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See the top Twitter reactions to Gegard Mousasi’s title defense over Austin Vanderford at Bellator 275.
[autotag]Gegard Mousasi[/autotag] had little trouble defending his title against [autotag]Austin Vanderford[/autotag] in the Bellator 275 main event.
Mousasi (49-7-2 MMA, 7-1 BMMA) used his hands to halt Vanderford (11-1 MMA, 5-1 BMMA) just 85 seconds into the middleweight championship contest at 3Arena in Dublin, putting on one of his more impressive performances in recent memory.
Check below for the top Twitter reactions to Mousasi’s victory over Vanderford at Bellator 275
In this video exclusive, MMA Junkie goes behind the scenes with Brennan Ward at Bellator 274 to chronicle his comeback fight.
There are few comeback stories more powerful than [autotag]Brennan Ward[/autotag]’s – even just the fact that he made it to the locker room at Mohegan Sun Arena.
For the first time in over four years, Ward strapped on a pair of gloves last Saturday and went to battle at Bellator 274. The win over Brandon Bell was important, but Ward’s participation alone was an accomplishment in and of itself.
Over the span of his career up until his retirement in 2017, Ward battled severe addiction to alcohol and drugs, including heroin, fentanyl and pills. For many of his fights, he wouldn’t even train.
In January, Ward, 33, opened up to MMA Junkie about his struggles, detailing his past rock star lifestyle and newfound dedication to finally live up to his potential – and be a good father to his 2-year-old daughter.
In this exclusive video above, go behind-the-scenes of Ward’s return to MMA as MMA Junkie’s Nolan King follows him and his coaches, [autotag]Greg Rebello[/autotag] and [autotag]Jay Jodoin[/autotag], on Bellator 274 fight night.
Also read:
Finding Brennan Ward: A story of addiction, sobriety and starting over
“Fortunately, he didn’t die,” Mike Mazzulli said after reviewing Adam Piccolotti’s Instagram video of his brutal weight cut.
Bellator 274 winner [autotag]Adam Piccolotti[/autotag] has been suspended after he posted a video of what the Association of Boxing Commissions president is calling an “unnecessarily dangerous” weight-cutting process.
Piccolotti defeated Georgi Karakhanyan by unanimous decision Saturday at Mohegan Sun Arena. Afterward, he posted an Instagram video, which shows him crawling out of a portable sauna and vomiting green/yellow fluid all over a grounded towel. Piccolotti also stated in the caption that he “continued throwing up 20-plus times through the night.”
On Wednesday, Mazzulli informed MMA Junkie that the lightweight contender has been suspended four to six months and will have to receive clearance from a nephrologist in order to return. Nephrologists are medical professionals who treat conditions and diseases of the kidneys.
“I reviewed the video and determined the process was unnecessarily dangerous,” Mazzulli said. “We’re always concerned for fighter safety and weight cutting. Hopefully this will be a learning experience (for Piccolotti). Fortunately, he didn’t die.”
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Piccolotti’s cornermen – Raul Castillo, Mauricio Calvo and Matthew Aragoni – also were suspended four to six months by the Mohegan Department of Athletic Regulation.
Mazzulli said Piccolotti’s win over Karakhanyan will remain intact.
You can watch the video posted by Piccolotti below:
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CaQzUnLp7k2/?utm_medium=copy_link
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Monday’s edition of MMA Junkie Radio with “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” is here.
Monday’s edition of MMA Junkie Radio with “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” is here.
On Episode 3,236, the boys welcome guest [autotag]Diego Sanchez[/autotag], who fights Kevin Lee at Eagle FC 46. They also looked back at UFC Fight Night 201, Bellator 274 and BKFC. Tune in!
Stream or download this and all episodes of MMA Junkie Radio over at OmnyStudio. You can also catch it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, and more. A new episode of the podcast is released every Monday and Thursday.
So you want to be a fighter?
[autotag]Chance Rencountre[/autotag] is in rough shape after his Bellator debut ended violently in favor of opponent [autotag]Andrey Koreshkov[/autotag].
The bout was the Bellator 274 co-main event Saturday and ended in 38 seconds after Koreshkov (24-4 MMA, 14-4 BMMA) spin-kicked Rencountre (16-5 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) in the upper right torso.
MMA Junkie, who was on scene for the event, witnessed Rencountre leave the arena under his own power, though he moved gingerly and favored his upper body.
Sunday, his manager, Brian Butler of SuckerPunch Entertainment, revealed in an Instagram post Rencountre suffered a punctured lung and five broken ribs.
The injuries hospitalized Rencountre, who according to Butler, is in good spirits as he prepares for surgery. Butler also shared an image of the x-ray and a picture of Rencountre in his hospital bed.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CaNoSjep342/
Bellator 274 took place Saturday at Mohegan Sun Arena. The main card aired on Showtime after prelims on MMA Junkie.
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Aviv Gozali claims a torn ligament and a broken bone were key factors in his upset loss to Bobby King at Bellator 274.
[autotag]Aviv Gozali[/autotag]’s undefeated streak to start his career came to a screeching halt at Bellator 274, and it’s going to take some time to deal with the fallout.
After going on a hot streak of six consecutive submission wins, Gozali (6-1 MMA, 6-1 BMMA) encountered adversity in Saturday’s lightweight bout with Bobby King (11-4 MMA, 2-1 BMMA). He started the fight strong, firing off a number of kicks. It was clear something went wrong either from the impact of a strike or a misstep, though, when he began moving gingerly around the cage.
As time came off the clock, things started to go south for Gozali. He pulled guard to avoid being on his feet, and staggered around in the moments he was forced to stay standing. He made it to the end of the first round at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn., but as he geared up for the start of the second stanza, it was obvious he was compromised.
👑 King vs. King 👑@Aviv_Gozali and @BobbyKingMMA had a five-minute barn-burner inside the #Bellator cage tonight.
Watch the Full First Round from The #Bellator274 @MonsterEnergy Prelims NOW! pic.twitter.com/tKs1NZahJR
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) February 20, 2022
After some stalling and a conversation with the cageside physician, the decision was made to wave the fight off before the second round could begin. Gozali did his best to keep a good poker face, but he wasn’t right, and his flawless record fell by the wayside.
It’s a frustrating way to lose for the first time, but Gozali isn’t getting too emotional about it. He revealed post-fight that he hurt himself badly in the opening minute of the contest, and claims he suffered a torn ACL in his knee as well as a broken left ankle (via Instagram):
https://www.instagram.com/p/CaLokiWAl6Z
I tore my ACL and I broke my ankle in the first 40 second pf the fight, i had so much fun today! shit happens the doctor stopped the fight. I’ll be back stronger than ever. Congratulations @bobby.king.mma was a fun fight. I didn’t said my last word I’ll be the future Bellator champ I promise it, just a little delay on the way 🙏🏼 thanks for all the support ❤️🇮🇱
Gozali shared an image his ankle, as well (via Instagram Stories):
Gozali, 21, is one of the youngest and most promising talents on the Bellator roster. He already ranks in the top five for most submission wins, and it remains to be seen how long his injuries will keep him out of action.
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It has been a long road back for Brennan Ward, but he proved his resilience in his return to action at Bellator 274.
UNCASVILLE, Conn. – It has been a while, but make no mistake about it, [autotag]Brennan Ward[/autotag] is back.
On the main card of Bellator 274, Ward (15-6 MMA, 10-6 BMMA) returned to action for the first time since 2017, looking to right the ship after a two-fight losing skid in a catchweight 175 pound bout against Brandon Bell (7-11 MMA, 1-1 BMMA).
Ward looked sharp early on, displaying a crisp left-hand jab that caused his opponent to be on the defensive early. Unfortunately, an accidental low blow from a knee paused his offensive output early in the first round. However, after a short recovery, Ward went back to work behind the jab and continued to pick apart his opponent.
A flurry of punches from Ward led to his opponent dropping to the canvas, where “Irish” continued the swarm on the mat. A cut was opened on Bell during the barrage as Ward looked for the finish. Somehow, Bell survived the storm of strikes, but Ward remained calm and picked his shots carefully. The fight returned to the feet, but the striking onslaught from Ward continued. Bell shot for a takedown in hopes of slowing his opponent, but ended up on the canvas, defending strikes and submission attempts until the opening round ended.
Not much changed when the second round began.
Ward went right back to delivering devastating punches, causing his opponent to turtle up on the canvas, and referee Dan Miragliotta stopped the fight.
☘️ Welcome back, Brennan Ward!
A triumphant return and a classic performance LIVE on @SHOsports.#Bellator274 pic.twitter.com/IYzvx2ymdc
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) February 20, 2022
Ward successfully returned to action to snap a two-fight skid. His last outing was over four years ago, where he was submitted by Fernando Gonzalez at Bellator 182. Despite the trials and tribulations that kept him sidelined for a lengthy period, Ward returned to the win column for the first time since 2016, when he finished Saad Awad in the first round at Bellator 163.
On the other side, Bell falls below .500 in his professional career. The loss to Ward marked his fourth straight.
Up-to-the-minute results of Bellator 274 include:
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Bellator 274 takes place Saturday, and you can join us for a live video stream and official results beginning at 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT).
Bellator 274 takes place Saturday, and you can join us for a live video stream and official results beginning at 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT).
The event takes place at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.
In the main event, Neiman Gracie (11-2 MMA, 9-2 BMMA) takes on Logan Storley (12-1 MMA, 7-1 BMMA) at welterweight. In the welterweight co-feature, former champion Andrey Koreshkov (24-4 MMA, 14-4 BMMA) meets Chance Rencountre (16-4 MMA, 2-1 BMMA).
Official Bellator 274 results include:
MAIN CARD (Showtime, 9 p.m. ET)
PRELIMINARY CARD (MMA Junkie, 6 p.m. ET)
Check out our staff members’ picks for the Bellator 274 main card in Connecticut, featuring Neiman Gracie vs. Logan Storley.
| Gracie vs. Storley |
Koreshkov vs. Rencountre |
Karakhanyan vs. Piccolotti |
Franklin vs. Sowma |
|
| MMA Junkie readers’ consensus picks 14-12 |
 Gracie (60%) |
 Koreshkov (82%) |
 Piccolotti (78%) |
 Franklin (61%) |
| John Morgan @MMAjunkieJohn 18-8  2021 Champion |
Gracie |
Koreshkov |
Piccolotti |
Franklin |
| George Garcia @MMAjunkieGeorge 17-9 |
Gracie |
Koreshkov |
 Karakhanyan |
Franklin |
| Farah Hannoun @Farah_Hannoun 16-10 |
Gracie |
Koreshkov |
Karakhanyan |
 Sowma |
| Ken Hathaway @kenshathaway 16-10 2018 Champion |
Gracie |
Koreshkov |
Karakhanyan |
Franklin |
| Danny Segura @dannyseguratv 16-10 |
 Storley |
 Rencountre |
Karakhanyan |
Franklin |
| Matt Erickson @MMAjunkieMatt 15-11 |
Storley |
Koreshkov |
Piccolotti |
Franklin |
| Nolan King @mma_kings 14-12 |
Gracie |
Koreshkov |
Karakhanyan |
Sowma |
| Matthew Wells @MrMWells 14-12 |
Gracie |
Koreshkov |
Karakhanyan |
Franklin |
| Mike Bohn @MikeBohnMMA 14-12 2014 Champion |
Gracie |
Koreshkov |
Piccolotti |
Franklin |
| Brian Garcia @thegoze 13-13 2017 Champion |
Gracie |
Koreshkov |
Karakhanyan |
Franklin |
| Simon Samano @SJSamano 13-13 |
Gracie |
Koreshkov |
Piccolotti |
Franklin |
| Abbey Subhan @kammakaze 11-15 |
Gracie |
Koreshkov |
Karakhanyan |
Franklin |
(Editor’s note: The fight between Brandon Bell and Brennan Ward was moved to the main card after our picks deadline and after this story published.)
Bellator is back in its regular Connecticut stomping grounds this week with a pair of welterweight contenders at the top of the lineup.
Bellator 274 takes place Saturday at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Conn. The main card airs on Showtime following prelims on MMA Junkie.
(Click here to open a PDF of the staff picks grid in a separate window.)
In the main event, Neiman Gracie (11-2 MMA, 9-2 BMMA) takes on Logan Storley (12-1 MMA, 7-1 BMMA). Gracie is a -170 favorite at Tipico; the comeback on Storley is +135. Our 12 editors, writers, radio hosts and videographers are backing Gracie at a big 10-2 clip.
In the co-feature, former welterweight champion Andrey Koreshkov (24-4 MMA, 14-4 BMMA) meets short-notice replacement Chance Rencountre (16-4 MMA, 2-1 BMMA). Koreshkov is more than a 3-1 favorite and a near-unanimous pick at 11-1.
Also on the main card, Georgi Karakhanyan (31-12-1 MMA, 9-10 BMMA) fights Adam Piccolotti (12-4 MMA, 8-4 BMMA) at lightweight. Piccolotti is the biggest favorite on the main card at -340, but it’s underdog Karakhanyan with an 8-4 advantage in the picks from our staff members.
And to open the main card, Davion Franklin (4-0 MMA, 4-0 BMMA) takes on Said Sowma (8-2 MMA, 2-1 BMMA) at heavyweight. Sowma is a 2-1 favorite at the betting window, but 10 of our 12 pickers are siding with Franklin.
In the MMA Junkie reader consensus picks, Gracie (60 percent), Koreshkov (82 percent), Piccolotti (78 percent) and Franklin (61 percent) are the choices.
Check out all the picks above.
MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom breaks down the main event for Bellator 274.
MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom breaks down the Bellator’s top bouts. Today, we look at the main event for Bellator 274 between Neiman Gracie and Logan Storley.
