A stunning series of elbows by Costello van Steenis ended Mike Shipman’s night early at Bellator 223 in London, England on Saturday.
Mike Shipman returned to action at Bellator 223 on Saturday in London, taking on Costello Van Steenis.Van Steenis, a training partner of Gegard Mousasi, was born in the Netherlands, but spent two decades in Spain. A striking expert, the key was going to be whether Shipman could execute his gameplan, and win on the grappling side. Shipman had been expected to fight earlier in the year at Bellator 218, but was forced out due to injury.
The fight started out with grappling in mind. Shipman employed his grappling game early, taking his opponent down as soon as possible. Van Steenis, however, made it right back to his feet. The pair would then battle it out on the feet, until Van Steenis managed to get in control on top late in the frame. He landed some heavy elbows from there, and they’d head to the second.
In the second, Costello Van Steenis made a statement. Back to the fence, in the clinch, Van Steenis landed a pair of crushing elbows. The first had Mike Shipman stunned. The second sent him crashing back. Van Steenis pounced, just unloading with follow-up punches that sent Shipman’s mouth guard flying. The ref dove in for the save, and
Costello Van Steenis def. Mike Shipman by knockout, Round 2, 1:34
