The night started out weird for Bellator with an hour delay in the card starting but by the time the fights got to the co-main event things were back on track.
In the co-main event, the bantamweight title was on the line as reigning champion, Sergio Pettis took on former lightweight and current featherweight champion Patricio Pitbull.
The fight was highly competative with each fighter getting the better of each other in multiple exchanges. Pettis was landing head kicks, while Pitbull was securing takedowns. Both were pattering each other with their high-level boxing skills.
It wasn't the quick finish some people wanted or expected, but it did deliver. They went all five rounds, with the champion holding his own against the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in Bellator. They would go to the scorecards where Pettis won across the board.
Here's a selection of highlights from their bout.
The first big move of the fight! π
β Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
A takedown from @PatricioPitbull against the champion.#Bellator297 LIVE NOW:
πΊπΈ @SHOsports / π§π· @combate
π Find out how to watch βΆοΈ https://t.co/jPjMHzLhCd pic.twitter.com/5IAkb59Nac
The champ @sergiopettis lands a slick combo! π#Bellator297 LIVE NOW:
β Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
πΊπΈ @SHOsports / π§π· @combate
π Find out how to watch βΆοΈ https://t.co/jPjMHzLhCd pic.twitter.com/3XJTqMUApY
π @PatricioPitbull looks to take down @sergiopettis but the champ shakes him off.#Bellator297 LIVE NOW:
β Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
πΊπΈ @SHOsports / π§π· @combate
π Find out how to watch βΆοΈ https://t.co/jPjMHzLhCd pic.twitter.com/gdCQGsYIgC
Much needed moment for @PatricioPitbull.#Bellator297 LIVE NOW:
β Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
πΊπΈ @SHOsports / π§π· @combate
π Find out how to watch βΆοΈ https://t.co/jPjMHzLhCd pic.twitter.com/g1zbPUJHuS
Switch kick followed by a front kick. Is @sergiopettis getting closer to a finish? π³ #Bellator297 LIVE NOW:
β Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) June 17, 2023
πΊπΈ @SHOsports / π§π· @combate
π Find out how to watch βΆοΈ https://t.co/jPjMHzLhCd pic.twitter.com/Bq79i7e8Tu
Pitbull already held the lightweight and featherweight belts and was looking to solidify his place in the MMA history books by being the first fighter to secure a title in three different divisions in a major MMA promotion.
Pettis was returning from a lengthy layoff to defend his title for the first time since two different interim champions were crowned.
Up next will be interim champion Patchy Mix who will fight Pettis, date to be determined,