Tonight Bellator 284 will be live at the Sanford Pentagon in Sioux Falls, South Dakota as two world class grapplers in Neiman Gracie takes on Goiti Yamauchi.
Bellator 284 Preview: Grappling Fans Rejoice
It’s every grappling style fans dream match up as two of the worlds best face off. Gracie most notably is from the most respected and iconic family in all of MMA. Possibly the most talented and respected of this Gracie generation, Neiman holds nine submissions and comes in with a record of 11-3.
Yamauchi arguably is even more dangerous as a grappler, currently holding the most submission victories in Bellator history at nine in the company alone, and a staggering 21 submission victories overall for his career.
MMA fans can’t ask for a more highly anticipated bout amongst two of the worlds elite submission specialist, and though a knockout or striking stoppage isn’t likely, it will be the skills on the mat that will be selling point for this main event as the two welterweights will try to impose their will on the other to prove who is the best in the company and arguably the sport.
In the co-main event, Former Bellator interim heavyweight champion Valentin Moldavsky returns after his defeat at the hands of Ryan Bader in their unification bout. Opposite of Moldavsky will be Steve Mowry, an undefeated prospect who is looking to make a statement in the division with a huge step up in competition.
Bruna Ellen returns as the tough veteran squares off against former Bellator flyweight champion Ilima-Lei Macfarlene, who comes into this bout on a two fight losing skid for the first time in her career. Macfarlene also enters the bout just a bit heavy, missing weight by three pounds.
Said Sowma looks to add to his claim at a title shot for the heavyweight crown as he faces Gokhan Saricam.
And to get the night started, Austin Vanderford returns to the cage for the first time since being defeated by Gegard Mousasi in their middleweight bout as he takes on Aaron Jeffery in hopes of getting back on the willing column.