Bellator 183 recap:
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| Some big questions answered after Bellator 183. |
Aaron Pico vs. Justin Linn: Returning to action for the first time since his June guillotine loss to Zach Freeman, Featherweight prospect Aaron Pico showed there's much more on offer than his extensive wrestling accolades and background, flooring Linn with one of the sweetest left uppercuts of the year in the final minute of the first round to pick up his premier professional victory. The only worry for the 20 year old is with such a spectacular finish, he is thrown to much higher calibre opponent than Linn next time around, again derailing his momentum.
Roy Nelson vs. Javy Ayala: The long anticipated Bellator debut of Roy 'Big Country' Nelson came to fruition on Saturday night, as the knockout artist featured against Sergey Kharitonov slayer Javy 'Eye Candy' Ayala. Nelson, coming off a humbling decision defeat to Alexander Volkov, certainly wasn't handed a favourable opponent in his promotional bow, with Ayala a credible submission fighter, but also a devastating striker. Nelson managed to pick up a rather comfortable unanimous decision as he moved to 23-14 in his veteran professional career.
Paul Daley vs. Lorenz Larkin: Two more former UFC contenders featured in our co-main event of the evening, as heavy hitter Paul 'Semtex' Daley, faced the technically gifted Lorenz Larkin. Nottingham native Daley, served as the welcoming party for Canadian sensation Rory MacDonald in his most recent contest, where he was systematically dominated by 'The Red King' as the promotional newcomer picked up a rear-naked choke stoppage. The once highly ranked UFC Welterweight Lorenz Larkin, was immediately thrown into the deep end of the 170lbs Bellator division, suffering a decision defeat to Brazilian champion Douglas Lima back at Bellator NYC in at the end of June. Daley recognised as a brutal striker, seen his last MMA win come by way of a flying knee stoppage over Brennan Ward, stung Larkin with a big shot after a clinch in the second round, before a barrage sent 'The Monsoon' to the canvas, halting the bout. Daley may realistically find himself awaiting the winner between the aforementioned Lima and MacDonald, or may set up an all British affair alongside Michael 'Venom' Page.
Benson Henderson vs. Patricky Freire: A hugely intriguing Lightweight meeting served as Bellator 183's main event, as yet another former UFC star, Benson 'Smooth' Henderson faced Brazilian striker Patricky 'Pitbull' Freire. 2-1 since his move to Bellator, grappling ace Henderson's only Bellator victory came against Patricky's brother, Patricio, where a leg injury to the Natal native prevented him from continuing. Henderson made his promotional bow in a Welterweight title fight against Russia's Andrey Koreskov, before losing to Michael Chandler in a Lightweight title clash. Coming off a stunning one punch KO win over Josh Thompson, Freire would certainly reinstate himself into 155lbs title contention but faced stiff competition in the form of the well rounded Henderson. We had a quite slow start to the opening couple of rounds, with Freire defending a couple takedown attempts from Benson, as the Brazil national looked for a stiff right hand when the opportunity arose. Henderson was noticeably targeting the legs of Patricky throughout the three round affair, but despite some contesting from some in the MMA media, activity and accuracy in my opinion deservedly seen Patricky pickup a split decision victory. Difficult times ahead for Henderson.
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