The co-main event of Bellator’s signature event feature an interim Light Heavyweight title fight between Muhammed Lawal and Emanuel Newton. With standing champ Attila Vegh out due to injury, Lawal got the chance to avenge the KO loss from his Bellator debut.
The rematch was a clear battle of striker vs. grappler. From the opening round, Mo looked to force the fight to the ground. He scored numerous takedowns throughout the fight, but was never able to control Newton on the ground. After the first two rounds, Newtown was more able to keep the fight standing. He was more active on the feet but launched heavily telegraphed spinning kicks far too often. Mo found a couple opportunities on Newton’s missed strikes to close the distance and hit combos or takedowns. In the end, it wasn’t enough for Mo, and he lost the unanimous decision.
Emanuel Newton defeats Mohammed Lawal by unanimous decidions (49-46 x 3)