D. Lima wins in Bellator 296. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @bellator
Like a phoenix, Douglas lima returned to winning ways after suffering four consecutive defeats in Bellator. Scheduled to face Costello van Steenis, the Brazilian was considered an underdog in the bookmakers, but he knew how to deal with all the pressure imposed before the fight and performed in a safe and lethal manner. After three rounds, the athlete was declared the winner with a unanimous decision by the judges.
Former welterweight champion (up to 77,1kg.), Douglas was going through a delicate moment and showed confidence to turn things around. A veteran of the organization, the fighter has achieved 14 victories in Bellator and 33 in his career. At 35 years old, the Brazilian made his debut in the middleweight category (up to 83,9kg), his new division.
Fueled by two consecutive victories, the Dutchman had his streak interrupted when he faced Douglas lima. With the result, Costello van Steenis now has 14 wins and three losses on his record.
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The fight
Fighters started the fight with a lot of study and without wanting to risk attacks. The first clean blow was delivered by Douglas, who landed a good cross on his opponent's face. After feeling the weight of the Brazilian's hand, Van Steenis looked for a takedown but was unsuccessful in keeping his rival on the ground. Despite this, the Dutchman took the fight to the cage and almost hit Lima with a spinning elbow. Without finding the distance, the athletes threw blows in the wind and were unable to be forceful. With the target at Douglas' waistline, Van Steenis tried to land shots but couldn't reach them. Betting on leg kicks, Douglas consistently maintained his technique. In the second takedown attempt, the Dutchman was once again surprised by Douglas' quick rise and held the fight on the fence until the bell sounded.
In the second round, Douglas returned with an aggressive stance and quickly threw a straight shot that hit the Dutchman in the face. Determined to return in kind, Van Steenis mixed with kicks to the Brazilian's legs and waistline. Changing the base, the Dutchman began to feel his rival's shots. In a plastic moment, Van Steenis attempted a round kick, slipped and Douglas did not enter the Dutchman's guard. After delivering several kicks to the opponent's calf, the referee put the fight on hold. Aware of the damage, Douglas insisted on low kicks again. In the final minute, the Brazilian used the fence to dominate Van Steenis, until he reversed himself and was put down. With just 30 seconds to act, the Dutchman tried to raise his posture and throw elbows at Lima.
In the last round, Van Steenis initially sought the takedown, but was unsuccessful. After giving the Dutchman a low kick, Douglas injured his rival and delivered a series of blows with Van Steeves protected by the cage. With his recovery up to date, the Brazilian's rival quickly sought a takedown to get rid of the bad moment. Despite being knocked down, Lima managed to get up after a few seconds and kept the fight standing. Without much resistance, Van Steevens did not have the strength to keep Douglas with his back on the fence and suffered a reversal in every attempt. In the last minute of the fight, Lima defended another takedown and landed good kicks on his opponent's leg, who ended up with his back against the cage.
Devastating outcome in the lightweight division
T. Gouti (left) wins in Bellator 296. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @bellator
Present at the opening of the main card of the Bellator 296, Thibault Gouti and Kane Mousah put on an electrifying fight and sent the French into a frenzy. In a fight with good chances for both sides, it was Gouti who managed to stand out and secure the victory by technical knockout in the second round. Fighting at home, the Frenchman overcame his opponent's pressure and delivered a fatal counterattack, beginning the end of the performance.
Coming off a defeat in his last appearance, Thibault returned to his winning ways and secured his second victory in the organization and 17th in his career. Former UFC fighter, the fighter is known for his great knockout power.
Unlike his rival, Kane Mousah was prevented from achieving a second consecutive victory. 'The dangerous one', as he is known, suffered the fifth defeat in his record.
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