Rematch between A. McKee and P. Pitbull takes place at Bellator 277. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
An important piece in the history of mixed martial arts, Bellator frequently promotes major battles on its show. For edition No. 277, which takes place this Friday (15), the event will have two title disputes, with Vadim nemkov e Corey anderson in the light heavyweight division (up to 93kg.) and the rematch between A. J. McKee e Patrick Pitbull, for the featherweight belt (up to 65,7kg.), in the main fight of the night.
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The event, which is seen as one of the biggest in the organization's history, is surrounded by expectations for the quality of its fighters in the main fights. And, to get in the mood, the team at SUPER FIGHTS decided to remember the biggest 'wars' experienced in the Bellator decagon.
Patricio Pitbull x Michael Chandler
P. Pitbull (left) and M. Chandler (right) faced each other at Bellator 211. Photo: Montagem SL/MMA Press
Patrick Pitbull e Michael chandler They are, for many, the biggest names that have ever competed in Bellator, which was 'fortunate' in having them at their peak so that the two fighters could promote a great and fundamental rivalry for the growth of the franchise.
The rivalry was spiced up, however, after Chandler beat Patrício's brother, Patricky Pitbull, on two occasions – by points, in 2011, and by knockout, in 2016. Willing to fight for the belt and beat another member of the family, the North American started a strong game of provocations to create a 'confrontation between champions'.
Patrício, in turn, held the featherweight belt (up to 65,7kg.) and, after defending it twice, moved up a category for the superfight in May 2019. And he 'shocked the world' by knocking out Chandler in just one minute to finally become double champion in Scott Coker's organization.
Michael Chandler vs. Eddie Alvarez
E. Alvarez (left) and M. Chandler (right) had two of the most acclaimed fights in Bellator history. Photo: Bellator/Disclosure
The two battles between Chandler and Alvarez helped boost the franchise's name. In a balanced fight, which took place in November 2011, 'Iron' beat Eddie with a rear naked choke and opened the door for a rematch, which took place two years later.
Surrounded by expectations, the second meeting broke a record, with more than 1 million packages sold, being, to date, the highest number ever recorded in Bellator's history. Two of the biggest lightweights (up to 70,3kg.) in the world, they had a great battle, where Alvarez managed to 'get even' by winning a split decision from the judges.
Patricio Pitbull x AJ McKee I
A. McKee (right) won the Bellator featherweight belt over P. Pitbull (left) in the Bellator 263. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
To conclude the list, it is important to remember the rivalry between Patrick Pitbull e A. J. McKee, as well as the devastating result in the featherweight Grand Prix final (up to 65,7kg.). Double champion and biggest name in the history of the franchise, the Brazilian was trying to defend his title against the promise created by Bellator itself.
What was seen in combat, however, was a mess. With his large wingspan and considerable distance over his opponent, McKee managed to show imposition and, after stunning Pitbull while standing, submitted him with a guillotine choke in the first round. Plus, he also took home US$1 million (around R$4.7 million, at current prices).
The story between Pitbull and McKee isn't over yet. The two athletes face each other in the main fight of the Bellator 277, in another meeting for the featherweight belt (up to 65,7kg.). The Brazilian is trying, once again, to extend his excellent record in rematches, while the North American aims to remain undefeated and reaffirm his position as number 1 in the division. Who takes it?
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