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UNCASVILLE, Conn. (Nov. 4, 2016) – It’s a wonderful life for Phil Davis (17-3), who dethroned Liam McGeary (11-1) on Friday Habeen at “Bellator 163,” taking home the light heavyweight championship.

As has been the case plenty of times throughout Davis’ illustrious career, his wrestling pedigree was the deciding factor, nullifying the world-class jiu-jitsu of the Renzo Gracie-trained former champion. For nearly 25-minutes, “Mr. Wonderful” maintained top pressure on the New York-native, frustrating McGeary and putting him into desperation mode in the fifth and final round. McGeary fought valiantly to both stop and submit the longtime Alliance MMA-product, laakiin ugu dambeyntii, Davis took home the unanimous decision with scorecards of 50-43, 50-45, 50-44.

McGeary, who suffered the first loss of his young career, was humble in defeat, admitting that while Davis was the better man throughout their main event fight, he will be back to reclaim what he feels is rightfully his.

Returning home to Southern California with a new belt in tow, Davis now sets his sights on his pregnant wife, who is due to give birth to his second son on Monday.

Brennan Ward & Saad Awad Provide 90 Seconds of Pure Violence

In an absolute barnburner, Brennan Ward iyo Waxaad Cawad went toe-to-toe for the 86 seconds they shared the Bellator MMA cage together, doing their best imitation of Rock Em’ Sock Em’ Robots until “Irish” caught “Shirqoolka” with an uppercut that sent the Palestinian face first into the canvas. With the knockout, Ward moves into sixth place on the all-time list of KO’s under the promotion’s banner, and now sets his sights on a future matchup against the elite at 170-pounds.

Neiman Gracie Tells the MMA World, ‘Gracie Jiu-Jitsu’ is Back

After finding out they would be competing live on SPIKE less than 24 hours before entering the Bellator MMA cage, Neiman Gracie (5-0) sameeyey shaqo degdeg ah ee Madaxkutidu Rudy (16-15), latching on to an arm bar 4:39 into the opening frame and forcing the tap from “Bad News.” Gracie was able to add to his impressive submission record, which has now been stretched to three victories in three Bellator MMA appearances, including a pair of first-round submissions. The 27-year-old was also able to please Royce Gracie, who was cornering his bout for the evening.

Javy Ayala Spoils Return of Sergei Kharitonov in 16 seconds

In what many people thought would be a triumphant return to the sport of MMA for Sergei Kharitonov (23-6), Javy Ayala (10-5) spoiled that, sending the Russian heavyweight to the canvas in a heap following an overhand right 16 seconds into the matchup. Iyadoo guusha, “Eye Candy” immediately inserted himself into further big-time match-ups, namedropping both Bobby Lashley iyo Matt Mitrione during his post-fight interview. In his last two outings, the Northern California-native has finished his foe in the opening round via stoppage.

Results Card hordhac ah:

Markaasaa Ruud (1-0) adkaaday Dustin Collins-Miles (0-1) via TKO (qaad) at 3:19 ka mid ah wareega

Tyrell Fortune (1-0) adkaaday Cody Miskell (0-1) via TKO (qaad) at 2:22 ka mid ah wareega

Tim Caron (6-0) adkaaday Steve Skrzat (8-9) via TKO at 1:22 ka mid ah wareega

Hannah Regina (1-0) adkaaday Sarah Bixinta (1-4) via soo gudbinta (arm bar) at 4:51 ka mid ah wareega

Tim Caron (6-0) adkaaday Steve Skrzat (8-9) via TKO at 1:22 wareegsanaa laba

Blair Tugman (9-6) adkaaday Walter Smith-Cotito (4-5, 1 NC) via go'aan loo dhan yahay (29-28)

Christopher Foster (10-4) adkaaday Thomas English (6-7) via go'aan loo dhan yahay (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)

Tyler King (12-4) adkaaday Josh Diekmann (15-8, 1 NC) via soo gudbinta (gadaal qaawan ceejiya) at 1:39 wareegsanaa laba

Carlos Corriea (2-0) adkaaday Ilya Kotau (1-2) via go'aan ku daatay (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)

Vinicius De Jesus (5-1) adkaaday James Boran (6-1) via soo gudbinta (gadaal qaawan ceejiya) at 1:55 ee wareega 2