Phil Davis (17-3) put on a wrestling clinic on route to dethroning former champion Liam McGeary (11-1) and claim the light heavyweight title at Bellator 163 in the early hour of Saturday morning.
As has been the case plenty of times throughout Davis’ illustrious career, his wrestling pedigree was the deciding factor in this encounter as the 32-year old nullified the world-class jiu-jitsu of the Renzo Gracie-trained former champion. For nearly 25-minutes, “Mr. Wonderful” maintained top pressure on the New York-native, frustrating McGeary and putting him into desperation mode in the fifth and final round. McGeary fought valiantly to both stop and submit the longtime Alliance MMA-product, but in the end, Davis took home the unanimous decision with scorecards of 50-43, 50-45, 50-44.
McGeary, who suffered the first loss of his young career, was humble in defeat, admitting that while Davis was the better man throughout their main event fight, he will be back to reclaim what he feels is rightfully his.
Returning home to Southern California with a new belt in tow, Davis now sets his sights on his pregnant wife, who is due to give birth to his second son on Monday.
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Balloter 163 Preliminary Card Results
Ed Ruth def. Dustin Collins-Miles via TKO (punches) at 3:19 of round one
Tyrell Fortune def. Cody Miskell via TKO (punches) at 2:22 of round one
Tim Caron def. Steve Skrzat via TKO at 1:22 of round one
Hannah Regina def. Sarah Payant via submission (arm bar) at 4:51 of round one
Tim Caron def. Steve Skrzat via TKO at 1:22 of round two
Blair Tugman def. Walter Smith-Cotito via unanimous decision (29-28)
Christopher Foster def. Thomas English via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Tyler King def. Josh Diekmann via submission (RNC) at 1:39 of round two
Carlos Corriea def. Ilya Kotau via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)
Vinicius De Jesus def. James Boran via submission (RNC) at 1:55 of round 2