In an odd outcome, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson defeated Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal in a unanimous decision at Bellator 120.
All three judges scored it 29-28 for Jackson.
With the win, Rampage took the light heavyweight tournament and earned himself a shot at light heavyweight champion Emanuel Newton.
But he didn’t seem happy with the result. Per Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting, during the post-fight interview Rampage said:
King Mo was clearly dissatisfied with the decision. He called out Bellator head man Bjorn Rebney. Fox Sports’ Damon Martin captured that and other wild post-fight events:
Mo had legitimate beef with the decision. It did appear that he deserved to win the bout.
In the first round, he dominated most of the time with his takedowns and top control. Rampage couldn’t get to his feet until later in the round.
Once he did, it was too late to capture Round 1.
In the second round, Rampage’s power and boxing became factors. His jab and uppercuts opened up a nasty gash over Mo’s eye. There was also significant swelling under it as well.
Mo had brief moments, but it appeared Rampage took the round.
In an uneventful third round, Mo seemed to do the best work. He scored a takedown that should have been the difference in the round. Instead, the judges saw it the other way.
It wasn’t the worst decision, but it was certainly debatable.
Rampage will get his shot at the light heavyweight title, but some time down the line, it seems like he and King Mo need to meet again.
It’s hard to tell which direction Mo should go at this point. He could continue to battle in hopes of getting another shot at Rampage.
For now, his immediate future is in limbo.
Follow me. I dig combat sports.
Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com