Bellator 53 Recap

Ben Saunders defeated Luis Santos by Submission 1:45 3rd Round
My Prediction: Santos by Decision
My Rating: $$$
What Happened:  In the first it was Santos looking to get the fight to the ground but it was Saunders with his long legs that actually got Santos in a brief triangle choke attempt that Santo's escaped but still was trapped in an omoplata.  The omoplata was held for a few minutes until Saunders was able to transition again into a triangle attempt as time ran out.  The 2nd round was more of the same as Santos get trapped in a omoplata/triangle type hold for pretty much the entire round.  In the 3rd it was still Saunders showing that he has great Jiu Jitsu to go along with his Muay Thai but this time he was able to get top position and eventually into Santos's half guard where he locked in a kimura for the tap out finish.

Future matchups to make:  Saunders will now face Douglas Lima in the Welterweight tournament finals for the right to face the winner of the Ben Askren vs Jay Hieron bout.

Douglas Lima defeated Chris Lozano by TKO 3:14 2nd Round
My Prediction: Lima by TKO 2nd Round

My Rating: $$$

What Happened: In an entertaining stand up battle it was Lima who was landing more frequently with more power behind his strikes as he bloodied up Lozano's face in the first round.  In the 2nd it was more of the same as Lozano tried to push the pace but it was Lima would was very sharp with his head and foot movement.  Midway through the 2nd Lima threw a great right counter to Lozano that connected flush and put Lozano's lights out in impressive fashion.

Future matchups to make: Lima will now face Ben Saunders in the finals of the Welterweight tournament in what should be a pretty entertaining fight.

Ronnie Mann defeated Kenny Foster by Submission 3:51 1st Round

My Prediction: Mann by TKO 2nd Round
My Rating: $$1/2
What Happened: Foster the wrestler was looking to close the distance and avoid Mann's striking but the ground even spelled trouble for Foster.  As Mann set up some kicks Foster pushed forward for a takedown that was stuffed but it was Mann who ultimately pulled guard on Foster anyway and looked for a triangle choke.  Foster was able to defend the submission by stacking Mann up against the cage and eventually got passed Mann's guard and had his own guillotine choke attempt.  Mann defended well and the fight was brought back up to its feet.  Foster again looked for a takedown and was successful but Mann again was able to get the triangle choke attempt, this time though Mann got his hips in a good angle and forced Foster to tap.

Future matchups to make: Mann will now be a participant in the season 6 Featherweight tournament and could be an early favorite.

Thiago Santos defeated Josh Burns by Submission 2:23 1st Round
My Prediction: Santos by TKO 1st Round

My Rating: $1/2

What Happened: Santos was pretty much able to dominate from the start as Santos was able to get in close and drag Burns to the ground.  From there Burns was on his knees in the turtle position as Santos layed on top of him and threw some strikes.  Burns looked to grab a leg of Santos but that opened up his neck for the taking that Santos did gladly to get the rear naked choke victory without the hooks.

Future matchups to make: Santos plays the waiting game now as he waits for word on Mike Hayes's injury and his possible placement in the Heavyweight tournament.

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