In a spectacular comeback, Sergio Pettis knocks out Horiguchi and defends his bantamweight belt at Bellator 272

Pettis remained the bantamweight champion in the Bellator 272. Photo: Reproduction / Bellator

Finally, Sergio Pettis can puff out his chest and say he is the true bantamweight champion (up to 61,2kg). In the main fight of Bellator 272, in a duel dominated by Kyoji Horiguchi until then, the division leader showed intelligence and landed a beautiful round punch that took the Japanese straight to the canvas. The show took place at the Mohegan Sun Arena, in Connecticut (USA).

With the incredible triumph, Pettis added his fifth positive result in a row. The undisputed leader of the bantamweight division, the American now has a record of 21 triumphs and five setbacks in professional MMA.

Upon his return to Bellator, Kyoji Horiguchi was unable to fulfill his dream of regaining the title in the 61,2kg category. Alternating victories and defeats in his last three fights, the Japanese now has 29 victories and four setbacks in professional MMA.

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THE FIGHT

Horiguchi started the duel by landing two direct 'lights' on Pettis. The champion responded with a right blow that shook the challenger. The Japanese took Sergio down and went to get the North American's back. Kyoji moved around the circular cage looking for the best possible angle for the attack. With Horiguchi's intense movement, Pettis found it difficult to land his attacks. The leader of the roosters tried to corner his rival, who was much faster.

On the way back to the second half, Horiguchi landed a low kick that knocked Pettis off balance. The Japanese put the champion down and passed guard. The division leader tries to get back to his feet, but Kyoji continues to control the duel. The fight remains on the ground and sees if the pace drops. After a hesitation from Sergio, the Russian finds a good position to strike. The two athletes return to their feet, but Pettis can't find the distance to strike.

Horiguchi continues to dominate the third half. The challenger strikes and moves quickly, without giving Pettis time to even attack. Sergio tries to control the center of the cage and corner Horiguchi, but the Japanese counterattacks and manages to take down the champion. Above Pettis, Horiguchi completely dominates the fight and his opponent can't even think of a solution to escape. In a beautiful transition, Kyoji transitions and takes the back. The duel returned to its feet in the final minute, however, without any effectiveness.

Pettis returns more aggressive for the fourth round and manages to land two blows on the Japanese fighter, which 'immediately' puts him down again. Horiguchi lands a cross to Pettis' face. When everything seemed lost, Sergio tried to land a kick, the Japanese dodged the blow but not the round punch that followed. End of combat!