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Wow! What as show Bellator 207 was. A show that promised much on paper but delivered much, much more in reality. Bellator's weekend of MMA action began with a bang.
The number two MMA promotion in the United States has been on a real roll in recent times, delivering incredible action up and down it's cards as it successfully integrates famous MMA veterans such as Tito Ortiz, Feder Emelianenko, Frank Mir and others on its events with hot young talent, which makes an exciting environment for the viewer.
Riding a wave of huge interest in the sport following the heavily reported aftermath of UFC 229, Bellator 207 took advantage of mainstream media interest by delivering a stunning event.
The battle to declare a new Heavyweight Champion hotted up with the first Semi-Final bout between Matt Mitrione and Ryan Bader, which saw Light-Heavyweight Champion, Bader take a step closer to becoming a Double Champion in the promotion as well as a highlight reel of brutal Knockouts and other incredibly exciting action.
Huge MMA stars Roy Nelson, Sergei Kharitonov and Kevin Ferguson Jr all highlighted the undercard in matches that thrilled and shocked in equal measure.
The event also offered up a massive eight preliminary bouts as young fighters attempted to make a name for themselves in this phenomenal sport. One such name, Michael Kimbel succeeded in that endeavor in stupendous fashion as he equaled a company record.
One of Bellator's biggest shows of the year delivered with some incredible moments and surprises and now there is no doubt whatsoever that most eyes will be on tomorrow night's Bellator 208 card in this hugely exciting weekend of world-class MMA action.
But first, it's time to review the best and worst moments from a wild night of fights at Bellator 207.
#1 Best - Ryan Bader puts on a masterclass
Undoubtedly the highlight from this show was the performance of headliner, Ryan Bader.
The 35 year old, former UFC star dominated this fight from the opening bell until the final buzzer.
Despite giving away years of Heavyweight fighting experience to his opponent, Matt Mitrione, Bader gave his larger foe nothing in this encounter.
Throughout all three rounds, Bader repeatedly took Mitrione down and maintained control in the mount and repeatedly used ground and pound to keep the big man down.
Bader won a heavily one-sided decision as the three judges scored the bout 30-24, 30-25 and 30-26.
It was one of the most dominating performances you could ever hope to see and makes Bader a heavy favorite for the Heavyweight Championship no matter who wins the second Semi-Final between Fedor Emelianenko and Chael Sonnen.
#1 Worst - "Baby Slice" Kevin Ferguson Jr runs out of gas
It was a bad night for Kevin Ferguson Jr. The son of the late UFC and Bellator star, Kimbo Slice, Ferguson Jr had been on a roll in Bellator.
However, defeat to Corey Browning has put a halt on his career advancement. Even more worrying than the loss is the manner in which it happened.
Ferguson Jr ran out of gas. Badly.
Ferguson initially came out strong with a take-down and big knees to the head that Browning absorbed. However, the dominant first round Ferguson put forth came at a cost.
Both men entered the second round with some fatigue but Ferguson Jr was completely gassed.
Browning dropped Ferguson but "Baby Slice" recovered to maneuver his opponent into choke position. However, the ease with which Browning escaped was proof of how tired Ferguson was. Out of the mount, Browning got on top and quickly finished “Baby Slice” with strikes.
Browning ended a two-fight losing streak in his Bellator debut and shocked the fighting world.
Ferguson now has a lot to think about as he goes back to the drawing board.
#2 Best - Michael Kimbel equals Bellator record with a win in six seconds
In an entirely unexpected development, the Bellator 207 undercard played host to perhaps the most exciting moment of the night.
It was undoubtedly the most memorable.
Michael Kimbel needed just six seconds to knock down and finish Alex Potts to equal the quickest victory in Bellator history.
In only his second professional bout, the 21 year old youngster, Kimbel seemingly took notice of Brock Lesnar's motto: "Eat, Sleep, Conquer, Repeat."
That's because this dominating victory came just eight months after his previous highlight reel success at Bellator 194 in February. In his Bellator debut, Kimbel slammed his opponent Geoffrey Then onto his neck and head for a 63-second Knockout.
It is too early in Kimbel's career to determine whether he can continue to repeat this success but few would bet against him after witnessing this brutal Knockout.
Kimbel could be a real star in this promotion.
#2 Worst - Roy Nelson lumbers to another defeat
It was not an entirely unexpected result but one that is of huge disappointment to Roy Nelson and "Big Country's" considerable MMA fan-base.
The veteran fighter who burst onto the scene on UFC's The Ultimate Fighter reality show has had a tough time in recent fights, having lost five of his last eight bouts, entering this contest.
Competing against the giant Russian, Sergei Kharitonov, Nelson had his work cut out from the off, but despite fending off a couple of illegal strikes from his opponent, which likely had points deducted, Nelson could not hold out for the extra second needed to take this fight into a second round.
Knocked out with 4:59 seconds of the fight gone, Nelson was outmatched and outgunned for almost the entirety of that time.
A brutal knee ended the bout and possibly Nelson's fading career.
