What could have likely been the biggest fight in British MMA history was instead maybe the biggest MMA main event in Uncasville, CT history at Bellator 216 Saturday night.
Michael "Venom" Page has been brought along slowly but spectacularly over most of this decade before finally facing a longtime rival and toughest test to date in Paul Daley. Although the bout seemed a natural to headline a big show in the UK, Bellator's Scott Coker said they couldn't find a venue for it -- despite the company running a UK show last weekend.
Daley takes it to the ground. #Bellator216 pic.twitter.com/aNnycosiME
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) February 17, 2019
Daley, who once lectured Bellator about boring matchups while actually being outwrestled in the cage, threw no strikes in the first round. In the second round, Daley -- that same guy -- took the action to the ground. Finally towards the end of the third round, Daley used his takedown to open up some strikes. Round four saw MVP crack Daley, but end in top control. As the fight came down to the final round, Daley again went to the takedown. However, MVP was able to take Daleys back and throw some strikes to seemingly steal the round.
Boom goes the dynamite! #Bellator216 pic.twitter.com/oJLLS88CH4
— Bellator MMA (@BellatorMMA) February 17, 2019
That was so, as MVP capped off a lame weekend of fights with a lame duck main event.
The winner advances in the Bellator Welterweight Championship Grand Prix tournament to face Douglas Lima. On the other side of the bracket, Rory MacDonald will defend his Welterweight title against Jon Fitch, with the victor facing Nieman Gracie likely later this year.
You can see our Bellator 216 coverage at this link, and Bellator 215 coverage at this link. Our Bellator weekend recap can be viewed here, and we'll also review the weekend's shows on the Fightful MMA Podcast Tuesday at 2 PM EST.
