During the big Bellator 222 show over the weekend, the promotion announced it was giving Mitrione vs. Kharitonov a second go.
When Matt Mitrione met Sergei Kharitonov for the first time at Bellator 215 in February, it was a highly anticipated heavyweight clash. Mitrione had been bounced from the heavyweight grand prix by Ryan Bader, but was still one of the biggest names in the division. Kharitonov, meanwhile, was coming off a knockout of Roy ‘Big Country’ Nelson, essentially a mythical feat in MMA.
The fight didn’t last long. And it didn’t end the way anyone expected. A thunderous knockout was anticipated. Instead, fans were treated to the sight of Kharitonov being kicked in the crotch. Then falling to the canvas, an expression of sheer agony plastered across his face.
The low blow was unintentional, but Kharitonov (28–6 (2)) could not continue. The fight was ruled a No Contest, ending after all of fifteen seconds. Mitrione (13–6 (1)) said immediately after the fight that he was open to running it back.
That’s just what Bellator intends to do, they announced during Bellator 222. Mitrione vs. Kharitonov 2 will take place August 24 at the Webster Bank Arena in Bridgeport, Connecticut. No other fights were announced for the card, which does not yet have a number.
