A title shot may or may not have been on the line in Bellator 276’s light heavyweight bout between Phil Davis and Julius Anglickas.
For Anglickas, almost certainly not, given it was his first fight back from a loss to champ Vadim Nemkov in the light heavyweight grand prix. A victory, however, would at least keep him in contention.
For Phil Davis? That was a different story, as the former champion never seemed to be far from the title hunt.
The first round of Davis vs. Anglickas played out primarily on the feet. The kickboxing battle that ensued favored Davis more often than not, and when the did clinch up, what might have been a takedown for Davis saw their strength essentially cancel each other out. Davis would get the fight to the ground and get on top late in the round, working to isolate an arm, but they’d head to the second.
More stand-up early in round two had Davis mixing up his attacks, going upstairs with a head kick attempt, and working his jab. Anglickas was mobile on the outside, bouncing and moving, until Davis scooped him up at the midway mark of the round and planted him on his back. Slick takedown, one that left Davis in side control. Despite plenty of top time from Phil, Anglickas made it out of the round — but was clearly losing the fight.
Round three was do or die — or more accurately do or lose a decision — for Julius Anglickas. He valiantly fought off an early Davis takedown attempt, but the follow-up saw Davis hoist Anglickas up and slam him down. With over three minutes left in the round, Davis had the fight, again, right where he wanted it. In half-guard, Davis landed a bit of ground n’ pound, then worked to isolate an arm, potentially with a kimura in mind. Anglickas would escape, only to be taken down again at the end of the third, Davis putting his stamp on the fight — which was a clear win for “Mr. Wonderful.”
Official Result: Phil Davis def. Julius Anglickas by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
