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Uncasville, Conn. (Nov. 4, 2016) – It’s a wonderful life for Phil Davis (17-3), who dethroned McGeary Liam (11-1) on Friday nocte ad “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, sed in finem, 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 atque Tu Awad 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 “Sicarius” 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) velox opus fecit Rudy Bears (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 Sergius Kharitonov (23-6), Javy Comines (10-5) spoiled that, sending the Russian heavyweight to the canvas in a heap following an overhand right 16 seconds into the matchup. Cum victoria, “Eye Candy” immediately inserted himself into further big-time match-ups, namedropping both Bobby Lashley atque 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.
Praevium Card Results:
Et ait Ruth: (1-0) victum Dustin Collins-Miles (0-1) via TKO (pugnis) at 3:19 of una circum
Tyrell Fortune (1-0) victum Cody Miskell (0-1) via TKO (pugnis) at 2:22 of una circum
Tim Caron (6-0) victum Steve Skrzat (8-9) via TKO at 1:22 of una circum
Hannah Regina (1-0) victum Sarah Reddendo (1-4) via deditionem (arm bar) at 4:51 of una circum
Tim Caron (6-0) victum Steve Skrzat (8-9) via TKO at 1:22 rotundi duo
Blair Tugman (9-6) victum Walter Smith-Cotito (4-5, 1 NC) via suasuri (29-28)
Christopher Foster (10-4) victum Thomas English (6-7) via suasuri (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Rex Tyler (12-4) victum Josh Diekmann (15-8, 1 NC) via deditionem (rear, nudi suffocant) at 1:39 rotundi duo
Carlos Corriea (2-0) victum Ilya Kotau (1-2) via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
Vinicius De Jesus (5-1) victum James Boran (6-1) via deditionem (rear, nudi suffocant) at 1:55 rotundi 2
