BELLATOR is giving Aussie fight fans options on Sundays.
As Amanda Nunes defender her bantamweight championship at UFC 224 in Brazil, the rival promotion put on a stacked card of its own in San Jose, California.
And just like the card in Rio — which featured just two decisions in 13 fights — it was a barnburner of a night.
The main event saw light heavyweight champion Ryan Bader move up a division to face Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal in the quarterfinal of Bellator’s heavyweight grand prix.
Bader showed he can hold his own with the big boys by finishing King Mo in 15 seconds. The former UFC light heavyweight contender, who has wins against “Rampage” Jackson, Rashad Evans and Antonio Rogerio Nogueira on his resume, dropped his opponent with a left hook in an early exchange and finished the job with ground-and-pound before King Mo could regain his senses.
Earlier, Jon Fitch dominated Paul Daley in a one-sided decision (29-26 x2, 29-27) and Adam Piccolotti submitted Carrington Banks with a rear-naked choke in the third round of their fight.
But it was Cheick Kongo and Aaron Pico who provided the other fireworks on the main card.
Kongo extended his winning streak to six — and ended a run of six consecutive fights that went the distance — by savagely dropping Javy Ayala in the first round.
But Pico’s second body shot KO in succession may have been the most impressive finish of all.
The former wrestler ripped a heavy left into Lee Morrison’s midsection just over a minute into their bout and didn’t have to do much more to force the stoppage.
Bellator 199 — Main card
Ryan Bader defeated Muhammed Lawal via TKO (punches) — R1, 0:15
Jon Fitch defeated Paul Daley via unanimous decision (29-26 x2, 29-27)
Aaron Pico defeated Lee Morrison via KO (punch) — R1, 1:10
Cheick Kongo defeated Javy Ayala via KO (punch) — R1, 2:29
Adam Piccolotti defeated Carrington Banks via submission (rear-naked choke) — R3, 4:40
Preliminary card
Deron Winn defeated Ahmed White via KO — R1, 2:32
Justin Tenedora defeated David Rivera via submission (triangle choke) — R1, 4:27
Gaston Bolanos defeated Malcolm Hill via TKO (leg kicks) — R1, 2:54
James Terry defeated Danasabe Mohammed via unanimous decision (30-26 x3)
Amber Leibrock defeated Janay Harding via unanimous decision (30-26 x2, 30-27)
Jordan Williams defeated Brandon Hester by TKO (punches) — R2, 1:11
