Bellator XII Fight Analysis

Eddie Alvarez vs. Toby Imada (Lightweight Final)
Bellator’s top star shined brightly at the Seminole Hard Rock on June 19. Alvarez’s goal of a Bellator title was realized with a rear naked choke submission at 0:38 of round 2. After a cautious and feeling out process in round 1, Alvarez delivered a crunching right hand that floored Imada in round 2. Eddie then went for the kill, synching in a rear naked choke to end the fight. Alvarez has gotten better with each fight and is one of the best lightweights in the world. He has represented Bellator with dignity and class. He is more than worthy of being lightweight champion. It was a pleasure and honor to watch him win this tournament with these qualities. Congratulations Eddie Alvarez.

Hector Lombard vs. Jared Hess (Middleweight Final)
This fight again showed the awesome and accurate striking power of Lombard. For over three rounds, he pounded on Hess and left him a bloody mess. Hess tried to employ his wrestling skills but Lombard answered that tactic with great sprawling, and Hess could never take him down to neutralize his striking game. The fight was stopped due to doctor stoppage of a cut on Hess at 1:45 of round four.  Lombard could not have been more impressive and showed everyone in the MMA world that he is fighter on the rise in the middleweight division. He displays a relentless tenacity that results in resounding victories. Hess was as game as a fighter can be and should be commended for his true warrior attitude. He never gave up which is why he has a bright future in MMA. Hector was the most dominant fighter in this tournament. Congratulations Hector.

Eric Reynolds vs. Jorge Masvidal (Lightweight)
As expected, Masvidal rebounded from his shocking defeat at the hands of Toby Imada. He got better with each round and ended up with a rear naked choke victory at 3:33 of round 3. Masvidal has learned from his defeat and will be ready to climb back up the ladder of the lightweight rankings. This was a great first step.

Sergio Moraes vs. Josh Martin (Welterweight)
Moraes showed great aggressiveness and tactical know-how in his victory over Martin. He ended up with a triangle choke just 4:21 into the fight. It was just his fourth professional bout, and he showed the dominance and intelligence of a cage veteran. I look for great things to come Sergio’s way.

Rosie Sexton vs. Valerie Coolbaugh (Women’s)
Sexton showed that her Bellator debut was worth waiting for. She showed great MMA skills and finishing off abilities in her victory. She sunk in a beautiful arm bar just 3:40 into the bout. This is the type of fighter that can put women’s MMA on the map. Bellator has show cased some very talented women fighters in this tournament; Sexton looked like the best one.

Bellator can be proud of its first season and all of its champions. The tournament style produced memorable fights and a hunger to see more. Controlling your own destiny in MMA works.It brings integrity and a drive for all the fighters involved.  Bellator has found a nice niche in the MMA world.Congratulations Bellator on a great first season and I hope that there are many more to come.

Comments

[sir jorge]

a solid card indeed