Vladimir Tokov stunned Lance Gibson Jr. with a vicious first-round KO (Video)
By Adam Stocker
Bellator 293: Vladimir Tokov knocks Lance Gibson Jr. out in spectacular fashion.
Vladimir Tokov defeated Lance Gibson Jr. via KO (punches), Round 1 – 1:02 at Bellator 293 on Friday, March 31, 2023, live from the Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula, CA.
The Bellator 293 card got off to a fast start. Four of the first five fights ended with a finish. Perhaps the most impressive finish on the early was Tokov's highlight reel knockout. The Russian lightweight broke a clinch, with Gibson Jr. landing a solid punch on the break. As Gibson Jr. came forward he threw a high kick but was knocked down with a lightning fast left hand. The punch was so fast, it appeared that Gibson Jr. slipped when he attempted the kick. With Gibson Jr. on the ground, Tokov pounced, landing a powerful right hand to the ear of Gibson Jr. Tokov landed two left hands before referee Raphael Davis was able to jump in and stop the fight after only 62 seconds.
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗔 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘁! 👊💥
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) March 31, 2023
A beautifully timed shot from Vladimir Tokov earns him the stoppage over Lance Gibson Jr.#Bellator293 | @MonsterEnergy Prelims fueled by REBEL pic.twitter.com/yQNgDqCMsb
The victory was Tokov's fourth victory in six fights since joining Bellator in 2019. With his second career knockout, Tokov improved to 8-2. The loss ended Gibson Jr. undefeated record. Gibson Jr. had won the first seven fights of his career and five straight since joining Bellator.