For the second time in history, the sport of mixed martial arts is being contested in the historic Madison Square Garden in New York City.
On Saturday, Bellator MMA hosted one of their most stacked cards in the history of the promotion.
During the Bellator 180 prelims, Ryan Couture, the son of MMA legend Randy Couture, fought in a welterweight matchup against Haim Gozali.
Couture landed a strong leg kick to start the fight. Both fighters traded kicks until Couture landed a takedown. Couture allowed Gozali to get to his feet. Couture then fought Gozali up against the cage. The round ended with Couture landing strikes against the cage. Gozali accidentally landed a punch after the bell.
The second round started with both fighters trading kicks. Couture engaged a clinch. Gozali then pulled guard. Gozali went for a kneebar. Couture escaped and landed a takedown. Couture later allowed his opponent to get to his feet. Gozali wasn’t able to create offense before Couture got his back up against the cage to finish the round.
Both fighters traded blows to start the third round. Gozali tried to push Couture up against the fence but Couture immediately reversed the position. Couture landed a takedown, but let his opponent get back up. Gozali continued to fall to his back, but Couture would force him to stand up. Couture landed a clean knee to Gozali’s head that stunned him. Couture landed another takedown, but this time, he landed ground-and-pound shots to finish the fight.
Official Result:
Ryan Couture def. Haim Gozali by unanimous decision (30-26, 30-27, 30-27)
