The Bellator MMA Bantamweight Grand Prix continued Friday night, with the first of two semifinals at Bellator 289 featuring Patchy Mix and Magomed Magomedov.
Mix had earned himself a decision win over ex-Bellator and RIZIN FF 135lb champion Kyoji Horiguchi to advance to the semifinals, while Magomedov submitted Ultimate Fighter Latin America 2 winner Enrique Barzola.
The early-going of Mix vs. Magomedov played out on the feet, with Mix using his jab and kicks to keep his opponent at range. Mix had the height and reach advantage, and used it well. About midway through the round, Magomedov finally changed levels and secured a takedown, but that led to Mix wrapping up a guillotine! The choke was in tight, and Mix rolled with it, ending up on top. At that point, Magomedov managed to pull free, but he’d lost the dominant position.
Instead, Mix looked for another choke, only for Magomedov to finally escape out. They reset at center, Mix again walking his opponent down. Come the end of the frame, Mix appeared to have the edge, an easy 10-9.
Round two saw an upkick in leg kicks from Magomedov, while Mix connected to the body with a front kick. Much of the first half played out similiar to the round one, though Mix would land a decent knee in the clinch. One again, Magomedov shot for a takedown around the midway mark. And once again, Mix caught him in a choke — and this time, there was no mistake. Magomedov went to sleep care of the guillotine, and Mix was set for the grand prix finale next year.
As to who that tournament final will come against, the night’s main event would give the answer. In that, Raufeon Stots was set to take on Danny Sabatello.
Official Result: Patchy Mix def. Magomed Magomedov by technical submission (guillotine choke), Round 2, 2:39
