Bellator 277 Results: A.J. McKee vs. Patricio Pitbull -Take a look at the results
Bellator returned to action this Friday with a star-studded card at San Jose, California headlined by the rematch between A.J. McKee and Patricio Pitbull. Bellator featherweight division is probably the most exciting and revenue churning division for the promotion. Two division Bellator champ Patricio lost his belt to AJ in their first encounter due to a guillotine choke in less than two minutes. In doing so, The 26-year-old highest-ranked male non-UFC fighter in MMA Fighting’s global pound for pound rankings won the featherweight Grand Prix. Freire was on a seven-fight win streak before AJ took his title away from him. He will be expecting a tougher challenge this time and aim to reclaim his title.
In the main event, Pitbull won a wonky unanimous decision over AJ to reclaim his featherweight gold. The fight began with AJ’s wild running side kick sequence which set the tone for the fight. While Pitbull controlled the center of the octagon for the major part, AJ was in and out of range like many expected, but failed to capitalize on it with sharp striking. Pitbull on the other hand set a strong foot trying to avoid mistakes, and entered with wild flurries pushing AJ to the fence.
You could cut the tension with a knife, as Pitbull caught many kicks by AJ and took him down, however he could not pass the guard and do some damage. The entire match was a beautiful chess match, and although the Brazilian tagged AJ with an overhand right, the American quickly transitioned from a single leg attempt to waist control, and dragged his opponent to the ground. The biggest moment of the fight came when AJ attempted a takedown, but Pitbull sunk in a deep guillotine that would’ve slept many. But AJ maintained his composure and slipped out of the grasp to keep his night alive.
This sets up the stage for the inevitable trilogy between two of the best featherweights in the game outside UFC.
In the co-main event, Nemkov began the action with some kicks, and even tagged Anderson with a hard leg kick. While Corey tried to getin boxing range, Nemkov cut him across the cage, but was unable to get the takedown.
Anderson went right for the takedown in the second round, and immediately put his opponent on the back. Nemkov tried to scramble out, but Corey kept him down with some beautiful top control sequences. In the third round, Nemkov worked his jab more than his kicks to avoid takedown, but Anderson somehow took him down to get on top. Anderson fought off a brief guillotine, and then returned to enjoying top position. The fight’s sad climax came when opponents head clashed, and the referee stopped the action to bring in a doctor who waived the fight off.
Bellator 277 results
Patricio Freire def. A.J. McKee via unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47)
Corey Anderson vs. Vadim Nemkov is declared a no-contest (accidental headbutt) – Round 3
Aaron Pico def. Adli Edwards via TKO (strikes) – Round 3, 0:55
Linton Vassell def. Timothy Johnson via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 4:21
Tyson Miller def. Rhalan Gracie via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 1, 5:00
Tyrell Fortune def. Rakim Cleveland via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 1:38
Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov def. Rafael Carvalho via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 4:04
Bobby Seronio III def. Calob Ramirez via KO (punches) – Round 2, 2:14
Gaston Bolanos def. Daniel Carey via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 4:59
Kyle Crutchmer def. Michael Lombardo via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Edwin De Los Santos def. Alberto Mendez via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Rogelio Luna def. Socrates Hernandez via TKO (strikes) – Round 3, 4:48
Laird Anderson def. JT Donaldson via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:44
Theo Haig def. Alan Benson via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 2:08
Bellator 277 payouts
A.J. McKee: $250,000 (no win bonus)
Patricio Freire: $250,000 (no win bonus)
Vadim Nemkov: $80,000 to show + $80,000 to win
Corey Anderson: $250,000 (no win bonus)
Aaron Pico: $75,000 (no win bonus)
Adli Edwards: $50,000 (no win bonus)
Tim Johnson: $75,000 (no win bonus)
Linton Vassell: $69,000 to show + $69,000 to win
Tyson Miller: $4,000 ($2,000 show + $2,000 win bonus)
Rhalen Gracie: $5,000 show
Tyrell Fortune: $75,000 (no win bonus)
Rakim Cleveland: $30,000
Dovletdzhan Yagshimuradov: $70,000 ($35,000 show + $35,000 win bonus)
Rafael Carvalho: $30,000
Bobby Seronio III: $4,000 ($2,000 show + $2,000 win bonus)
Calob Ramirez: $2,000
Gaston Bolanos: $25,000 ($25,000 show + $0 win bonus)
Daniel Carey: $12,000
Gaston Bolanos: $25,000 ($25,000 show + $0 win bonus)
Daniel Carey: $12,000
Edwin de los Santos: $4,000 ($2,000 show + $2,000 win bonus)
Alberto Mendez: $2,000
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