Props: ironforgesiron.com
So while we’re waiting on KarmaAteMyCat to deliver some videos from last night’s Bellator 48, let’s talk about the action, shall we? With all of the excitement from last night’s event, it only makes sense to start with Cole Konrad vs. Paul Buentello. Yes, they fought. Yes, Cole Konrad won in unspectacular fashion. Yes, we can now stop talking about this fight.
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the evening was Pat Curran’s dramatic head kick knockout of former Sengoku champion Marlon Sandro. Despite being in trouble early on, Pat Curran kept his composure and unleashed a brutal roundhouse kick. With his victory, Pat Curran becomes the first fighter to win a Bellator tournament in two different weight classes. I’m not sure what I’m looking forward to more: Pat Curran’s inevitable clash with Joe Warren, or the confused look on his banker’s face when he tries to cash that oversized check.
Seth Petruzelli also surprised everyone with his dominant performance against Ricco Rodriguez. Petruzelli managed to forge the black belt grappler into a striking contest, eventually culminating with a hard right hand to Ricco’s jaw. According to MMAFighting.com, Petruzelli more than likely secured a spot in next season’s light-heavyweight tournament. Given last season’s light-heavyweights, Petruzelli has to be an early favorite to challenge Christian M’Pumbu for Bellator’s light-heavyweight title. If it works out that way, it’ll be a good test for both fighters. As for Ricco Rodriguez, he vows that he isn’t going back to can crushing and plans on fighting for Bellator again. Whether he gets another chance with the promotion or not is to be seen.
Full results, courtesy of MMAJunkie.com:
Main Card
Pat Curran def. Marlon Sandro via KO (head kick) – Round 2, 4:00 (featherweight-tourney finale)
Champ Cole Konrad def. Paul Buentello via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28) (heavyweight non-title fight)
Seth Petruzelli def. Ricco Rodriguez via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:21
Rene Nazare def. Juan Barrantes via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 2, 5:00
Preliminary Card
Jeff Nader def. Dan Cramer via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 1:04
Nik Fekete def. Mark Griffin via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 3:12
Andrew Calandrelli def. Matt Nice via submission (keylock) – Round 1, 3:55
Ryan Quinn def. Brett Oteri via technical submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 1:48
Saul Almeida def. Tateki Matsuda via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)