Kharitonov KO Confirms All 14 Bellator Bouts End Inside The Distance!

Don’t look now, but longtime Heavyweight veteran Sergei Kharitonov (29-6-2) hasn’t lost a fight since 2016. The Russian boxer picked up another big knockout in the main event of Bellator 225 by dropping the hammer on Matt Mitrione (13-7-1).

The fight started off pretty well for “Meathead.” Early on, Mitrione showed off his rare Heavyweight speed, bouncing around the cage and scoring well from the outside. With his inside leg kick and snap kick to the belly, Mitrione frustrated his foe and kept him on the defensive. He even landed a few good punches in the process.

Things began falling apart for Mitrione in the latter half of the first round. Kharitonov is a patient veteran, not about to be thrown from his game solely from some hard kicks. As the Russian began to find the timing on his jab, Mitrione’s mouthpiece flew from his teeth on three separate occasions.

The referee warned him a fourth would result in a point loss, and Mitrione was clearly very distracted by the problem.

In the second round, Kharitonov began advancing on his confused and slowing foe, ripping the body. The momentum had shifted, but Kharitonov’s knockout combo of a brutal uppercut and big knee still happened suddenly. Just like that, Kharitonov knocked out his foe and moved into title contention in the Bellator Heavyweight division.

Perhaps more fascinating is that this bout was the 14th straight stoppage out of 14 fights! 100% finish ratio! The odds on that are astronomical, and never before has such a long streak occurred on a UFC or Bellator event. Generally, that rate of finishing only happens in lower levels of competition filled with gross mismatches. Somehow, the MMA Gods came together and smiled on this card, resulting in a unique night of combat.

For complete Bellator 225 ‘Mitrione Vs. Kharitonov 2’ results and play-by-play, click HERE!