TUF 27 cast member Richie Smullen got back in the win column on Saturday at Bellator 217.
Former Ultimate Fighter competitor Richie Smullen kicked off the Bellator 217 main card in Dublin, Ireland. Smullen was defeated by ‘Violent Bob Ross’ Luis Pena at the TUF 27 Finale, and wound up jumping the Bellator when the UFC neglected to invite him back for another fight. End result, he made his promotional debut for Scott Coker’s organization in Dublin, taking on Adam Gustab.
Plenty of stand-up action came early in the main card opener, but within the first minute, Richie Smullen had takedown and put Gustab on his back. That allowed Smullen to work where he was most comfortable, staying in dominant position on top. Gustab would slowly work his way back to the fence, but as he tried to wall-walk up, Smullen was able to get a hook in, and drag him away from safety. From there, the SBG Ireland fighter controlled the back, though Gustab would make it up.
Only to be thrown back down again, much to the approval of the crowd in Dublin. This time in side control, Smullen looked for the arm triangle choke briefly, but Gustab would survive the first round.
Round two saw Adam Gustab on the outside, as Smullen moved in for a takedown. Gustab would circle out and work in a bit of standup, before Smullen tied him up, utilizing double underhooks by the cage before once again taking Gustab down. From there, some knees to the body, and once again, total control on top.
Gustab’s jab was hitting home early in the third, but Smullen was able to fire back. And once again, it wasn’t long before he had the fight to the ground. This time, he worked on a rear-naked choke, when that didn’t happen, he was able to make it to mount. He’d end up searching for submissions, but they would go the distance, with Smullen winning a clear cut decision.
Richie Smullen def. Adam Gustab by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-26)
