Neiman Gracie competed in the featured postlim during Saturday’s Bellator 290 event. Emanating from the Kia Forum in Inglewood, Cali, Gracie was determined to get back into the win column after dropping three of his last four bouts under the Bellator banner. Standing in his way was American fighter Dante Schiro. With a record of 1-2 inside the Bellator cage, Schiro was looking to pick up some momentum after a second-round submission loss to Luca Poclit in September.
Round 1
Schiro comes out and quickly lands an outside calf kick on Gracie. Schiro whiffs on a left followed by another calf kick. Schiro lands low again as Gracie moves in to close the distance and pin Schiro against the fence. Gracie moves into back control and gets in the backpack position. Gracie maintains the position until the final 60 seconds when he is able to get Schiro to the ground. Schiro is able to turn into Gracie, but Gracie is able to snag a leg and fishes for a heel hook as the round comes to a close.
Round 2
Schiro lands a jab in the opening seconds. He continues to work the jab before throwing a high kick that is easily blocked by Gracie. Calf kick by Schiro. Jab by Gracie lands. Schiro moves in with a solid counter right that connects. Gracie engages in the clinch and eats an elbow, but is undeterred. Gracie pushes Schiro to the fence once again and is able to work him to the ground with an outside trip. Gracie lands in full mount. Schiro gives up his back to defend. Gracie maintains the position until the end of the round.
Round 3
A body kick by Gracie is caught by Schiro to open the round. Gracie shoots in naked and again pushes Schiro to the fence. Gracie is able to lock his hands and works Schiro to the ground, getting back control with both hooks in. Gracie holds the position, fishing for a rear-naked choke. Schiro attempts to escape through the backdoor, but is unable to do so and falls back to the canvas as the final bell sounds.
Official Result: Neiman Gracie vs. Dante Schiro via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
📊 By The Numbers
A strong display from @NeimanGracie earns him the Unanimous Decision over @DanteSchiro.
💻 #Bellator290 @MonsterEnergy Postlims fueled by @NorthgateGlzMrk | Bellator YouTube pic.twitter.com/Vg4VFwGc61
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) February 5, 2023
Check Out Highlights from Neiman Gracie vs. Dante Schiro at Bellator 290 on Saturday:
When a Gracie has your back, it’s going to hurt. @NeimanGracie 😬#Bellator290 prelims are LIVE on YouTube ➡️ https://t.co/aLL44edkHV pic.twitter.com/8W8PCP5g8L
— SHOWTIME SPORTS (@SHOsports) February 5, 2023
🥋 @NeimanGracie attacking the back of @DanteSchiro.
💻 #Bellator290 @MonsterEnergy Postlims fueled by @NorthgateGlzMrk | Bellator YouTube pic.twitter.com/WOclHrwRfb
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) February 5, 2023
