The Bellator Lightweight Grand Prix continues.
In the third fight of the tournament, former champion Brent Primus takes on French phenom Mansour Barnaoui in the co-main event of Bellator 296. The fight takes place in Accor Arena in Paris, France.
Round 1:
The two fighters exchange shots early with Barnaoui initiating the clinch with Primus. Barnaoui and Primus trade punches and knees within the clinch. They break for a moment but clinch up once again with Primus getting a quick takedown. Barnaoui gets back up and the lightweights fight for position at a very fast pace. Primus swings for the fences before Barnaoui presses him against the cage.
Barnaoui lands big elbows on his entries into the clinch once again. Primus returns, firing off wild punches. Barnaoui jabs Primus up and Primus lands a huge right hand. Barnaoui takes down the former champ in the closing seconds of the round.
CDS: 10-9 Primus
Round 2:
They enter the clinch right away and Primus grabs a takedown. Primus lands some ground and pound while having top position. Primus goes for an arm-triangle submission. Barnaoui manages to survive and attempts an arm-lock that doesn’t go anywhere. Primus maintains top control for a while but Barnaoui reverses position in the last 20 seconds. Primus looks for a kimura as the round ends.
CDS: 10-9 Primus
Round 3:
Barnaoui and Primus trade punches in the pocket. Barnaoui spams knees up the middle. Barnaoui lands elbows in the clinch. Barnaoui pieces up Primus on the feet, Primus drops down to the ground. With top position, Barnaoui lands ground and pound. But, the tide changes as Primus is able to reverse position to obtain top control.
CDS: 10-9 Barnaoui
Round 4:
Primus works his boxing to begin the round. Barnaoui throws a flying knee. Primus presses Barnaoui against the cage within the clinch. Primus takes down Barnaoui. Primus makes another attempt at an arm-triangle submission but Barnaoui doesn’t give up even under the tights squeeze.
Barnaoui finally breaks free but doesn’t find much success as Primus continues to out-grapple him on the mat.
CDS: 10-9 Primus
Round 5:
Primus takes down Barnaoui after both men engage with big punches in the pocket. Primus seizes the back of Barnaoui and then locks up his legs to get a body-triangle. Primus sinks in a tight rear-naked choke but runs out of time as the final bell rings.
CDS: 10-9 Primus (total score: 49-46)
Official result: Brent Primus defeats Mansour Barnaoui by unanimous decision (48-47 x3)
Check out the highlights below:
Primus vs Barnaoui is madness! 🔥 #Bellator296’s Main card is LIVE on Showtime! pic.twitter.com/poHbbgpFxJ
— SHOWTIME SPORTS (@SHOsports) May 12, 2023
The pace of Primus vs Barnaoui is non stop! 😮 #Bellator296’s Main card is LIVE on Showtime! pic.twitter.com/0fqkZQwqS5
— SHOWTIME SPORTS (@SHOsports) May 12, 2023
Brent Primus is moving on to the Bellator Light Weight World Grand Prix semi finals to face Usman Nurmagomedov!#Bellator296’s Main card is LIVE on Showtime! pic.twitter.com/NB18dq2QSo
— SHOWTIME SPORTS (@SHOsports) May 12, 2023
