Matt Mitrione scores a win over Roy Nelson by majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28) in a razor-thin fight that went the distance on Friday night (Feb. 16) in the main event of Bellator 194 from the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
Both men had their initial meeting as part of “The Ultimate Fighter Finale” (TUF) back in December 2012 for the UFC, it was the more experienced Roy Nelson who scores a the first-round TKO win.
Mitrione’s victory advances him in the World Heavyweight Grand Prix, in which he’ll next compete either Ryan Bader or Muhammed “King Mo” Lawal. That bout will take place in the main event of the Bellator 199 card on May 12 in San Jose, California.
Matt Mitrione was most effective on standing, throwing jabs and kicks throughout the first two rounds that ultimately opened up a cut on the left eye of Nelson. At the end of the second round, Nelson took his opponent to the canvas and landed some strong shots in ground-and-pound.
Nelson controlled most of the third and final round by getting Mitrione down to the mat again, but he couldn’t do enough damage to eventually turn things in his favor.
Matt Mitrione, fighting out of West Lafayette, Indiana, has won four consecutive bouts. Nelson dropped to 1-1 in Bellator.
Check out the Bellator 194 full fight highlights below:
