Bellator completed their third trip to the Second City in a matter of twelve months last night with Bellator 301 and the night did not disappoint. From major star appearances like Nate Diaz to crowd stunning finishes and new champions crowned, these are the biggest moments from all the action last night.
Top 5 Takeaways from Bellator 301
#5 Archie Colgan Earns Performance of the Night
👑 Chicago witnessed a mature performance from @King_Colgan, who maintains his undefeated record with a Unanimous Decision win over Pieter Buist. #Bellator301 pic.twitter.com/sYgyle9lGt
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 18, 2023
No, Archie Colgan did not earn Performance of the Night honors, but his 15-minute effort against Pieter Buist was something to applaud. The wrestler came out well undersized against the 6’2″ frame of Buist, but was able to establish his position, take center cage control, force Buist on his back foot, and score takedowns and control time. It was a mature performance from the now 9-0 lightweight.
#4 Alexander Shabliy is a Bad Man
Nobody will be overlooking @AlexandrShabliy after that performance! 👏
Shabliy moves on to the #BellatorLWGP final following an incredible win over Patricky Pitbull.#Bellator301 LIVE on @SHOsports. pic.twitter.com/bKEJDlUUsX
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 18, 2023
If there was any doubt that Alexander Shabliy was not a force to be reckoned with, the doubt is gone. In the opening bout of Showtime’s main card, Alexander Shabliy did battle with the always game Patricky Pitbull. Shabliy entered the contest 23-3 and ranked #2 in the 155-lbs. division just behind his adversary.
From bell to bell, Shabliy was impressive. Although slow and measured at times (with the Chicago crowd certainly letting the combatants know this), Shabliy utterly outclassed Pitbull. Battering and bloodying his opponent through the 25-minute contest, Shabliy earned three 50-45 scorecards and a unanimous decision win to be the first lightweight to enter the final round of the $1 million grand prix.
#3 Raufeon Stots > Danny Sabatello
🗣 @RaufeonStots has the final laugh over Danny Sabatello.#Bellator301 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/BqaIhgkKVr
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 18, 2023
In what was advertised as the rematch of the ‘most contentious decision in grand prix history’, Raufeon Stots and Danny Sabatello locked horns once more in the Wintrust Arena. The crowd was alive as the bitter rival bantamweights fought a kinetic 15-minute battle.
Stots would prove once again that he is the better man after out scrambling and out striking the Chicago native and earning a 29-28 unanimous decision victory.
#2 Kill Cliff FC Produces Killers
UNDENIABLE 😱@TAKM_MMA has done the unthinkable! He stops @YaroslavAmosov!!! #Bellator301 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/g1qJ1hxUp9
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 18, 2023
In the main event, Yaroslav Amosov would look to defend his title against Kill Cliff FC’s Jason Jackson. Amosov entered the fight as a perfect professional at 27-0, holding the longest active win streak in professional MMA.
Jackson would pull off the unthinkable and definitely stop Amosov in the third round to claim the welterweight crown and hand Amosov his first loss.
#1 Patchy Mix is the Best Bantamweight (in the World?)
The best in the world! 👊@TeamMixMMA submits Sergio Pettis to fulfil his destiny and become #AndNew bantamweight world champion.#Bellator301 | LIVE NOW | @SHOsports 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/484hycuIbP
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 18, 2023
Patchy Mix may be the best bantamweight in the world. The newly crowned Bellator champ ran through the $1 million Bantamweight World Grand Prix on the road to his fight with Sergio Pettis. Mix smothered “SP” in round one and would cinch up a rear naked choke in round two to stop Pettis. How far can “No Love” go?
