
For the Bellator MMA vs. RIZIN FF co-main event we got a champion vs. champion matchup that ended with Bellator’s current 145-pound champion, Patricio Pitbull, winning a unanimous nod over RIZIN’s featherweight king, Kleber Koike Erbst. Pitbull victory put Bellator MMA up 4-0 against RIZIN FF.
Koike jumped guard early in the first round, but Pitbull was able to quickly escape into open space. Pitbull then backed Koike into a corner, dismissing whatever volume was coming his way to deliver his ferocious punches. Pitbull did a fantastic job of preventing Koike from getting the fight into his world.
The second round saw more pressure from Pitbull, but not a lot of volume out of him. Koike was still throwing meaningless volume, but the best shots came when Pitbull actually decided to throw. Those blows of course came in the final 30-seconds of the round. The final round saw Koike finally get his takedown, and finally get to spend some time fighting on the ground. Pitbull showed off his grappling prowess by shutting down everything Koike had to offer.
Check out our description of the opening round of Patricio Pitbull vs. Kleber Koike Erbst:
Rd.1-
Koike pulled guard early in the opening round, but Pitbull was savvy enough to find some quick seperation. Pitbull backed Koike into a corner behind his firepower, forcing desperation takedown/guard pull attempts. This match quickly devolved into a Figh-Q test for Pitbull. Koike didn’t seem to be much of a threat on the feet, so as long as Pitbull could avoid the grappling exchanges he was able to be in complete control.
Patricio Pitbull Freire def. Kleber Koike Erbst by unanimous decision: Featherweight
Stand up, Kleber
Full Replay at 8pm ET/PT on @SHOSports#RIZINvsBellator#BellatorvsRIZIN#RIZIN40 pic.twitter.com/K4puEprCNn
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) December 31, 2022
Both men looking to draw first blood!
Full Replay at 8pm ET/PT on @SHOSports#RIZINvsBellator#BellatorvsRIZIN#RIZIN40 pic.twitter.com/OoPfUnfdsx
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) December 31, 2022
Using his reach advantage EVERYWHERE. @KoikeKleber
[ #RIZIN40 | #RIZINvsBellator ] pic.twitter.com/d03SYPRpVP
— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) December 31, 2022
Goin’ for a ride!
An entertaining end to round 1⃣❗️
[ #RIZIN40 | #RIZINvsBellator ] pic.twitter.com/yfAZoAbQhZ
— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) December 31, 2022
The two Champions touch ’em up ad we are underway!
[ #RIZIN40 | #RIZINvsBellator ] pic.twitter.com/9BYVagZf4r
— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) December 31, 2022
…@KoikeKleber
@PatricioPitbull ️ ️[ #RIZIN40 | #RIZINvsBellator ] pic.twitter.com/XvRCyCjXXQ
— RIZIN FF English (@rizin_English) December 31, 2022
, !@PatricioPitbull ready to represent
Full Replay at 8pm ET/PT on @SHOSports#RIZINvsBellator#BellatorvsRIZIN#RIZIN40 pic.twitter.com/iwL24yE3GA
— BellatorMMA (@BellatorMMA) December 31, 2022
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