The inaugural Bellator: Dynamite show concluded with a championship main event between a top LHW prospect and a legend of the sport. Undefeated Liam McGeary entered the cage as the light heavyweight titleholder, while Ortiz was looking for another title to add to his storied carer.
It was a feeling out moment for both men in the opening 50 seconds. First takedown by Ortiz was counted with a guillotine attempt by McGeary, but it wasn’t locked in at all. Chants of “Tito, Tito” populated the SAP Arena in San Jose. Ortiz kept a heavy base and prevented McGeary from working his crafty guard. Strong left hands on the ground by Ortiz on the champion. McGeary attempted an omoplata which Ortiz slipped out of easily and then scrambled to side mount. An armbar by McGeary was denied by Ortiz, but not the inverted triangle, which forced an insta-tap by the UFC HOFer. Ortiz cursed knowing what happened.
Official Result: Liam McGeary def. Tito Ortiz via submission (inverted triangle) at 4:41 of round 1
Ortiz wrapped the belt around McGeary and shook his hand. McGeary remains unbeaten and becomes the first man to submit Tito Ortiz since he tapped to strikes vs. Frank Shamrock in 1999. His only other submission loss was in 1997 via guillotine choke to Guy Mezger.
McGeary will face Phil Davis in his next title defense.
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