(Photo courtesy of Strikeforce and Zuffa, LLC.)
Josh Barnett vs. Sergei Kharitonov: Barnett via Submission (Arm-Triangle Choke), Round 1, 4:28
Daniel Cormier vs. Antonio Silva: Cormier via KO (Punches), Round 1, 3:56
Ronaldo Souza vs. Luke Rockhold: Rockhold via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 48-47, 48-47), Round 5, 5:00
Roger Gracie vs. Muhammed Lawal: Lawal via KO (Punch), Round 1, 4:33
Maximo Blanco vs. Pat Healy: Healy via Submission (Rear Naked Choke), Round 2, 4:27
(Bellator logo courtesy of Bellator, with title addition by MMA Gospel)
MMA Gospel concludes the Bellator: The Draft series by covering a few much needed additions to the promotion’s heavier weight divisions. The Bellator Fighting Championship (BFC) roster thins a bit at the top and new talent is severely needed to maintain the interest of the promotion’s divisional champions. The middleweight division relies almost solely on champion “Shango” Hector Lombard (25-2-1) to bring in viewers, the promotion currently has no light heavyweight division to speak of, and its heavyweight roster consists of “The Polar Bear” Cole Konrad (7-0), “Goliath” Neil Grove (10-3), and the one-and-done fighters who essentially utilize the organization to pad their records. These heavier classes are the divisions where Bellator needs the most work. Here are a few key players that could help bulk up the heavier weight classes to help Bellator more closely compete with rival MMA organizations. Continue reading »
(Bellator logo courtesy of Bellator, with title addition by MMA Gospel)
After three solid seasons of tournaments and signing mixed martial artists from across the globe, Bellator Fighting Championship (BFC) is building itself a roster of talent filled divisions. The organization is gaining the signatures of not only high level fighters but, in what distinguishes them from other big promotions, is also giving the young guns a shot at a championship belt. There are, however, a slew of prospective Bellator fighters that could help the promotion bulk up its roster with top notch competitors and potentially launch the organization into the big show.
In most major sports, the acquisition of fresh talent is handled in the draft. In this three part series, MMA Gospel will discuss what fighters should be Bellator’s top selections if MMA had such an institution. From the up-and-coming to the experienced gunslingers of MMA, here is a potential draft listing of fan favorites and showstoppers that would prove beneficial for both the fighter and Bellator to be added to the index. Up first are the women, bantamweights and featherweights. Continue reading »