On Saturday night, Phil Davis burst onto the Bellator landscape in amazing fashion. Davis, who left the UFC after a mildly successful stint earlier this year, looked revitalized in his new home, scoring two first round finishes over veteran opponents in Emanuel Newton and Francis Carmont.
Bellator Light Heavyweight final
Official results: Phil Davis defeats Francis Carmont by KO (punch) R1 2:15
What was the high point of the fight?
Phil Davis earned his spot in the finals by submitting Emanuel Newton in the first round. “Mr. Wonderful” faced Francis Carmont, who came into the finals as an alternate, replacing King Mo Lawal, who injured his ribs in his semi-final victory against Linton Vassell. The high point of the fight was the shocking finish. For the first time in 6 years, Phil Davis scored a knockout and he did so with a powerful leaping left hook.
Where do these two go from here?
Phil Davis has a shot at the 205lb title coming up in the near future against Liam McGeary. Stylistically speaking, Davis matches up really well with McGeary and has a legitimate chance of dethroning the champion. Thus far, Davis’ decision to leave the UFC seems fruitful. Davis has put together two impressive finishes in one night and immediately made himself one of the most recognised faces in the promotion. A victory over McGeary could potentially push Davis into the limelight as Bellator’s star.
It was a night of mixed fortune for Francis Carmont. In his alternate bout early in the night he looked very solid, but Davis caught him cold in the finals. The best fight to make for him now is a fight with King Mo, the man he replaced in the finals.
Watch now, later, or never?
Watch now. This was a quick and vicious finish.
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