WATCH: Fedor Emelianenko vs. Matt Mitrione Ends in Round One

Fedor Emelianenko took on Matt Mitrione in New York City last night, and it was NUTS…

Former Pride FC heavyweight king Fedor Emelianenko returned to the United States last night. Taking on UFC veteran Matt Mitrione, Fedor hoped to redeem himself after his last three fights in the USA didn’t go his way.

Facing a younger ‘Meat Head’ at Bellator 180 was never going to be easy. Having fought for nearly 18 years in combat sports, the 40-yer old Emelianenko had a big hill to climb. Mitrione, albeit just two years younger, was the best competition he’d faced in years.

As soon as they engaged, the fireworks started, and the fight very nearly ended with a double knockout.

Mitrione KO’s Fedor

Taking to the legend, Mitrione landed a sweet shot, but he caught one to the chin at the very same time. Both men went down, but it was the UFC veteran who was able to gather himself quicker.

Clamouring to top position, Mitrione rained down punishment for a harrowing first round knockout. The referee stepped in as a dazed and finished Fedor couldn’t take any more blows.

Watch the fight video below:

Sonnen vs. Silva

Meanwhile, in the main event of the evening, Chael Sonnen and Wanderlei Silva finally settled their feud. Unfortunately for the fans, it was nothing near the thrilling slugfest we’d hoped.

Apparently ‘The Axe Murderer’ forgot that Sonnen is a wrestler, and so he spent a lot of time on the ground being punched.

Grinding his way to a decision victory, ‘The American Gangster’ took to Twitter post-fight:

Still UNDEFEATED

— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) June 25, 2017

TITO?
Tito’s just a fat guy in a cheap suit screaming from a seat he can’t afford.
He quit the sport
He’s NOT RELEVANT

— Chael Sonnen (@ChaelSonnen) June 25, 2017

Thoughts

Although his first loss in many years, Fedor getting KO’d by Mitrione was hard to watch. Unless he plans on taking some easy/fun fights, he should arguably hang up the gloves. Many years have past since his prime, and it’s tough to watch a legend go on for too long.

Aaron Pico fought on the card too, and was unceremoniously upset by Zach Freeman. Brent Primus managed to get the better of former lightweight champion Michael Chandler too.

Bellator 180 NYC Main Card

Chael Sonnen def. Wanderlei Silva, unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)

Neiman Gracie def. Dave Marfone, submission (Round 2, 2:27)

Matt Mitrione def. Fedor Emelianenko, knockout (Round 1, 1:14)

Brent Primus def. Michael Chandler, TKO (Round 1, 2:22)

Zach Freeman def. Aaron Pico, submission (Round 1, 0:24)

Douglas Lima def. Lorenz Larkin, unanimous decision (50-45, 48-47, 48-47)

Bellator 180 on Spike TV

Ryan Bader def. Phil Davis, split decision (49-46, 47-48, 49-46)

James Gallagher def. Chinzo Machida, submission (Round 1, 2:22)

Heather Hardy def. Alice Yauger, TKO (Round 1, 4:47)