Bellator 292 was the real night for Linton Vassell, who got revenge – and a title shot.
On Friday, Vassell (23-8 MMA, 11-5 BMMA) knocked out Bellator title challenger Valentin Moldavsky (11-2 MMA, 6-1 BMMA) with big elbows. The heavyweight was part of the main card of the event at the SAP Center in San Jose, California.
The finishing sequence started with a right hand from Vassell, which jumped on Moldavsky, defending Fedor Emelianenko. Moldavsky was unable to recover as Vassell poured in heavy strikes. A series of bludgeoning elbows by Vassell from Mount Moldavsky knocked him out cold.
After the bout was over, Bellator confirmed on the broadcast and during the in-cage decision read that Vassell was next in line for Bellator heavyweight champion Ryan Bader. No date or location for that event has been announced.
Vassell has won five in a row with four finishes. He is 5-1 since moving up from light heavyweight in 2019. His only heavyweight loss came in his regional debut – against Moldavsky by unanimous decision.
The loss marked the first time Moldavsky has been finished in his professional career. He is 0-2 without a contest in his last three outings.
Bellator 292 latest results include:
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Linton Vasell def. Valentin Moldavsky via knockout (elbows) – Round
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Michael Page def. Goiti Yamauchi via KO (leg kick) – Round 1, 0:26.
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Enrique Barzola def. Erik Perez via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
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Josh Hill def. Cass Bell via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
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Khalid Murtazaliev defended. Tony Johnson via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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Dovletzhan Yagshimuradov of charge. Julius Anglickas via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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Anderson def. Rogelio Luna via submission (reverse choke) – Round 1, 2; 41.
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Theo Haig def. Adam Wamsley via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 3:01.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for Bellator 292.
Story first appeared on MMA Junkie
