Mousasi beat Belfort at UFC 204. Photo: Disclosure/UFC
Gegard Mousasi ran over Vitor belfort in the second most important fight of UFC 204, an event held in the city of Manchester, England, in the early hours of this Sunday (9). The Armenian-Dutch fighter had a tactical performance and gave the “Phenomenon” few chances, which resulted in a technical knockout victory in the second round.
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Mousasi started the fight by walking forward to prevent Belfort, known for his explosiveness, from having space. Even at the beginning, the Brazilian landed good direct shots on his rival, who gestured and said he wasn't hurt. Mousasi then looked for the takedown, but Belfort easily rejected it. At the end of the round, Mousasi cornered Belfort, landed good blows and finished the round in a grappling fight.
Belfort opens the action of the second round with a good kick to the body of Mousasi, who tries to respond immediately. Shortly after, the Armenian-Dutch dove at the Brazilian's legs, but didn't get the takedown. Mousasi then takes advantage of the opportunity to land a well-aimed kick to Belfort's face, which swings. Gegard goes all out, but the “Phenomenon” holds the line. The fight goes to the ground and Mousasi continues to punish until he wins by technical knockout.
With this, Mousasi obtained the 40th victory in his professional MMA career. Belfort, 39 years old, suffers his third defeat in the last four fights – previously, he had lost to Ronaldo Jacare e Chris Weidman.
After the victory, Mousasi already asked for his next fight: “Anderson Silva it would be a great fight. And it would make a lot of sense”, he asked.
Manuwa brutalizes St. Preux and knocks him out
Former challenger for the interim light heavyweight belt, Ovince St Preux suffered a tough defeat on the main card of UFC 204. The American of Haitian descent was brutally knocked out by Jimi Manuwa in the second round.
St. Preux started the fight well, making good use of his wingspan and landing kicks on his rival. Still in the first round, the fight went to the ground, and St. Preux obtained the best positions, including taking his rival's back.
In the second round, St. Preux slowed down and Manuwa began to grow. The Englishman threw hard punches at his opponent's waistline, which appeared to have felt him. Thus, Manuwa took control of the fight: he applied hard crosses to OSP, who fell knocked out.
Manuwa achieved his first victory since April 2015; St. Preux lost his third in his last four fights.
UFC 204 results:
MAIN CARD
Michael Bisping derrotou Dan Henderson in the unanimous decision of the judges
Gegard Mousasi derrotou Vitor belfort by technical knockout at 2:43 of R2
Jimi Manuwa knocked out Ovince St Preux (punches) at 2:38 of R2
Stefan struve submitted Daniel Omielanczuk (d'arce choke) at 1min41s of R2
Mirsad Bektic submitted Russell Doane (rear naked choke) at 4:22 of R1
PRELIMINARY CARD
Iuri Marajó finished Brad pickett (triangle) at 1min59s of R1
Damian Stasiak submitted davey grant (armbar) at 3min56s of R3
Leon edwards submitted Albert Tumenov (rear naked choke) at 3min01s of R3
Marc Diakiese knocked out Lukasz Sajewski (punches) at 4:40 of R2
Mike Perry knocked out Danny Roberts (knees and punches) at 4min40s of R3
Leonardo Santos defeated Adriano Martins via split decision
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