Bellator 120: A Historic Event in MMA’s Landscape

Bellator 120, held on May 17, 2014, marked a significant milestone in the history of mixed martial arts (MMA). It was the first pay-per-view event for Bellator MMA, a promotion that has been a key player in the MMA landscape. The event took place at the Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi, and featured 13 bouts, according to Sherdog’s Bellator 120 event record, each contributing to the overall spectacle of the night.

Main Event: Rampage vs. King Mo

The main event of the evening was a grudge match between Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal. The fight was a highly anticipated one, with both fighters having a strong following in the MMA community. Jackson, fighting in his hometown, managed to secure a victory over Lawal in a unanimous decision. However, the fight was not without controversy, with some observers questioning the decision.

Co-Main Event: Chandler vs. Brooks

The co-main event featured a clash between Michael Chandler and Will Brooks for the interim lightweight title. The fight was a thrilling five-round affair, with Brooks emerging as the victor. Despite losing the first two rounds, Brooks dominated the latter part of the fight with his excellent ground work and throws. His victory over Chandler, a well-respected fighter in the division, marked a significant moment in his career.

Other Notable Fights

The event also featured a number of other notable fights. Tito Ortiz, a legend in the sport, faced Alexander Shlemenko in a fight that ended with Ortiz securing a first-round submission win. Michael Page, a rising star in the sport, also secured a win over Ricky Rainey.

Historical Significance

Bellator 120 was not just another event in the MMA calendar. It represented Bellator’s first foray into the pay-per-view market, a space that had been largely dominated by the UFC. Despite some criticisms and challenges, including not selling out the venue and the absence of some of the promotion’s biggest stars, the event went ahead and marked a new phase in Bellator’s history.

The event also had implications for the fighters involved. For Jackson, the victory over Lawal added another win to his impressive record. For Brooks, the win over Chandler marked a turning point in his career, establishing him as a top lightweight in the division.

Bellator 120 was a historic event that showcased some of the best talent in MMA. It marked a significant step for Bellator as a promotion and had a lasting impact on the careers of the fighters involved.

Sources

Sherdog’s Bellator 120 event record.

Article Tags

Bellator 120, Bellator, Mixed Martial Arts, Event Results