P. Davis (right) defeated Y. Romero (left) in a warm fight at Bellator 266. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @BellatorMMA
Unusual ending. In the Cuban's long-awaited debut at Bellator, held this Saturday (18), in California (USA), a confusion of Yoel romero may have defined his defeat for Phil Davis in the main fight. Dominated for much of the confrontation, the Cuban appeared surprised at the end of the third stage, which would determine the outcome. After thinking that it was a five-round fight, the veteran was declared defeated in a split decision by the judges.
See too
This weekend, Romero made his first appearance since leaving Ultimate. Former UFC middleweight title challenger (up to 83,9kg), the Cuban was hired as a bet for the competitor's light heavyweight division (up to 93kg). A clash with Davis could put the 44-year-old veteran close to a title shot.
Famous for betting on unique strikes, Yoel was a victim of his opponent's difference in size. Smaller, the Cuban found it difficult to approach and, when he did, he ended up knocked down.
With the defeat, the Cuban extends his bad moment as a professional in MMA. Now, Romero has four consecutive setbacks.
Victorious in the main fight, Davis recovered from the defeat he suffered against Vadim nemkov, today, category champion. Current number three in the group, the fighter is back on the radar to challenge the current champion.
The fight
The confrontation began with Davis taking the initiative with a jab. Romero saved his strikes and waited for the best moment to attack. The North American attacked again and touched his opponent's face with a direct shot. Yoel continued to keep his distance and scored with low kicks. Davis threw an overhand and Romero responded with a high kick, both attacks being empty. The first round ended without many attacks from both sides.
In the second stage, Davis risked the first attacks, with a combination of kicks and jabs. Romero responded with a cross, which touched the American's head. After just over a minute, Yoel freed himself and attacked Phil, who retreated. The American didn't land any blows and walked forward again, throwing blows at the veteran's guard. Romero alternated moments of inactivity and action. As Davis moved around the circular cage. Near the final minute, the Cuban rocked his opponent with a low kick. Davis responded with a clean cross to the veteran's face. In the final seconds, Phil managed to take down his opponent, but there was no time for anything else.
The last round began with Romero throwing a straight shot at his opponent's face. The Cuban had difficulty closing the distance and had a disadvantage when exchanging blows. After getting closer, Phil looked for the legs and took Yoel down again. The veteran exploded and managed to get up, but was pressed against the bars. Davis insisted on the strategy and, again, took Romero to the ground. At a good moment, Davis threw punches and elbows from below. In a complicated situation, Romero tried to stop the confrontation, but the American continued to pressure. After three minutes, Yoel got back to his feet, but the American immediately took him down. In the final seconds, Davis threw knees at Yoel's body, who returned to his feet. The round ended with the North American pressing the veteran against the bars.
Bellator 266 results
MAIN CARD
Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Phil Davis derrotou Yoel romero in the judges' split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-26)
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Neiman Gracie defeated Mark Lemminger by technical knockout at 1m27s of R1
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): DeAnna Bennett defeated Alejandra Lara via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-26)
Lightweight (up to 70,3kg): Saul Rogers defeated Georgi Karakhanyan via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Ben Parrish defeated Christian Edwards by knockout 38 seconds ago. from R1
PRELIMINARY CARD
Light heavyweight (up to 93kg): Alex Polizzi defeated Grant Neal in the split decision of the judges of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Middleweight (up to 83,9kg): Anthony Adams x Khalid Murtazaliev in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2kg): Bobby Seronio III defeated Socrates Hernandez via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-26, 29-26)
Catchweight: Catchweight: Abraham Vaesau defeated Albert Gonzales by TKO at 2:16 of R1
Welterweight (up to 77kg): Shane Keefe defeated Rhalan Gracie in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Flyweight (up to 56,7kg): Edwin De Los Santos defeated Jon Adams by technical knockout at 3m29s of R1
Catchweight: Jesse Delgado defeated Joshua Dillon via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
You need login To comment.