Yaroslav Amosov pulled off a first at Bellator 225, becoming the only person to have submitted Caveman Rickels in his professional career.
Bellator OG David Rickels returned to action Saturday night at Bellator 225 in Connecticut, with a dangerous assignment: Yaroslav Amosov. While ‘Caveman’ Rickels is one of the most entertaining fighters in the promotion (both in the cage, and outside it), Amosov entered Bellator 225 as an undefeated 21-0 juggernaut. Hard to call him a prospect, after 21 victories, but he was certainly a fighter to watch. The bout took place at a 175lb catchweight, the highest Rickels had fought at in his career.
Rickels entered the night on a two fight win streak, most recently having knocked out A.J. Matthews at Bellator 219 in March. He entered the arena, meanwhile, to Haddaway‘s What Is Love, performing a little homage to Genki Sudo.
👊 @TheCaveman316 is in the house and delivers yet another memorable walkout experience at #Bellator225.
Here’s how to watch tonight’s main card. 👇
📺 🇺🇸 @ParamountNet 📺 🇬🇧 @SkySports
🇺🇸📲 @DAZN_USA pic.twitter.com/xFP2BYbZGl— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) August 25, 2019
When the action kicked off, however, it was Amosov putting on a show early, connecting with a number of punches and kicks before changing levels and taking the fight down. Perhaps surprising, given the success he was finding with his left hand. However, his wrestling was equally solid. He went to work in Rickel’s closed guard, landing shots to the body while Rickels fought off his back with short punches and open-palm strikes.
While Rickels worked his way back to the cage, he was bloodied, and Amosov began adding some nasty elbows. He’d eaten up a lot of time on top, before Rickels finally stood up with a minute remaining — only to be dumped right back down. When he finally freed himself, he’d feign a jump knee, and they’d head to the second with Amosov in the driver’s seat.
Round two saw Amosov again put Caveman on his back after an early clash of kicks and elbows. Once again, Rickels worked from a closed guard, throwing elbows from the bottom. At least initially, it was Rickels doing more damage, despite being on his back. Amosov would work to half-guard and try for side control, but Rickels forced him back into guard. However, Amosov would set him up for a D’arce choke, and Rickels was trapped. He had no choice but to submit, marking the first time Caveman had been submitted in his lengthy career.
Yaroslav Amosov def. David Rickels by submission (D’arce Choke), Round 2, 4:05
