Bellator 85: Results and Event Recap
Bellator 85 marked a significant event in the history of mixed martial arts (MMA), particularly for Bellator MMA. The event took place on January 17, 2013, at the UCI Bren Center in Irvine, California, and was broadcasted live on Spike TV, kicking off the eighth season of Bellator MMA. This event was not just another fight card; it was the first Bellator event to air on Spike TV, which was a major step for the promotion in terms of visibility and reach.
The main card featured two title defenses that kept the fans on the edge of their seats. Lightweight champion Michael Chandler defended his title against Rick Hawn with a stunning submission victory via rear-naked choke in the second round. Chandler’s performance was dominant, showcasing his aggressive style and ground control, which eventually led to the submission finish. This victory solidified Chandler’s position as one of the top fighters in Bellator.
In the featherweight division, champion Pat Curran faced Patricio “Pitbull” Freire in a bout that went the distance. The fight was a back-and-forth striking battle that ended with Curran retaining his title via a split decision. The fight was competitive throughout, with both fighters having their moments, but Curran’s ability to land more significant strikes and control the pace earned him the nod from the judges.
The event also featured the Season 8 light heavyweight tournament quarterfinals, where three fighters advanced to the semifinals. Notably, Mikhail Zayats defeated Renato “Babalu” Sobral via TKO in the first round, making a statement in the light heavyweight division.
Bellator 85 was a showcase of the promotion’s growing talent pool and its ability to put on exciting fights. With a mix of knockouts and technical battles, the event delivered on all fronts, from the undercard to the main event. The successful title defenses by Chandler and Curran were pivotal moments that helped shape the future of their respective divisions in Bellator.
The event’s historical significance lies in its role in Bellator’s expansion and the establishment of its champions as elite fighters within the sport. As Bellator continued to grow, events like Bellator 85 served as evidence of the promotion’s commitment to high-quality MMA entertainment.
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Bellator 85, Bellator, Mixed Martial Arts, Event Results
