M. Magomedov (left) suffered the second defeat of his career against R. Stots (right). Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
One of the most anticipated fights in the Bellator 264 did not disappoint. In the meeting between Magomed Magomedov and Raufeon Stots, held this Friday (13), in Uncasville (USA), the Russian, the only man to beat Petr yan, succumbed to the opponent's technique. In a duel marked by technique, the North American was better in the three rounds and won the unanimous decision of the judges.
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There was a lot of expectation for the meeting between Magomedov and Stots. As these were bantamweight standouts (up to 61,2kg) and candidates for a future title fight, the clash was in the organization's spotlight.
With defeat, Magomedov now suffers the second stumble in his career. Before this Friday's meeting, the Russian had five consecutive victories and no setbacks for Bellator.
To surprise his rival, Stots presented his weapons in the circular cage and extended the great streak of victories in his career. Now, in addition to not having lost for the organization, the fighter has nine positive results in a row.
In the interview after the triumph, Raufeon, number four in the ranking, 'forgot' the friendship he has with the bantamweight champion, Sergio Pettis. At the microphone, the American did not rule out a fight for the title.
The fight
The confrontation began with Magomedov taking the initiative with a low kick. Stots responded with a high kick, which exploded into the Russian's guard. The fighters continued testing each other in the center of the cage, with a lot of tension. After just over a minute, Magomed risked the first takedown, but his opponent was alert and defended well. Raufeon launched two right crosses into the Russian's face, who absorbed the attack well. The Russian risked a round punch, but ended up being hit by a direct punch from his rival. Halfway through the round, the athletes began to provoke each other, but few effective blows were received. Reaching the final minute, Magomedov blocked an opponent's shot, grabbed his left leg and tried to take the duel to the ground. Raufeon struggled and tried to stay upright, pressed against the bars. The American managed to free himself and the fight was fought again in the center of the circular cage. In the final seconds, Raufeon surprised and managed to get a takedown on his opponent, but there was no more time.
In the second stage, it was Stots who delivered the first blow, with a clean jab to the Russian's face. The American continued scoring with jabs, while Magomedov tried his first attack on the legs. Repeating the scene from the first round, Magomed grabbed his rival's left leg and continued looking for a takedown, pressing his opponent against the bars. Raufeon defended himself as best he could, but was unable to resist the attacks. On the ground, the Russian fell on top and tried to transition to a submission. Stots surprised and managed to reverse the position. Afterwards, the athletes stood up and exchanged attacks again in the center of the cage. Near the final minute, Magomed tried another takedown, but Stots, this time, defended himself well. Reaching the end of the stage, Raufeon tried to take down the Russian, but there was no more time.
The last round began with Magomedov taking the initiative with a low kick. Magomed attempted a takedown again, but was surprised by Raufeon's defense, who managed to take advantage of the position, got to his back and risked the rear naked choke. With the shot in place, the Russian tried to survive, but Stots continued to push. The moment was critical for Magomedov, who resisted as best he could. The Russian showed courage, managed to get out of the uncomfortable position and came out on top. On top, Magomed tried to pass the guard, while the American tried to stop the confrontation. In the final minute, Magomedov attempted a guillotine choke, but Raufeon defended himself well. The Russian managed to reach the back, but there was no more time.
Former welterweight champion returns to the company with victory
A. Koreshkov (left) defeated A. Homasi (right) in the Bellator 264. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Former welterweight champion (up to 77kg) at Bellator, Andrei Koreshkov was successful in his return to the organization. In the co-main fight of the show, the former leader of the group showed great superiority, but was unable to achieve the outcome in the fast lane against Sabah Homasi. After three busy rounds, the Russian was declared the winner with a unanimous decision by the judges.
After a short stint at the Russian event, AMC, Koreshkov re-debuted at the company on the right foot. With the victory, the athlete should take 10th place in the group, today, led by Yaroslav Amosov. Andrey was Bellator champion between 2015 and 2016.
In his quest to defend his place in the rankings, Homosi showed great spirit, but was unable to overcome his opponent's momentum. With the setback, the North American loses his second consecutive commitment.
Fight between ‘giants’ ends in lightning knockout
D. Franklin (left) brutalized E. Cummings (right) in the Bellator 264. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
In the only fight between heavyweights at the event, a massacre. Making his Bellator debut, Everett Cummings experienced a true nightmare in the circular cage. Facing Davion Franklin, the ‘giant’ wasn’t even able to put his strategy into play. In the opening seconds of the first round, Franklin went all out and overpowered his opponent with a brutal knockout.
With the victory, Davion extended his undefeated streak as a professional in MMA. Bellator's 'Creative', the fighter now has four positive results in a row and continues without losing in his career.
The tough loss to Franklin marked the first negative result of Everett's career. The heavyweight had never lost in 16 appearances in the sport.
Khadzimurat Bestaev beats Ty Gwerder in close fight
K. Bestaev (right) defeated T. Gwerder (left) in a close fight at Bellator 264. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
In the first fight on the preliminary card, a remarkable balance. In the middleweight clash (up to 83,9kg), Khadzimurat Bestaev alternated between good and bad moments, but managed to convince the judges in the clash against Ty Gwerder. After 15 minutes, the fighter was declared the winner with a unanimous decision.
With the victory, Bestaev managed to win in his Bellator debut. The athlete, who has been on ‘Dana White’s Contender Series’, now has 11 wins in 15 MMA commitments.
Defeated in the event, Gwerder did not hide his surprise at the setback. The negative result complicates the fighter's situation in the organization. Now, Ty has three stumbles in four commitments.
Bellator 264 results
MAIN CARD
Average weight (up to 83,9kg): Gegard Mousasi defeated John Salter by technical knockout at 2:07 of R3 – Fight for the belt
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Andrei Koreshkov defeated Sabah Homasi via unanimous judges' decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-27)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2kg): Raufeon Stots defeated Magomed Magomedov via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 30-27)
Heavyweight: Davion Franklin defeated Everett Cummings by knockout at 21 seconds. from R1
Middleweight (up to 83,9kg): Khadzimurat Bestaev defeated Ty Gwerder by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Featherweight (up to 65,7kg): Pam Sorenson defeated Roberta Samad in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Catchweight (up to 64,4kg): Jeffrey Glossner defeated Sebastian Ruiz by unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Catchweight (up to 88,4kg): Jon McNeil defeated Orlando Mendoza by technical knockout at 3:57 of R3
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