Former two-time Bellator featherweight champion Pat Curran returned to action at Bellator 184 on Friday. His first fight in over a year, Curran faced off against the durable John Teixeira (otherwise known as John Macapa) at the event, which took place at the WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, Oklahoma.
Curran originally appeared in Bellator’s season two lightweight tournament, starting back at Bellator 14 in 2010. He would go on to win the tournament, then lose his title shot against Eddie Alvarez at Bellator 39 in 2011. Later that year, he won the promotion’s Summer featherweight tournament, and defeated Joe Warren to capture his first title the following year at Bellator 60. Curran would go on to defend the title twice, drop the belt to Daniel Mason-Straus, then win it back in a rematch only to lose it again in his very next fight to Patricio Pitbull.
John Teixeira, meanwhile, came into Bellator 184 at 4-1 in the promotion overall. “Macapa” was looking to bounce back from a loss to Daniel Weichel in April.
How did the bout play out?
John Macapa went on the offensive early, with Pat Curran slipping the opening punch. Teixeira would continue pressing forward, with Curran looking to counter. Macapa continued to back him up against the fence, as Curran circled away. The former champ would go over Teixeira’s head with a high kick, and had some trouble landing early. On the opposite side, Macapa managed to open up a cut over Curran’s right eye, and found a home for his leg kicks when he chose to throw them. However, Curran would manage to connect with a stiff right as Teixeira moved in, wobbling him. A second, similar shot hurt Teixeira again, but Curran sat back rather than going on the attack. Those two strikes, however, saw John Macapa bloodied and taking a more defensive approach, at least momentarily. Toward the end of the round, Curran seemed to have his range; Teixeira missed a jumping knee, while Curran answered a leg kick with another hard right hand.
Round two saw Teixeira again go on the offensive early, launching a high kick then a leg kick moments later, but Curran, who utilized a lead uppercut, would answer back with a combination. Teixeira would then press for a takedown against the cage, but Curran was able to successfully defend it. Teixeira was able to land a number of leg kicks, with Curran’s lead leg soon showing damage. Those kicks to the lead leg were coming from both sides, and soon Curran had had enough, and shot for and secured a takedown. John Macapa, however, did not stay down for long, and back on the feet went right back to chopping Curran’s lead leg.
Going to the third, there was a definitely feeling that this was anyone’s fight. Curran would shoot early, turn the corner and take the back of John Teixeira, then finish the takedown along the fence. Macapa didn’t stay down long, however, but a single leg brought him back to the canvass. The first half of the round was summed up by Curran taking his opponent down, but not being able to keep him there. Still, he was controlling the fight in a round that was likely to determine the winner. They would slow a step until the final ten seconds, and it was up to the judges to sort things out.
Pat Curran def. John Teixeira by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-26)
