Ranked heavyweights Said Sowma and Davion Franklin faced off on the Bellator 274 main card in Uncasville, CT on Saturday.
Ahead of the fight, Sowma had admitted to being “a little salty” about Franklin being ranked just ahead of him in the weight class. He’d have the chance to vent his frustrations as the fight opened up the main card — but Franklin would have the final word.
It was Davion Franklin on the attack early on Saturday. He backed Sowma up along the cage, firing a side kick as Sowma circled out of harm’s way. When Franklin closed the distance, he was throwing heavy leather, firing an big overhand right. Sowma was showing plenty of respect to that power, but did answer back with a right hand and a kick — the latter nearly caught. By the end of the round, Sowma was able to tie up his opponent against the cage.
Franklin once again came out swinging for the fences to start round two. Even his kicks seemed to have everything behind them. Sowma ate a jab that backed him up, an apt demonstration of the power Franklin possessed. They’d really open up as the round progressed, trading kicks, one of which Sowma caught — enabling him to throw a punch over top, which Franklin ate. Sowma then moved the fight to the fence, tying things up, but they wouldn’t stay there long, and later in the round, Franklin tagged Sowma. That created an opening, with Franklin moving in for the kill, but Sowma tied things up again.
Sowma would catch Franklin early in the third, but Franklin answered back. Franklin appeared to have slowed a step in the final round, but his power was still a threat. If there was a path to victory for Sowma, it was winning the small battles, and grinding away on the powerhouse Franklin. But at the end of the round, it was Franklin landing on top for a takedown, and throughout the fight, his power was a constant factor. It likely proved to be the deciding factor as well.
Awarded a split decision, Franklin maintains his perfect record, improving to 5-0. After the bout, he called for a fight with Linton Vassell this summer.
Official Result: Davion Franklin def. Said Sowma by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)
