NEW BRITISH BELLATOR CHAMP
Los Angeles, CA- At Bellator 143-British Invasion, British light heavyweight (205) Liam McGeary (10-0) became the new champion by defeating Emmanuel Newton (26-7-1) by unanimous decision. McGeary was in control throughout, al;though Newton had his moments. The giant 6’6″ fighter will be an interesting champion in the coming months.
KONGO FIGHT GOES THE DISTANCE
Cheick Kongo (22-10-2) of France lost a debatable split decision to Muhammad “King Mo” Lawal (15-4, 1 NC) of the United States in Mo’s heavyweight (265 limit) debut. It was a close fight, but one that could end up leading to Kongo’s retirement. At 39, I am really not sure what else he has to offer. He has had a solid career, but losing to a guy who was not even that great fighting 60 pounds below seems like a bad sign for the veteran heavyweight.
PAUL DALEY WINS
Welterweight (170) Paul Daley (36-13-2) of England defeated Brazil’s Andre Santos (37-10). Daley was able to neutralize the ground game of Santos and picked up a UD3. Daley continues to be a fan favorite, and is one of the biggest names in British MMA.
LIGHT HEAVIES AND WELTERS ROUNDED OUT MAIN CARD
English 205er Linton Vassell (15-4, 1 NC) knocked out Rameau Thierry Sokoju(16-13) for the 9th time in Sokoju’s career. Someone please step in and pull the plug on Sokoju’s career! Welterweight Curtis Millender(7-1) lost his Bellator debut, as he was felled by Brennan Ward (10-3). Ward submitted Millender in just 1:37.
SPIKE TV PRELIMS RESULTS
FEATHERWEIGHTS (145):
Matt Bessette (14-6) TKO2 (Doctor Stoppage) Josh LaBerge (9-5)
HEAVYWEIGHTS:
Raphael Butler (9-1-1) SUB1 (1:04) Josh Diekmann (15-6, 1 NC)
WELTERWEIGHTS:
Tamdan McCrory (13-3) SUB1 (1:06) Jason Butcher (8-2)
MIDDLEWEIGHTS:
Neiman Gracie (3-0) SUB1 (2:36) Bobby Flynn (4-3)
BANTAMWEIGHTS (135):
Marvin Maldonado (3-3, 1 NC) UD3 Blair Tugman (6-6)
2015 MMA Picks Record: 28-17
2015 Overall Picks Record: 37-17
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BRIT TAKES BELLATOR TITLE ON SPIKE TV