6 Bellator fights every MMA fan needs to watch right now
By Nathan Grotenhuis
From highlight-reel finishes to classic bouts that will be remembered for years to come, here are six Bellator fights every MMA fan needs to watch right now
Bellator has been around for over a decade now. They’ve long been thought of as one of the top MMA promotions around and have accumulated some amazing highlights. Whether you’re a fan of grappling, are looking for a brutal knockout, or need to see two fighters go at it in an all-out war, Bellator’s got the fight for you. Here are six Bellator fights every MMA fan needs to watch right now.
Patricky “Pitbull” Freire vs. Lloyd Woodard – Bellator 62
While it may not be the most technical masterpiece, Freire vs. Woodard is still a classic Bellator bout. If you want to see two guys go all out for a round and a half, this is the fight for you. Neither one of these combatants worried about conserving energy for the back half of the fight in this one, and that’s probably what made it so fun. Momentum swings and craziness galore, this fight was made with the fans in mind and it lived up to the expectations.
Aviv Gozali vs. Eduard Muravitskiy – Bellator 225
This list is about fights you must watch, and this one certainly fits that bill. It’s the fastest submission in Bellator history and the term “don’t blink, or you’ll miss it” is perfect for this fight. It won’t take up too much of your time and it’s one you’ll replay in your head over and over.
Hector Lombard vs. Jay Silva – Bellator 18
The record has since been equaled, but at the time, this was the fastest knockout in Bellator history. It’s a fast and furious finish you’ll definitely want to check out. The hulking specimen that is Lombard, made his Bellator debut against the always entertaining Silva. Two hungry lions standing across the cage at each other, but one of them wouldn’t be standing for long.
Alexander Shlemenko vs. Brett Cooper 2 – Bellator 98
Very rarely in movies is the sequel better than the original. Well, it’s much the same in MMA, but Shlemenko vs. Cooper is definitely an exception. They first met in 2011, but it’s their rematch for the Bellator middleweight title from 2013 that will be remembered for quite some time. It was a razor-thin fight that could have gone as a win for either guy, but overall this one was a win for the fans. Both guys put it all on the line in this one, and it showed by the end of the final bell. It’s one of those fights you just have to sit down with a bowl of popcorn on the couch and enjoy.
Jorge Masvidal vs Toby Imada – Bellator 5
Before he was the BMF champion and a UFC superstar, Masvidal was cutting his teeth in Bellator. When he took on Imada both guys were already well-established veterans of the game. The fight itself was a good one, however, it’s the finish that makes this one memorable. The highlights from this one made the rounds very quickly and brought plenty of new eyes over to Bellator. It’s one you won’t want to miss
Michael Chandler vs. Eddie Alvarez 1 – Bellator 58
Make no mistake about it, this is not only the best Bellator fight of all time but the best MMA fight of all time too. The champion Eddie Alvarez (then 22-2) took on a top contender and tournament winner Michael Chandler (then 8-0) for the lightweight belt. This fight had everything an MMA fan could ever dream of. Back and forth action, ridiculous power punches, crazy scrambles, submission attempts and incredible displays of heart from both men. Whether you’re a fan of the “stand and bang” type of fights, or consider yourself a “grappling aficionado” this fight is for you. And the best part about it?
What is your favorite Bellator fight of all-time?
15 of the best male Bellator fighters of all-time. dark. Next