Raufeon Stots beats Magomed Magomedov in an INSTANT classic at Bellator 264
In the main event of Bellator 264; Gegard Mousasi looks to add another title defence when he takes on number one contender John Salter.
Mousasi, 36, is making his first appearance of 2021, his last outing saw the Netherlands native pick up a decision win over former welterweight champion Douglas Lima in October 2020. His next test Salter, is currently on a three fight win streak, and an 8-1 record under the Bellator banner and only one of those victories reaching the final bell.
Before we get to the main event, in this highlighted recap a pair of top 5 bantamweights lock horns – Magomed Magomedov vs. Raufeon Stots takes place on the main card, the winner will have major title implications.
Magomedov (18-1 MMA, 2-0 BMMA) is perfect throughout two bouts under the Bellator promotion. He defeated Matheus Mattos in December by unanimous decision and followed that up with a second-round submission of C.J. Hamilton.
Stots (16-1 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) is also undefeated as a Bellator fighter, with four wins under the promotion. His only professional loss falling in the hands of UFC contender Merab Dvalishvili.
Here’s how the fight played out round by round:
ROUND 1:
Both men meet in the centre seconds in and open up with kicks. Magomedov lands a kick, Stots returns and points at Magomedov. A spinning back kick from Magomedov lands to Stots mid section. Both fighters staying busy with strikes and a lot of faints. Just passed the two minute mark a very technical fight. Magomedov catches Stots leg and pushes him up against the cage. Magomedov searching for the takedown. They break away, Stots points at Magomedov again, twenty seconds to go and Stots catches a kick of Magomedov this time and gets the takedown to end the round.
MyMMANews.com scores it: 10-9 to Raufeon Stots
ROUND 2:
Second round, here we go! This is a very high level fight. Magomedov attempts a takedown early but fails with the attempt. Magomedov catches the kick and has Stots up against the cage again. Stots lands a HUGE right inside the clinch and the fans reacted to that one! Magomedov stays composed holding Stots still against the cage and gets the takedown. Stots doesn’t settle for position and scrambles to his feet. Both men trade strikes on the feet, the pace of this fight is INSANE. Magomedov shoots for a takedown, Stots momentarily thought about a d’arce. The round ends with Stots attempting a takedown.
MyMMANews.com scores it: 10-9 to Magomed Magomedov, 19-19
ROUND 3:
Third and final round! Magomedov shoots for another takedown but a fantastic reversal from Stots and is not on the back of Magomedov with the rare naked choke! Magomedov trying to remain calm, Stots staying patient looking for a opening. Magomedov scrambles and now he’s on TOP! What a tremendous fight. Magomedov in half guard. Forty seconds on the clock, Stots searching for a way up. Magomedov ends the fight with a arm at, and there goes the BELL! WHAT A FIGHT.
MyMMANews.com scores it: 10-9 to Raufeon Stots, 29-28
Official Result: Raufeon Stots defeated Magomed Magomedov via unanimous decision decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
