Matt Mitrione at Bellator 225 – Aug. 24, 2019
The win over Nelson pitched Kharitonov into a likely title eliminator with fellow surging heavyweight Matt Mitrione, but their first meeting at Bellator 215 this past February didn’t go according to plan for either man.
A stray inside leg kick from Mitrione in the very first striking exchange of the fight missed its mark and connected flush with Kharitonov’s cup. The pain was etched all over the Russian veteran’s face as he tried, and failed, to shake off one of the nastiest nut shots we’ve seen in a long time.
It left Mitrione frustrated and annoyed, and Kharitonov in a world of pain. A rematch was essential, and the pair met for a second time six months later at Bellator 225, where a huge knee from Kharitonov sent Mitrione to the canvas, where he finished his man with punches to claim the victory and leave no doubt about his status as a legitimate threat to Ryan Bader’s Bellator heavyweight title.
Now, Kharitonov faces former light heavyweight contender Vassell in Tel Aviv hoping that one more big finish could be the final act that sets him up for a shot at Bellator heavyweight gold in 2020.