Check out the exciting results and surprising outcomes of the Bellator MMA and Rizin joint event in Saitama, Japan. Find out who emerged victorious and what the future holds for these talented fighters.
Bellator MMA and Rizin Joint Event: Exciting Results and Surprising Outcomes
Bellator MMA and Rizin recently joined forces once again to host a thrilling event in Saitama, Japan. The event showcased a mix of action inside the Bellator cage and the Rizin ring, featuring some of the most talented fighters in the lightweight division.
The main attraction of the night was the highly anticipated matchup between Patricky Pitbull and Roberto de Souza in the quarterfinals of the lightweight grand prix. De Souza, a reigning Rizin champion, stepped in as a replacement on short notice after AJ McKee withdrew due to an infection. Despite the last-minute change, the fight did not disappoint.
In the co-main event, Kyoji Horiguchi and Makoto Takahashi were set to battle it out for the inaugural flyweight championship. However, the fight was declared a no-contest just 25 seconds into the first round due to an accidental eye poke. Both fighters will have to face each other again at a later date to determine the champion.
Another notable matchup was between Kana Watanabe and Veta Arteaga in the flyweight division. Watanabe secured a decision victory, improving her overall record to 12-2-1. Despite some close calls in previous fights, Watanabe has proven herself as a top contender in the division.
Magomed Magomedov also made a successful comeback, submitting Danny Sabatello in the first round. After a defeat in the bantamweight grand prix last year, Magomedov showcased his skills and resilience, bringing his overall record to an impressive 20-3.
The event kicked off with an intense welterweight fight between Andre Koreshkov and Lorenz Larkin. Koreshkov, a former Bellator champion, secured a split decision victory, redeeming himself after a previous loss to Larkin in 2019. With this win, Koreshkov has now won his last five fights.
Here are the complete results of the Bellator MMA and Rizin joint event:
| Fight | Result | Method | Round | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patricky Pitbull vs. Roberto de Souza | Patricky Pitbull def. Roberto de Souza | TKO (strikes) | 3 | :49 |
| Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Makoto Takahashi | Kyoji Horiguchi vs. Makoto Takahashi | No Contest (accidental eye poke) | 1 | :25 |
| Kana Watanabe vs. Veta Arteaga | Kana Watanabe def. Veta Arteaga | Unanimous Decision | – | – |
| Magomed Magomedov vs. Danny Sabatello | Magomed Magomedov def. Danny Sabatello | Submission (guillotine choke) | 1 | 3:55 |
| Andre Koreshkov vs. Lorenz Larkin | Andre Koreshkov def. Lorenz Larkin | Split Decision | – | – |
The Bellator MMA and Rizin joint event in Saitama, Japan, delivered an unforgettable night of fights, with surprising outcomes and impressive performances. Fans can’t wait to see what the future holds for these talented fighters.
