Despite the highly anticipated Bellator debut of Fedor Emelianenko being canceled due to his opponent, Matt Mitrione, becoming ill just hours before the fight was scheduled to happen, Bellator still produced a night filled with intriguing matchups.
Bellator 172 took place Saturday at the SAP Center in San Jose, California. With the original main event canceled, a preliminary fight between middleweights Francisco France and Anatoly Tokov, who is a protege of Emelianenko, was moved up to the main card.
France was the first to throw a kick to start off the fight, but he did not land. With neither fighter landing much offense, Tokov secured a clinch and put France up against the fence. After struggling for a bit, Tokov land a takedown and secured side control. France then moved the fight into his guard. France went for an armbar, but Tokov escaped and landed some ground-and-pound. Tokov was overzealous and France changed the position into an armbar attempt. France then went for a triangle, but Tokov escaped and got to his feet. On their feet, France quickly secured a clinch and ended the fight holding Tokov up against the cage.
France shot for a takedown early in the second round, but Tokov stuffed it. Both fighters began landing more shots for a short period of time before Tokov went for a takedown. France stayed on his feet and went for a takedown of his own. France pulled Tokov to the ground, but Tokov got to his feet. Tokov got to his feet but France stayed on the ground. While on his back, France absorbed a low blow from a kick. After France recovered, both fighters came out swinging. Tokov once again got the fight to the ground and landed hard punches until the referee stopped the fight.
Official result:
Anatoly Tokov def. Francisco France by TKO (2:24 Rd 2)
