Background of the Fighters
Bellator 274: Nelson vs. Cro Cop was a highly anticipated event in the world of mixed martial arts. The fight took place on December 15, 2017, at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, USA. The main event of the evening was a lightweight championship fight between Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler and Patricky Freire. However, the co-main event, featuring Bellator welterweight champion Paul Daley against Andrey Koreshkov, was equally captivating. But the real highlight of the night was the battle between Bellator welterweight contender Bellator Nelson and former K-1 Grand Prix champion Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic.
Michael “Bellator Nelson” Nelson
Michael Nelson, known as Bellator Nelson, is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the welterweight division. Born on July 24, 1986, in San Diego, California, Nelson has been a prominent figure in the Bellator organization since his debut in 2011. With a professional record of 22 wins and 6 losses, Nelson has showcased his versatility and skill in various martial arts disciplines, including Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and striking.
Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic
Mirko Filipovic, also known as Cro Cop, is a Croatian mixed martial artist and former K-1 Grand Prix champion. Born on May 17, 1976, in Osijek, Croatia, Cro Cop is widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweight strikers in the history of mixed martial arts. With a professional record of 25 wins and 5 losses, Cro Cop has faced some of the most formidable opponents in the sport, including Fedor Emelianenko, Alistair Overeem, and Mark Hunt.
The Build-Up to the Fight
The lead-up to the Nelson vs. Cro Cop fight was filled with hype and anticipation. Both fighters had impressive resumes, and the matchup promised to be a classic battle of striking prowess. Nelson, known for his boxing skills and knockout power, faced a formidable opponent in Cro Cop, who had a reputation for his lethal kicks and knockout ability.
The Fight
The fight began with a bang, as both fighters exchanged punches in the opening round. Nelson, showcasing his boxing skills, landed a series of powerful shots that had Cro Cop on the defensive. However, Cro Cop managed to land a few solid kicks that had Nelson reeling. The round ended with both fighters showing their striking prowess, but it was Nelson who seemed to have the edge.
In the second round, Nelson continued to pressure Cro Cop, landing a series of punches and kicks. However, Cro Cop was able to counter with a powerful knee that had Nelson wobbled. Despite the knockdown, Nelson managed to recover and continued to pressure his opponent. The round ended with both fighters showing their heart and determination.
The third round was a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters exchanging punches and kicks. Nelson landed a series of powerful shots that had Cro Cop on the defensive, but Cro Cop was able to counter with a knee that had Nelson wobbled again. However, Nelson managed to recover and landed a series of punches that had Cro Cop on the brink of defeat. The round ended with both fighters showing their resilience and determination.
The Verdict
After three grueling rounds, the judges scored the fight 29-28, 29-28, and 29-28 in favor of Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic. The decision was met with mixed reactions from fans and critics, with some feeling that Nelson had done enough to win the fight. However, Cro Cop’s experience and ability to absorb punishment were evident throughout the fight.
Legacy of the Fight
The Nelson vs. Cro Cop fight will be remembered as one of the greatest battles in Bellator history. Both fighters showcased their skill, heart, and determination, providing fans with a memorable night of mixed martial arts. The fight highlighted the importance of experience and resilience in the sport, as well as the ever-evolving nature of martial arts.
| Round | Michael “Bellator Nelson” Nelson | Mirko “Cro Cop” Filipovic |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Strong boxing skills, landed several punches and kicks | Counter-kicks, landed a knee that had Nelson wobbled |