RIZIN 40: Bellator vs RIZIN: Saitama Super Arena; Saitama, Japan
There have been plenty of cross promotions in the past. But for Bellator’s head man Scott Coker, this one turned out really special. It was a 5-0 clean sweep on the main card for them over Nobuyuki Sakakibara‘s RIZIN FF. And closed with one of Bellator’s best in AJ McKee plays dangerous games with lightweight champion Roberto de Souza.
All five-fights went to the scorecards, and some could have easily gone the other way. You won’t hear the word “robbery” from the hometown Japan. But a conspiracy theorist may say having Bellator sweep might put them in the mood to be willing to cross-promote again. Perhaps even stateside.
And both McKee and Souza were matched up well. Souza with an inch in height, with McKee having an inch in reach. Both only had one-loss coming in, and between both there were 27-finishes and 22-in the opening round. “Mercenary” being former featherweight champion, and Souza holding RIZIN’s 155 strap presently.
All three-rounds saw Souza hunt multiple submissions, something he has won with 10-times. And yes, it speaks to McKee’s toughness that he never tapped, or was even in peril. However, the fact he found himself there says something too. It also sends all feather, and lightweights in Bellator more interesting video to break down.
AJ McKee Plays Dangerously With A Champion, What Does That Mean
All of them took it’s toll on him, if he admits it or not. Midway through the third-round McKee’s pace had slowed significantly, and he was breathing heavy. Perhaps it was just “one of those nights”, maybe it was fighting in a ring, and not a cage, or maybe like they say “where there’s smoke there’s fire”. McKee is a young rubix cube. Perhaps Souza figured him out and just was lacking that last one-percent to finish the job.
McKee did more damage in the fight without a doubt, but moving forward; Bellator’s brightest star still needs more. Not that Bellator’s 155-division (because it’s doubtful he sees 145 again), is a UFC-esque murderer’s row; but they do have some sneaky talent.
And his next fight should be one of them in Alexandr Shabliy. Where as most Russian’s like to be on the ground, he has some dynamite in his hands. And that’s the thing about the standup. It only takes one perfectly placed shot to end the night. Despite all his talents, he still leaves his chin exposed. Possibly add now getting into bad positions, things can go sideways quickly.
But at least for this night… things are still okay.
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