Gegard Mousasi didn’t quite bulldoze John Salter like he predicted, but he got the job done in the main event of Bellator 264, which went down inside Mohegan Sun Arena earlier tonight (Fri., Aug. 13, 2021) in Uncasville, Conn.
Things didn’t start off too smoothly for Mousasi, who found himself on his behind for the majority of the first round thanks to Salter’s great wrestling technique. Mousasi tried to get up but Salter was simply too strong for “The Dreamcatcher” to start things off.
Salter started the second round in the same fashion, taking down the Middleweight champion and keeping him down before “Dreamcatcher” eventually fought his way back to his feet. Midway through round two, Mousasi found himself in great top position, which he took advantage of by landing some good ground-and-pound to close out the round.
By the time round three started, both men were absolutely drenched in sweat. Once again Salter tried to score an early takedown, but it was eventually stuffed by Mousasi who used his own wrestling to get top position. After posturing up, “Dreamcatcher” started raining down the punishment, forcing the referee to put an end to the fight.
Here is more of the action from Mousasi’s win:
Stuffed.
LIVE on @SHOSports with #Bellator264 https://t.co/TbKTQ7lKsu pic.twitter.com/lEJljZOICR
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) August 14, 2021
@mousasi_mma raining down shots.
LIVE on @SHOSports with #Bellator264 https://t.co/TbKTQ7lKsu pic.twitter.com/tXSE5DzCZJ
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) August 14, 2021
One for the challenger. @johnsalter_mma gets the takedown on @mousasi_mma.
LIVE on @SHOSports with #Bellator264 https://t.co/TbKTQ7lKsu pic.twitter.com/xxKIiMbmyv
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) August 14, 2021
Mousasi now has his first title defense on what is now his second run as Bellator’s Middleweight champion. Up next for the longtime veteran is a championship fight against none other than “Mr VanZant,” Austin Vanderford, who worked his way up to a title shot on the heels of two straight wins.
This one will be #Bellator264 pic.twitter.com/xbt6N7afOn
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) August 14, 2021
For complete Bellator 264 play-by-play updates and results click here.