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| Vadim Nemkov and Corey Anderson are expected to have a rematch after their bout was ruled a no contest. (Photo by= Lucas Noonan) |
[Asia News = Reporter Reakkana] Brazil's Patricio Pitbull continued his perfect record in rematches as he handed AJ McKee his first career loss at Bellator 277 to capture the featherweight title for a third time. But in the rematch at the SAP Center in San Jose, Pitbull, 34, edged a highly-competitive bout, with the three cage-side judges scoring the fight 49-46, 48-47, 48-47 in favor of the Brazilian, who registered the 33rd win - and the sixth rematch victory - of his career, BBC Sports reported.
The bout started in cagey fashion, with McKee, 27, looking to score from distance and Pitbull looking to catch the American on his way in. But Pitbull started to find a home for his shots in the second round and landed a pair of eye-catching body shots toward the end of the round before returning to the corner with his hand raised. The pair met in the final of the $1m Bellator light-heavyweight grand Prix, with Nemkov's undisputed title also on the line. But, after an unfortunate incident, both men left the octagon disappointed.
In the main card opener, English contender Linton "Big Swarm" Vassell edged one step closer to a shot at the Bellator heavyweight title with a come-from-behind TKO of former interim title challenger Tim Johnson.
