Bellator lightweight champion Patricky Freire went into his first title defense against undefeated Usman Nurmagomedov in the co-main event of Bellator 288.
Bellator 288: Patricky Freire vs. Usman Nurmagomedov
Round 1
Usman lets a head kick go but misses. Usman finds an outside leg kick. Usman trying to push Pitbull back using oblique kicks. Pitbull staying composed on the outside. He’s looking to get inside the pocket but Usman is doing well to keep him away. Pitbull unleashes a multi-punch combination in the pocket. Usman moves back to reset the range. Pitbull checks a low kick.
Round 2
Usman with a kick to the mid section. Pitbull with a quick oblique kick. Usman hits Pitbull’s guard with a high kick. Usman is on the outside circling Pitbull and trying to land some kicks. Usman connects with a strong left to beautifully sets up a takedown. Usman trying to do damage from the top. Sharp elbows from Usman. Usman is laying the ground and pound against the fence. Usman is saying something to Pitbull from the top while connecting to the body and head. Usman is looking to get the hooks in and he’s transitioned well tot gets a choke in. Pitbull manages to avoid and survives the round on the bottom while Usman blasts Pitbull with a flurry of punches from the top.
Round 3
Pitbull tried to initiate striking exchanges. Usman goes for a takedown and Pitbull avoids it. Body kick by Nurmagomedov followed by a right kick to the face. Usman keeps the distance with his front hand. He has his guard high in case Pitbull connects and is keeping him at bay with the threat of kicks. Pitbull with an outside low kick. Clash of low leg kicks. Usman lands a jab. Usman with a lead straight and eats a counter hook.
Round 4
Usman goes hard for a single leg takedown and Pitbull gets out. Pitbull with a jab to the body. Inside calf kick by Usman. Pitbull fires back an inside kick. Usman with a side kick to the body. Usman hits a big straight left from an attempted combination. Double jab by Usman. Body kick by Pitbull. Pitbull is keeping his hands down in a potential trap for Usman. Pitbull grazes with a left hook.
Round 5
Pitbull comes out firing with high pressure. Pitbull with a double jab and Usman takes him down. Usman is on top. Pitbull is holding Usman tight to avoid more ground and pound. Pitbull is keeping the full guard against Usman, who tried to change position from the full guard a number of times. Usman picks him up and slams him down for another takedown. Usman is on top and pressuring Pitbull. Pitbull with a sweep to get out. They are on their feet. Usman staying away to run out the clock.
Official Result: Usman Nurmagomedov defeats Patricky Freire via unanimous decision (50-45, 50-44 x 2).
Check out the highlights below:
Tense start to @PatrickyPitbull vs. @UsmanNmgdv.#Bellator288 LIVE on @SHOsports 📺 pic.twitter.com/XOFYR33MuO
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 19, 2022
Big takedown set-up from Lightweight title challenger @UsmanNmgdv!#Bellator288 LIVE on @SHOsports 📺 pic.twitter.com/h08HF4pSeN
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 19, 2022
How did @PatrickyPitbull survive that!? 🤯#Bellator288 LIVE on @SHOsports 📺 pic.twitter.com/wsSAkP4hPn
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 19, 2022
What a round for the challenger @Usmannmgdv 👏#Bellator288 lightweight title fight is LIVE now on @Showtime.@BellatorMMA #bellator pic.twitter.com/cbXtINfhZ6
— SHOWTIME SPORTS (@SHOsports) November 19, 2022
He's undefeated for a reason. Great takedown from @UsmanNmgdv.#Bellator288 LIVE on @SHOsports 📺 pic.twitter.com/1vsPu7RvXx
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 19, 2022
The Nurmagomedov name is now enriched by Bellator Lightweight gold 🦅
Congrats, @UsmanNmgdv 👏#Bellator288 LIVE on @SHOsports 📺 pic.twitter.com/C2uTiqRV2Y
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) November 19, 2022
