It is a long known saying that style is more prominent over substance.
For Michael Chandler, his amateur wrestling background was seen as inferior to Patricky "Pitbull" Friere, who has been stylish in notable wins over former WEC lightweight kingpin "Razor" Rob McCullough and 2-time Bellator tournament finalist Toby Imada.
Unfortunately, for all those naysayers, Chandler would hear none of it Saturday night.
Coming to us Saturday night from Caesar's in Atlantic City, Bellator 44 featured those 2 fighters in the finals of the single-elimination lightweight tournament. A first round which went back and forth, was overshadowed by a low blow that sent the Brazilian to the ground, though no point was deducted. Chandler's crisper boxing was clearly the high point of it, and despite several big shots by the brother of featherweight Patricio "Pitbull", he could not overcome the substance and grit of the American. The second round featured several high points, including Pitbull trying to duplicate his victory over Imada, although a second low blow in the round clearly hindered those chances. The third saw Chandler grind it out with a takedown, never letting up on the Brazilian, and although a 3rd low blow early in the round saw a point deducted, Chandler did enough in that round to simply draw that round, and the first 2 were his as he won on all 3 scorecards by scores of 29-27 (twice), with the 3rd having it a draw. In winning, he is the first tournament winner to receive $100,000 and receives a title shot against Eddie Alvarez (who was in attendance) at Bellator's 5th season set to begin in September.
The co-main event saw Hector Lombard extend Bellator World Champions streak in non-title "Superfights" to 10 in a row and his personal streak to 23 victories, as the Cuban defected Australian took on UFC and Strikeforce veteran Falaniko Vitale in a 3 round contest. Amidst much hoopla surrounding Lombard's fantastic quick KOs, fans booed as Lombard showed a lot more patience, standing and trading with the American and not trying blow his tank with several mini flurries that had Vitale in a little bit of trouble. At just before the 1 minute mark of the final round, Lombard sent a right hand to Vitale's chin that floored him, and despite his resolve to get back up, stumbled and did his best Ric Flair flop impression as the referee Dan Margliotta stopped the fight.
Other winners included Geidrius Karavackas, who defeated follow Bellator newcomer Sam Oropeza by the scarf hold armlock (which i'll be honest, I've never seen before, and after last night, will probably never see again), and Season 2 middleweight tourney winner Alexander Shlemenko use his signature spinning backfists to cruise to a decision over Brett Cooper, despite the American having him wobbly in the opening minutes.
Honorable Mention : Did anybody else notice that Lightweight Champion Eddie Alvarez just re-iterate what commentator Jimmy Smith was saying? I didn't hear him say a word in the 15 or so minutes during the main event except "Yeah, exactly what Jimmy said". Would have been nice to hear some soundbytes by the man known to Bjorn Rebney as the World's "best lightweight", but I suppose that's his style. Shlemenko used his fantastic spinning backfists as well as a few tricks like spinning roundhouses in his decision victory. Lyman Good and Dan Hornbuckle were taken off due to injury, and it was alright as we saw a seldom seen submission by Karavackas. Lombard's lack of a boxing technique still amazes me, as he is a Cuban....you'd think he'd had learned at least a thing or 2 about technique in his formidable years there. Ah well, just good thing he didn't gas.
Tune next week for the final card of this 4th season, with Patricio "Pitbull" facing off against Daniel Straus in the featherweight finals, as well as the promotions first 205 lb. kingpin will be crowned as Christian M'Pumbu will take on Rich Hale.
Until next time, fight fans.
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