On Saturday, Bellator MMA had planned to crown an inaugural men’s flyweight champion in a highly anticipated bout between Kyoji Horiguchi and Makoto Shinryu. However, the fight was abruptly stopped after just 25 seconds due to an accidental eye poke, resulting in a no contest. This unfortunate turn of events left the title vacant and left fans and fighters disappointed.
The title bout was meant to be the co-main event of Bellator’s co-promotion with Rizin Fighting Federation, taking place at the impressive 36,000-seat Saitama Super Arena just outside of Tokyo. With two of Japan’s biggest star fighters in the ring, anticipation was high for a thrilling match. However, it ended prematurely when Horiguchi’s fingers accidentally poked Makoto in the eye.
The Impact of an Eye Poke
As a result of the eye poke, the fight was halted, and a doctor was brought into the cage to assess Makoto’s condition. The delay lasted five minutes before referee Jason Herzog made the decision to wave off the bout. This ruling left many questions unanswered, including whether Horiguchi and Makoto would have the opportunity to fight for the title again and when such a bout would take place.
For Horiguchi, this was his second chance at capturing the gold in the 125-pound division. His previous attempt in 2015 to challenge then-UFC champion Demetrious Johnson for the belt was unsuccessful. This time around, Horiguchi, a former bantamweight champion in Bellator, aimed to join the elite few who have won titles in multiple divisions in the promotion. Unfortunately, the eye poke prevented him from realizing this goal.
The Main Event and Success for Freire
In the main event of the evening, former Bellator lightweight champion Patricio “Pitbull” Freire emerged victorious against Rizin lightweight titlist Roberto de Souza. Freire’s win came by way of a third-round TKO in a quarterfinal of the Bellator Lightweight World Grand Prix. De Souza, a late replacement for AJ McKee, put up a valiant effort but was ultimately unable to overcome Freire’s dominance.
A Note of Disappointment
While Freire’s victory showcased his skills and solidified his position in the tournament, it was overshadowed by the disappointing end to the flyweight title bout. MMA fans and the fighters themselves were all hoping for a memorable championship fight, but instead, they were left wanting. The unexpected ending serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the sport and the need for fighters to adapt and persevere in the face of adversity.
Despite the setbacks and disappointment, both organizations will regroup and look to deliver future fights that will captivate the audience and fulfill their expectations. The world of MMA is filled with highs and lows, and it is in these moments of disappointment that the true spirit of the sport shines through – the resilience and determination to overcome setbacks and continue striving for greatness.
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