fight of the night. The show took place in Uncasville, Connecticut (USA).
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THE FIGHT
The confrontation began with both athletes preferring to keep the fight standing. Raphael Carvalho he used his kicks against Lorenz Larkin, who took advantage of counter blows. Rafael dominated the center and was more aggressive, but Larkin also caused danger when he responded to attacks. The Brazilian took the fight to the clinch and punched Lorenz in the ribs. The American freed himself and with dangerous elbows stunned his opponent. The blows apparently disoriented Carvalho, who ended the round more cornered and suffering from jabs and straight shots from his opponent.
Showing recovery, Rafael returned more aggressive for the second round and went after Larkin who soon fought the fight in the clinch. Soon after, it was the Brazilian's turn to pursue the same strategy, which caused the pace of the assault to drop in the final minutes. The inactivity of the two athletes was so great that the referee stopped the fight and asked for action.
In the third round, both athletes appeared to be physically exhausted and the fight dropped in level. Larkin looked for takedowns and Rafael defended himself with his back against the cage. Both athletes ended the match showing a lot of fatigue and exchanging blows in the stand-up fight until the bell sounded.
Completing his fifth consecutive victory, Lorenz Larkin continues in an excellent phase of his career. At 34 years old, the fighter now has a record of 23 wins and seven defeats in his career.
Former division leader, Raphael Carvalho seems to be far from the days when he held the middleweight belt. The Brazilian reached the negative mark of three consecutive defeats and now has a record of 16 wins and six defeats in his professional career.
Raufeon Stots defeated Joshua Hill via unanimous decision
R. Stots x J. Hill Photo: Instagram
The first round was completely dominated by Raufeon Stots, the fighter dominated Joshua Hill on the ground for five minutes and came very close to achieving a submission. The two fighters kept the fight standing during the second round, which was not very emotional. In the final part, Stots was more aggressive and tried to corner Hill on the fence, approaching with punches and kicks. Raufeon still took down his opponent in the final minute, however, he didn't have time for anything else.
With the victory by decision, Raufeon Stots reaches the impressive mark of eight consecutive victories and consolidates himself as one of the main names in the bantamweight division. The 32-year-old fighter now has a record of 16 triumphs and just one defeat in his career.
In turn, Joshua Hill once again learns what it's like to be defeated after four consecutive victories. At 34 years old, the fighter has a record of 20 triumphs and four setbacks in professional MMA.
Patchy Mix dominates Albert Morales wins by submission
P. Mix x A. Morales Photo: Twitter
The first assault between Patchy mix and Albert Morales almost resembled a jiu-jitsu duel. Both athletes abused transitions and submission attempts. In the second round, the scenario remained the same, however, with dominance from Mix who controlled his opponent on the ground with punches and elbows throughout the period. Patchy remained sovereign after the lap and with a triangle, he finished Morales in the final stretch of the final stage.
Current number two in the bantamweight rankings (up to 61,2kg) and Juan Archuleta's last challenger, Patchy mix he may have a new opportunity to compete for the title after his victory over Morales. The 27-year-old fighter is recovering from his defeat to the champion and now boasts a record of 14 wins and one defeat.
After two consecutive victories, Albert Morales is once again defeated in the organization. The 29-year-old athlete now has 10 wins and seven setbacks on his professional record.
Johnny Eblen maintains his undefeated record by knocking out Daniel Madrid in the first round
J. Eblen x D. Madrid Photo: Twitter
The duel between Johnny Eblen and Daniel Madrid began with a lot of study from both fighters and some exchanges of blows in the center of the ring. As the round approached its half without much emotion, Johnny landed a cross that took Daniel to the canvas. Eblen still applied some blows to his fallen opponent but the referee arrived quickly and ended the fight.
Current number six in the middleweight rankings (up to 83,9kg), Johnny achieves a victory that could place him in the top-5 of the rankings. The fighter remains undefeated, now with a perfect record of eight victories.
Daniel Madrid's five-game winning streak was interrupted by the defeat to Eblen. Now, the 37-year-old fighter boasts a record of 18 triumphs and seven setbacks in his professional career.
Johnny Campbell submits Henry Corrales in the second round
H. Corrales x J.Campbell Photo: Twitter
The first round between Henry Corrales and Johnny Campbell passed with few emotions. The two athletes exchanged some blows and takedown attempts, but without much effectiveness on both sides. In the second round, both fighters valued the fight on their feet and exchanged blows in the center of the ring for almost the entire time, until Campbell landed an uppercut that took Morales to the ground, then the North American landed a guillotine that made his opponent gives the 'three taps' and ends the fight.
With the triumph, Johnny Campbell recovers from the defeat in his last fight and now boasts a record of 21 wins and 13 setbacks. Veteran Henry Corrales once again feels the bitter taste of a negative result in the organization and now has a record of 18 wins and 6 negative results in professional MMA.
In a busy duel, Johnny Soto overturns Weber Almeida's unbeaten record
W. Almeida x Johnny Soto Photo: Twitter
In a fight full of emotions, Johnny Soto defeated Weber Almeida. Looking for a grappling fight, the North American's strategy prevailed over the Brazilian's stand-up fight, who had a good first round. However, 'Phantom' showed more preparation and dominated the fight until the end, winning by unanimous decision from the judges.
Brazilian Weber Almeida suffered his first career defeat. At 33 years old, the fighter now has a record of four triumphs and one setback. With his excellent victory over Weber, Johnny Soto secured his fourth consecutive victory. The North American now boasts a record of 4 wins and just one negative result.
Erik Perez beats Blaine Shutt via judges' decision
E. Perez and Blaine Shutt faced each other in the first fight of the night PHOTO: Twitter
The duel that opened the night of fights at Bellator 258 It was quite busy. Former UFC fighter Erik Perez dominated Blaine Shutt with many takedowns, punches and elbows over his opponent and won by unanimous decision from the judges after three rounds.
With the victory, Erik Perez wins his first fight in Bellator and recovers from two consecutive defeats. Now, the Mexican has a record of 20 triumphs and 8 setbacks. Debuting in the organization, Blaine Shutt did not have an encouraging start. The 29-year-old fighter now has a record of 8 wins and five losses in his professional record.
BELLATOR 258 RESULTS
MAIN CARD
Bantamweight: Juan Archuleta x Sergio Pettis – Title fight
Light Heavyweight: Anthony Johnson x José Augusto 'Gugu'
Lightweight: Patricky 'Pitbull' x Peter Queally
Catchweight: Derek Anderson x Michael Page
PRELIMINARY CARD
Bantamweight: Raufeon Stots defeated Joshua Hill via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Middleweight: Lorenz Larkin defeated Raphael Carvalho in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Bantamweight: Patchy mix finished Albert Morales with a katagatame 2m40s into R3
Middleweight: Johnny Eblen defeated Daniel Madrid by knockout 2:44 of R1
Bantamweight: Johnny Campbell submitted Henry Corrales with a rear naked choke at 4:12 of R2
Featherweight: Johnny Soto defeated Weber Almeida via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Bantamweight: Erik Perez defeated Blaine Shutt via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
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