In a pre-fight interview with Bellator colour commentator Jimmy Smith, Joe Warren said : "I'll tell you the truth all the time, even if you're not going to like it".
If that's the case, The University of Michigan product won't like this : He received a clear gift from the judges ringside on Saturday night.
Bellator 41, live from the Cocopah Resort and Casino in Yuma, Arizona was the first of this young 4th season to be featured outdoors. In the main event, Warren fought WEC veteran Marcos Galvao in a non-title catchweight bout at 137 lbs. Throughout the first 2 rounds, Galvao used his size advantage, stuffing Warren takedown attempt after attempt, as well as hitting the Bellator 145 lb. champ with 3 heavy knees that had Warren reeling. The final round was finally Warren's time to shine, as he used his Greco-Roman experience to impose his will on the Brazilian, and while grinding out a 10-9 third round, he did nothing in the eyes of many to have his hand raised and looked to be on track to be the first Bellator champion to lose their in season non title "Superfight".
The judges however, saw it differently, and gave Warren a unanimous decision by scores of 29-28 (twice) and 30-27. A varied reaction of shock and boos came over the crowd, as even ringside commentator Smith thought Warren had lost.
The co-main event saw 135 lb. Champion Zack Makovsky dominate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu artist Chad Robichaux following a failed guillotine attempt by Robichaux in the first, holding his position and landing quite a few shots to take the first round. The second saw a lot of position and the 2 fighters exchanging submission attempts, with the round ending as Makovsky had Robichaux in a rear naked choke, although the bell sounded and the former Armed Forces soldier survived. At just before the 2 minute mark of the final stanza, Makovksky landed a shot that dropped Robichaux and finished off with mop up punches, as he wins via TKO at 2:02 of Round 3.
Other winners saw Patricio "Pitbull" follow his brother Patricky into the finals of his weight class with a 3rd round KO over the man he defeated in the semis in Season 2, Wilson Reis, and Daniel Straus will be facing him in the finals following his 3rd round submission victory over Kenny Foster.
Honorable Mention : The Friere-Reis match had a lot of hoopla surrounding as it was Reis' 3rd consecutive trip to the semi-finals. From the get go, these 2 guys went at it, each landing a variety of body strikes although neither was able to put the other away. Heis had a chance during the second round to end it following a rear naked choke attempt, but the younger brother and finalist of the second season (he lost to Joe Warren) showed his resilience, finally having his boxing skills get through and rocking Reis to drop him just after the 3 and a half minute mark of round 3.
Also, is it just me or are they going to give the inverted Triangle by Richard Hale overkill? He was in attendance last night, and they took the opportunity to replay the highlight over and over. I mean it was amazing, but enough is enough!
Tune in next week for the semis of the 205 lb. tournament, featuring Hale as well as Heavyweight Champion Kyle Conrad taking on UFC veteran Paul "The Headhunter" Buentello in a non-title bout.
Until next time, fight fans.
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