Bellator 292 kicked off their Lightweight Grand Prix and the excitement and buzz around the new tournament had San Jose, California on fire Friday night knowing they were in for something special. What the San Jose fans weren’t ready for were two perfectly timed kicks that sent shockwaves throughout the MMA community.
The MVP Kick Heard Around the World
This highly anticipated welterweight scrap between Goiti Yamauchi and the Bellator MMA highlight reel machine Michael “Venom” Page was a well-discussed match-up leading up to Bellator 292. It truly is unfortunate that it only lasted twenty-six seconds of the very first round. Michael “Venom” Page threw a low kick that detonated the kneecap of Goiti Yamauchi, reminding the world that MVP is back more violent than ever, as even the sound the kick made when it landed was haunting as it echoed throughout the arena. Even though MVP got the win early and had added another highlight to his Bellator MMA resume, he took time after the fight to show compassion toward Goiti Yamauchi as he has so much respect for his fellow combatant.
What is next for MVP? This finish could potentially boost his momentum of getting a crack at the welterweight title that currently is held by Yaroslav Amosov, who looked to be on a whole different level of fighting after his dominant performance over Logan Storley at Bellator 291.
Michael Page def. Goiti Yamauchi via TKO (injury) at 0:26 of Round 1.
Usman Nurmagomedov Retires Benson Henderson
Before the fight between Usman Nurmagomedov and Benson Henderson could go any longer, Usman landed a perfectly timed question mark kick inside the first minute of the very first round. Once Usman saw that Benson Henderson was injured he rushed in and attacked; Henderson defended the best he could as it was unknown how rocked he was. Before Henderson could collect his wits, Usman continued to apply ground-and-pound strikes followed up submission attempts while looking for a first-round finish. Sure, the early kick from Usman was not a fight-ending walk-off strike, but it did enough damage to set up the submission victory for Usman Nurmagomedov. Usman will now wait to see who his next opponent will be in the tourney as Brent Primus is to face Mansour Barnaoui on Friday, May 12, 2023, at Bellator 296.
Usman Nurmagomedov def. Benson Henderson via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:37 of Round 1.
Both kicks from both Usman Nurmagomedov and Michael Page played a different role in their victories, but one thing is for sure – it solidified that kicks are just as devastating as well-placed punches and can alter a fight in just seconds.
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