A late submission got Adam Piccolotti back in the win column at Bellator 199 on Saturday.
A battle of the prospects kicked off the main card of Bellator 199 in San Jose, CA on Saturday night. Facing off in a must-see lightweight battle were the undefeated Carrington Banks, and Adam Piccolotti, who not too long ago was also undefeated. However, since going 9-0 to start his career, Piccolotti had dropped two straight, and was looking to get back on track against Banks. Banks, meanwhile, was looking to maintain his own undefeated record.
We spoke to Banks ahead of the fight, to get his take on the battle and whether he saw any similarities between himself and his opponent.
With the bout underway, Carrington showed he was more than willing to go to the ground with Piccolotti. He shot for both a double and a single, and stayed on his opponent. He eventually did land the takedown, only for Piccolotti to work his way back up. A throw, with Banks’ hands still clasped around Piccolotti’s waist, followed. Yet once again, Piccolotti was right back to his feet. Showing a well-rounded game, Banks later uncorked a crushing right hand, and another moments later, rocking his opponent and forcing Piccolotti to score a takedown of his own. He went straight to mount, with a minute to do damage. Eventually Piccolotti would take the back, and threaten with an arm-bar, only for Banks to roll free.
In the second, Adam Piccolotti had Banks on the outside, and was putting some serious pressure on his opponent. Piccolotti looked for a takedown against the cage, and finished it roughly ninety seconds in. Again, Piccolotti took the back, getting hooks in. He was looked to sneak an arm under the neck of Banks, but Banks fought it off.
Surprisingly, Banks made it to the third, where the pair put on a thrilling display of transitions. Both men had their moments but it was Piccolotti again getting the back of Carrington Banks at the midway mark of the round. It took a bit, but this time, Piccolotti was able to secure the choke, forcing the tap from Banks and getting back in the win column!
Adam Piccolotti def. Carrington Banks by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 3, 4:41
