#bellator301

[theanticool]

Patchy Mix submits Sergio Pettis in the 2nd round via RNC to win Bellator BW title - Bellator 301

[theanticool]

Bellator really just ended with no word on the future. Just commentary reminiscing and thanking staff. Amazing stuff.

[theanticool]

Jason Jackson stops Yaroslav Amosov in the 3rd round!

Two title changes tonight! Fantastic!

Jackson had Amosov figured out in this one completely. Mistakenly, I think I overvalued Amosov's growth as a striker after the Storley rematch cause this one showed the huge gaping holes that are still present.

First off, Jackson came out and took center cage. He pressured Amosov. It wasn't the crazy pressure of a John Lineker but he kept the jab in Amosov's face and Amosov's back to the cage. Amosov tried to get Jackson to run into takedowns, dropping down to his knees to shoot even but could not manage a single takedown. Jackson, thanks to his strong jab, had Amosov right at the edge of range and saw every takedown coming a mile away. Amosov got increasingly desperate as each one failed too. His striking also came apart as a result. Amosov did a lot of leaping and wide sweeping strikes into range. Jackson played it perfectly, taking quarter steps back before firing straight right hands up the center line. He landed it almost every time Amosov came forward. That or the rear uppercut. The finishing sequence was Amosov attempting to come forward, lose his positioning as Jackson threw his 2-3-2 and get clocked hard. Amosov goes down, Jackson lands a huge uppercut and some follow up shots. Amosov tries a desperation double leg and gets sprawled on so hard that he doesn't get up and the fight is over.

Props to Jason Jackson. Always thought he would be a fun fight for Amosov because of his wrestling skills but the dialed in striking was a pleasant surprise.

[theanticool]

Patchy Mix submits Sergio Pettis in the 2nd round! New Bellator Bantamweight Champion!

Finally a finish! But also, Mix wins the title!

It was an easy night at the office for Mix. Immediately came out and backed Pettis to the fence, where he shot in and locked up a double leg. Picked Pettis up and carried him off the cage to the opposite side of the cage. Did not do a lot outside of passing in the first round but did throw some baller knees to the arm/body of Pettis from side control. In the 2nd, Mix went straight to the back along the fence, using it to push off and secure back control. He used a leg to lock up Pettis' right arm before securing his own right arm up the chin. RNC. Gets the tap. New champ.

Sergio has been really insulated from the two types of fighters that give him the most trouble as a Bellator fighter. Lanky types and aggressive wrestle/grapplers. Mix is the worst of both worlds, and add in Sergio's love of fighting off the back foot even when it means going to the cage, this was going to be a tough fight for him. Mix is HUGE for 135, esp in Bellator. And he's a terrific offensive grappler. Even still, gave himself no shot to win this fight. I don't know what it is with Roufussport guys lacking the cage craft to not go the fence with wrestlers.

Huge year for Mix. Wins the Bellator BW grand prix, $1 million, and the title.

[theanticool]

Raufeon Stots takes UD over Danny Sabatello.

A much better go around this time as Stots, despite being unable to give up takedowns, did not stop moving on the ground. Reversals, sweeps, building back up to his base and getting up. Stots' ability to just keep moving, keep working, and to take advantage of the times he was in dominant position (or standing). Dropped Sabatello in the 2nd (I believe, it's late for me). Didn't panic when Sabatello had him in compromising positions. Just a good all around veteran work from Stots.

[theanticool]

AJ McKee takes UD over Sidney Outlaw in dull fight.

McKee wins the majority of this fight from off his back, as Outlaw managed to bully him to the ground almost whenever he wanted and McKee elected to throw punches and elbows from guard than try to get back up. Without a lot of the clear physical advantages that McKee had at 145lbs, you're seeing some of the limitations to his game. Had a few bright moments. Nice sweep from the bottom in round two. Got his own takedown in the 3rd and got some decent GnP off as Outlaw tried to get back up. Sadly, Outlaw did get back up and got the takedown on McKee. Despite winning the fight, you don't want to be on your back for 15 minutes. I don't think it's because McKee is a bad wrestler or grappler but he seems very listless. He takes the fight given to him. Lacks urgency and will happily fight you on your terms.

[theanticool]

Alexander Shabliy shuts out Patricky Pitbull. Takes wide UD to advance to finals of Bellator LW GP.

A GP that will likely never end because lord knows what's going on with Bellator. Also, if you're watching, there are still 2 more scheduled 5 round fights. One of which featuring two fighter who historically do no finish fights.

Shabliy was on his game tonight. Sharp 1-2s really marked up Pitbull up and shut down his offense for large portions of the fight. Good footwork and lateral movement meant Pitbull really struggled with finding his target consistently. He landed a couple of really nice hooks as he dove after Shabliy as he exited the pocket but it wasn't enough to win rounds. That said, we are still seeing the diet version of Shabliy. He was never a volume guy in ACA but he's turned himself into a boxer. The kicks and knees just are few and far between. He's been fighting really conservatively too.

Hopefully we get Shabliy vs Usman Nurmagomedov at some point, even if Bellator is dead.